Look Into My Eyes - New Webcam Technology

If a new webcam technology from Microsoft get the go-ahead, then instant messaging could get a whole lot more interesting.

Currently under development at the Microsoft research labs in Cambridge, England, the new webcam, i2i consists of two lenses, which carefully follows an individual's movement. Using an exclusively developed algorithm to cleverly blend what each lens is seeing, resulting in the creation of an accurate stereo "cylopean" image.

All very technical, but for the 18.5 million people (source Microsoft) who regularly use webcams while they are using instant messengers, i2i means that it will appear as if users are looking into each others eyes.

Antonio Criminisi, lead researcher of Microsoft's Machine Learning and Perception Group, said.

"We were able to come up with an algorithm that was able to take two images and capture a corresponding map in 3D. Using this powerful technology, we can now synthetically create an image as if the person is looking straight into your eyes."

According to Dr Criminisi, the biggest challenge for the backroom boys at Microsoft was in calculating how the visual brain works. In particular, how it sees and sorts out colors, shapes and distances.

"Essentially, what we have done is replace human eyes with cameras and the human brain with a computer."

The real magic behind this technology is the newly developed stereo algorithm, which makes it possible to accurately reconstruct a 3D, geometric image in real time and on a standard computer. Fundamentally, this is the same technology which was used to recreate the stunning 3D images of the Martian surface, which were beamed back by the NASA rover.

With the ability to generate realistic looking background images in order that users can pretend they are somewhere other than where they really are! Commenting, Dr Criminisi said.

"This is important for privacy, as I may not want you to see how untidy my bedroom is."

A feature likely to capture the teens market is that of Smart Icons. Instead of typing in the usual pictorial emotion e.g. :) i2i can superimpose free floating, 3D ones which can then be instructed to float freely around a person's head or anywhere else for that matter.

While Dr Criminisi admits there are still issues to iron out before the project is passed on to Microsoft Development, he is pleased with what has been achieved in under two years. Dr Criminisi's team is already experimenting with code which enables users to create their own wrap-around avatar, 3D face and then have it move as if it were their own.

About The Author

Robert Palmer is CEO of deskNET Communications (www.desknet.co.uk) providers of the first, viable alternative to opt-in email marketing and newsletter publishing. eMail: info@desknet.co.uk

Copyright © 2004 deskNET Communications - UK

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Benefits of Training Videos

A major problem with the running of a large corporation... Read More

Boost Your Online Sales with Audio and Video Support

Have you ever noticed when you are shopping at most... Read More

Video Converters 101

Your PC may contain hundreds of video files, all encoded... Read More

Google Video Viewer tweaked for Non-Google content

'DVD Jon', a Norwegian programmer, has tweaked Google video to... Read More

Network Marketing and Video Email

I received another e-mail today from someone telling me that... Read More

DVD Authoring: An Introduction

DVD Authoring is the process of collecting various content assets... Read More

Video Email - The New Way to Communicate

The Internet is now a thriving means of communication and... Read More

When Does a Corporate Video Add Value?

A professionally made corporate video production can greatly enhance your... Read More

Streaming Video on Your Website - Convert Visitors into Customers

Streaming video is a sequence of "moving images" that are... Read More

How to Star in Your Own Promotional Video

Well, it's official. You are going to star in the... Read More

What You Need To Know if Your Company Wants To Produce A Video

Studies show that people remember merely 20% of what they... Read More

Look Into My Eyes - New Webcam Technology

If a new webcam technology from Microsoft get the go-ahead,... Read More

Peer to Peer Internet Video Broadcasting

Unlike standard television broadcasting, there are a limited number of... Read More

How Video can be used Effectively Online

A powerful way to convey your communication messages to your... Read More

Looking for an Innovative Way to Explode Your Sales? Video Software - Benefits, & What to Look for

Insider's Scoop On How To Skyrocket Your Sales Plus Decrease... Read More

Seven Tips on Making a Successful Video Production

Producing a video for your company can be an exciting... Read More

Shooting High Definition Video Footage in Italy

Italy is without question the place to shoot high definition... Read More

Working with Royalty Free Music

When creating Multi-Media Content, Flash or Video Clips for a... Read More

Put Audio & Video on Your Web Site

As a company that sells streaming media services for a... Read More

Interview with a Video Virgin

Shani Alexander is the founder of Relocations Made Easy (www.relocations-made-easy.com)... Read More

Video Biographies; Why Hire a Professional?

There are lots of reasons to create a video biography.... Read More

How to Interview on Video

When doing an interview there need to be at least... Read More

Independent Video in the Information Age

One of the primary obstacles for video content distribution over... Read More

Create a Favicon for Your Customers Bookmarks in Four Easy Steps.

A favicon is a custom icon that sits next to... Read More

E-Commerce & Streaming Media: A Marriage that Works

In the heavily populated world of E-Commerce, what determines whose... Read More

Is Video Streaming the Future for Corporate Video?

Things have changed quite a bit from when I started... Read More

Creating Value With Streaming Video Content

Having a corporate or promotional video for your company is... Read More

Five Ways to Profit from Using Video Online

The newest media wave to hit the online shore is... Read More

Beginners Guide to PC Video Editing

If you're new to PC video editing then knowing where... Read More

Beginning in Videography

If you're looking to get into videography and video editing... Read More