3D Film Technology

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    3D Film Technology

    Abstract

    3D films have been a hot topic lately in todays film industry. The question now

    becomes: Can 3D keep the heat? If stereoscopy film (3D) wants to make its mark in the

    history of film, it will need to perfect every aspect of a 3D experience.

    One thing our group dislikes about 3D film is 3D glasses. Studies have proven that

    audiences find these glasses inconvenient. In addition, people in the audience may

    already be wearing prescription lenses. It is near impossible to be in a comfort zone while

    wearing two pairs of glasses at the same time. This is a problem, and in order to allow 3D

    film to prosper, it must have no errors.

    This is why our futuristic idea for this years Toshiba Exploravision contest, is 3D film

    without the glasses. It would revolutionize 3D technology, and draw the attention of

    consumers. Audiences would receive the full feel of a 3D film. Its time to get rid of

    those irritating 3D glasses.

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    Present Technology

    3D movies have been threaded into our mainstream cinema. Many of todays

    movies are viewed in 3D version as well as a regular 2D version. According toBox

    Office Mojo, 3D films brought in a total profit of more than 1 billion dollars worldwide in

    2009.

    Some factors affecting the success of 3D films are:

    Improved 3-D quality with polarization technology

    Cheaper production cost with digital film technology

    Improved techniques to transform 2D films into 3D

    Here are a few techniques used in modern 3D film:

    Polarization Systems

    Two images are projected onto the same screen. One image is meant for the right eye, the

    other for the left eye. The audience wears a pair of glasses that filters the eyes line of

    sight (clockwise, counterclockwise, horizontal, and vertical). Each filter in the glasses

    passes only the light which the eye is meant to see; therefore the right eye will never see

    an image intended for the left eye, and vice versa. Each eye sees a different image. This

    produces a three-dimensional object, because the eyes see the same image, but from

    different perspectives. Polarization is most the common 3D technique used in films

    today.

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    Eclipse Methods

    LCD shutter glasses blocks light from one eye, so the other eye can see the image

    intended for that eye to see. The film then alternates between left and right eye images,

    therefore the shutters in the glasses open or close in synchronization with the

    corresponding images. These glasses have to be perfectly in sync with the film.

    As a downside, this method is more costly.

    Interference Filter

    A film has specific wavelengths of light for the right eye, and different wavelengths of

    light for the left eye. Eyeglasses will filter out these wavelengths, allowing the eye to see

    an image from two different perspectives, creating a 3D feel.

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    History

    3D was first invented in 1838, and has been used to create an illusion of a third

    dimension. It is said that the first 3D film was Larrive du train, filmed in 1903 by the

    Lumire brothers, the inventors of cinema. When it was released, audiences panicked

    because they thought the train was about to crash right into them!

    Since Larrive du train, about 250 3D films and 3D TV programs have been produced

    in the USA.

    3D film has gone through about 5 eras.

    1900-1946

    Filmmakers are experimenting stereoscopy (3D) film, trying to figure out the most

    effective way to shoot 3D films.

    1950-1960

    From 1950-1960 is referred to as the first golden age, as 3D sees its first boom. Bwana

    Devil, released by United Artists in 1952, brings major commercial success, and 3D

    cinema captivates the attention of major film studios. Throughout the decade, more than

    sixty films were produced in 3D, such as Dial M for Murder and Hondo, starring

    John Wayne. However, 3D fell out of use due to the poor viewing conditions in most

    theatres. 3D at this time was also known to cause eye fatigue. In addition, there was a

    need for complex equipment to view 3D movies (silver screens, polarized glasses, double

    synchronized projectors, special lenses).

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    1973-1985

    3D cinema eventually faded out, but the era from 1973-1985 makes 3D relevant once

    more. Films such as Jaws 3D, Comin at Ya! and Friday the 13th Part 3, brought

    life back to the 3D film industry.

    1986-2000

    This era marks the beginning of our modern day 3D movie. With the invention of the

    IMAX 3D format using polarization, audiences discovered the emergence of a new

    screening technology. 3D film became less expensive to make, quality was improved,

    and the audience could watch the movie without feeling any stress in the eyes. The

    movie Transitions was the first IMAX 3D film.

    2001-Today

    Computer animation technology, digital cameras and 3D home theatre all contribute to

    the growth of 3D screening. 3D films are moving back into mainstream cinema, with

    movies such as Avatar. This era is leading 3D to its second golden age.

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    Future Technology

    3D technology has advanced tremendously. However, it is obvious that there

    many problems still attached to the 3D concept. Our groups futuristic vision is a 3D

    movie without the glasses. Viewers would no longer have to deal with irritating plastic

    eyewear. It would combine a thrilling three dimensional film experience as well as a

    comfortable environment for the viewer. We have established 3 ideas that will promote

    3D technology without glasses.

