Microsoft shows off 3D and NUI technology (w/ Video)

February 24, 2011 by Katie Gatto weblog

Microsoft shows off 3D and NUI technology (w/ Video)

Enlarge

(PhysOrg.com) -- Craig Mundie, the number two man over at Microsoft gave journalists a sneak peek at the newest bit of technology to come out of Microsoft Labs.

This one is that works with your camera. Not a specially designed camera, but with pretty much use any ordinary camera that you happen to have around the house. With that camera and the software users will be able to make 3-D scans of people or objects. Basically, as long as you can shoot it from enough angles the software can make it 3D.

The technology was demonstrated in a real-time 3D collaboration tool. Microsoft labs in two different areas of the world were able to interact with a 3D model of an object using a tool similar to a whiteboard. The researchers were able to use the tools to manipulate the object together.

This video is not supported by your browser at this time.

While this was the biggest of the event it was not the only advance that the engineers at Labs have shared with the world. All of those technological advances are based around the idea that the NUI, or natural user interface, will replace the GUI, or graphical user interface, in the next few years. For those of you not familiar with the concept of a NUI it is the idea that users will interact with the computer via methods such as touch, voice and motion commands, instead of using a keyboard and mouse combination to navigate the system and issue commands.

This video is not supported by your browser at this time.

No information was given about if or when this technology will be available for use in consumer devices, or made available to PC makers.

More information: http://research.mi … ure/nui.aspx

© 2010 PhysOrg.com

4.3 /5 (4 votes)  

Filter


Move the slider to adjust rank threshold, so that you can hide some of the comments.


Display comments: newest first

Jayman
Feb 25, 2011

Rank: 1 / 5 (1)
FaceGen had the exact same technology for nearly a decade. I think they've bought up that company. The interface looks identical.
Beard
Feb 25, 2011

Rank: 1 / 5 (1)
Isn't using a mouse already a natural interface? I move my hand and fingers to interact with the display, what advantage is there to removing the mouse? It's hard to imagine motion capture could ever be as fast and precise as the current system.
iiibogdan
Feb 26, 2011

Rank: not rated yet
there is also a photoshop plugin/standalone software which makes 3d objects from images: strata 3d
Rank 4.3 /5 (4 votes)
Relevant PhysicsForums posts

More news stories

SpotterRF debuts Radar Backpack Kit (w/ Video)

(Phys.org) -- SpotterRF has announced a special radar backpack kit designed to enhance situational awareness for soldiers on the ground. The company says its special radar is designed for warfighters as part ...

Technology / Hi Tech & Innovation

created 14 hours ago | popularity 5 / 5 (3) | comments 11 | with audio podcast report

Probability of contamination from severe nuclear reactor accidents is higher than expected: study

Catastrophic nuclear accidents such as the core meltdowns in Chernobyl and Fukushima are more likely to happen than previously assumed. Based on the operating hours of all civil nuclear reactors and the number ...

Technology / Energy & Green Tech

created May 22, 2012 | popularity 3.6 / 5 (21) | comments 52 | with audio podcast

Delphi gasoline-injection engine technique rivals hybrid's edge

(Phys.org) -- Running a diesel like engine on gasoline is something Delphi is doing in notable fashion. They claim they are on to a promising way to enjoy an engine that gives the vehicle owner high efficiency ...

Technology / Energy & Green Tech

created May 21, 2012 | popularity 4.7 / 5 (18) | comments 37 | with audio podcast report

HyperSolar shows dirty water no barrier to power world

(Phys.org) -- The Santa Barbara, California, company, HyperSolar, is set to transparently share the ups and downs of its research experiences toward the company’s ultimate vision, successfully producing ...

Technology / Energy & Green Tech

created May 24, 2012 | popularity 4.8 / 5 (14) | comments 17 | with audio podcast report

Tesla to launch electric sedan in US on June 22

Tesla Motors said Tuesday it would begin deliveries of "the world's first premium electric sedan" on June 22, slightly ahead of schedule.

Technology / Energy & Green Tech

created May 22, 2012 | popularity 4.5 / 5 (11) | comments 18


Dell tablet leak: 10.1-inch display, two-battery choice

(Phys.org) -- Headline after headline talks about vendors’ tablets in the wings as likely number-one contenders for the iPad. Such claims have justifiably been taken with a grain of salt, considering ...

Scientist: Evolution debate will soon be history

(AP) -- Richard Leakey predicts skepticism over evolution will soon be history. Not that the avowed atheist has any doubts himself.

SpaceX capsule has 'new car' smell, astronauts say (Update)

SpaceX's Dragon cargo vessel smells like a new car, said astronauts at the International Space Station after opening the hatches Saturday following the spacecraft's landmark mission to the orbiting lab.

Thousands of shellfish found dead in Peru

Thousands of crustaceans were found dead off the coast of Lima following the mystery mass death of dolphins and pelicans, the Peruvian Navy said Friday.

Keep food safety in mind this memorial day weekend

(HealthDay) -- Picnics, parades and cookouts are as much a part of Memorial Day weekend as tributes to the United States' war veterans.

Australia hails surprise super-telescope decision

Australia has hailed a surprise decision giving it a role in a radio telescope project aimed at revolutionising astronomy, vowing to draw on its decades of experience in space science.