Fraunhofer HHI, Disney and ARRI Develop Trifocal Camera System for Production of Stereo 3D Images
New Hybrid 2D/3D system generates stereo content using depth maps in process similar to classic 2D production
Booth C7843
Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute (HHI), a leader in the development of mobile and fixed broadband communication networks, multimedia systems, image signal and 3D, today announces a new trifocal camera system for hybrid 2D/3D developed in association with Walt Disney Animation Studios Research and ARRI. The new system, being showcased at NAB, enables an easy-to-use alternative to the standard production of stereo content through the use of depth maps.
Fraunhofer’s new Trifocal camera system is as easy to use as classic 2D productions systems, generating stereo content in a similar manner and requiring only minimal, additional on-set effort. The system includes an ARRI Alexa main camera rig and two IndieGS2K satellite cameras. Special expertise in 3D cameras is not required, eliminating the need for stereographers on set or continual readjustment of camera settings.
“Fraunhofer’s commitment to innovation in the digital cinema workflow is key to the development of the trifocal camera system,” said Ralf Tanger, project manger at Fraunhofer HHI. “With the new trifocal camera system for hybrid 2D/3D, there is no longer any need for time-consuming, complex setting integration of cameras usually associated with 3D shooting.”
Depth maps are a well-established part of the conventional post-production workflow where they are typically used to generate three-dimensional special effects. However, the use of depth maps as an alternative to the standard production of stereo images is still very much in its infancy.
During post-production, dense depth maps are estimated from recorded material, which enables generation of stereo content. Another advantage of the system is that the question of the content’s target system – which could be a 3D cinema or stereoscopic display – now only needs to be settled during actual postproduction.
Fraunhofer HHI is part of the Fraunhofer Digital Cinema Alliance. The Fraunhofer Digital Cinema Alliance consists of Fraunhofer IIS, Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute HHI, Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Media Technology (IDMT) and Fraunhofer FOKUS. The alliance provides a network of deep expertise and intelligence for the development of scalable technologies and international standards that allow customers to stay ahead of the market.
The new trifocal camera system for hybrid 2D/3D is being presented for the first time at NAB 2013. Show attendees can see a demo of the system at the Fraunhofer Digital Cinema Alliance NAB booth C7843.