    Polarized Projection

    The basis of 3D technology works by displaying two images on the screen. One image is

    meant for the right eye, one image for the left. There are polarized filters in 3D glasses

    that sort out the two images. Your eyes create a depth illusion, and you see a 3D image.

    Therefore 3D glasses are still needed to view 3D movies. In our method Polarized

    Projection, we place a polarized filter directly in front of the film projector rather than

    placing the polarized filters in your glasses. The filter and the film projector need to be

    perfectly aligned. As a result, the two images are already separated for your right and left

    eyes to see when it is on the screen, because the filter in front of the projector already

    sorted the two images.

    Polarized Lenses

    This method is almost identical to our Polarized Projection method (above); the only

    difference is that this method is much more convenient. The Polarized Projection method

    is a complete hassle in the subject of transportation. You would have to move the

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    projector and the filter, and align them perfectly every time the projector needs to be

    taken to a new destination. In the Polarized Lenses method, we are proposing that

    theaters replace the traditional projector lenses with polarized filter lenses. This would fix

    all of the hassle of transportation; these projectors could even be packaged and sold to

    any 3D lover.

    Polarization Screen

    This method takes the concept of the Polarized Lenses method (above). Movie theaters

    will have a polarized filter built into their film screen, rather than having a polarized filter

    built into the projector. The filter and the screen are combined. Therefore, the two images

    are already separated for the left and right eyes to see. In addition, there is no need to

    align any panel with the film screen, reducing hassle, and providing comfort for the

    audience, all in one package.

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    Breakthrough

    The future of 3D may seem bright; however, there are still roadblocks to pass in

    this technology.

    First, scientists must be able to develop the technology. In the Polarized Lenses

    method listed above in Future Technology, we proposed to remove traditional projector

    lenses with polarized lenses. In the Polarization Screen method, we wanted a

    polarization filter built into the film screen. In both methods, scientists must figure out a

    way to have a polarization filter built within the projection lenses or the theater screen,

    rather than just align a filter and the projection lens. This is a puzzle unsolved.

    In our method Polarized Projection, the polarization filter placed in front of the

    projector lenses screen needs to be perfectly aligned. This is easier said than done. If the

    polarization filter and the projector lenses are not perfectly parallel, the film will seem

    blurry and out of sync to audiences.

    These are the two major problems that need to be overcome in order for 3D

    without glasses to become a reality. Even though a breakthrough for this technology is

    yet to happen, the basic idea could revolutionize the 3D industry.

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    Design Process

    Coming up with this idea for the next generation of 3D was no easy task. In our

    design process, we had many different ideas that could be used to revolutionize 3D.

    Our first idea was a 4D movie. 4D is a 3D film that combines a physical effect in

    the theater. However, it is usually very expensive to set up physical effects for the

    audience, and to synchronize them with the film. This idea has already been used for

    major theme parks across America. Because this technology has already been invented,

    we decided to scratch this off our list.

    Our second idea was a 3D computer. However, our group decided that a 3D

    computer would be useless because it adds nothing to our computer experience. There is

    simply no need for a third dimension. It could be possible to watch online videos, movies,

    or TV shows in 3D from your computer, but 3D TV does basically the same thing.

    Finally, our third idea is 3D video games. We wanted to transfer the feel of a 3D

    movie to a video game. This technology has recently been invented by Nintendo, who

    stated they are releasing the Nintendo 3DS, which is a 3D handheld video game

    console. In addition, there have been a few PS3 games that have already been converted

    to 3D format, such as Uncharted 3, and Prince of Persia Trilogy. However, you need

    a 3D TV, and special software. The concept behind 3D video games were a little too

    complex, so we decided to explore further options.

    In the end, our group decided our futuristic vision is 3D without glasses.

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    Consequences

    As all technology, there are pros and cons, ups and downs, positive or negative

    consequences. Our futuristic vision of 3D is no exception. However, we believe our idea

    of 3D without glasses will bring more positive to the film industry.

    The first and most important benefit is that audiences can enjoy a 3D film without

    being frustrated by 3D glasses. People wearing prescription lenses can finally enjoy a 3D

    film. This is also the first step to perfecting 3D technology. In addition, the same methods

    used in developing 3D film without glasses can also be used for 3D TV, 3D video games,

    etc. It also draws consumer attention; therefore film companies will make more profit,

    allowing advancements in the movie industry as a whole.

    As for true negative consequences, there are close to none so far. 3D film without

    glasses may bring nausea or headache to some viewers. Another problem may be the cost

    and the research and time spent in developing this technology. However, if the goods can

    outweigh the bad, then this is a necessary investment.

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    Web Graphics

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