This is an archived version of CCC's website. Please visit the new ccc website for the latest information.

Relevant Links

Press Release
Research Papers
Media Contact

Keywords

image, 3D model, algorithm model, artificial intelligence

Buzz


feed icon

feed icon

feed icon

COMPUTING RESEARCH HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK [Nov 12-19, 2008]

Turning 2D Images into 3D Models


Many artists spend their lives trying to render three-dimensional reality into a realistic two-dimensional image. Make3D does the opposite: it takes a two-dimensional image and digitally creates a three-dimensional model to give the viewer multiple perspectives of the same image.

A three-dimensional “fly around” image, above, was created from a two-dimensional image using an algorithm developed by Stanford computer scientists.These 3D models show the depth of the object or scene and allow for the viewer to move around the image. Using an algorithm and an artificial intelligence technique developed by researchers at Stanford University, the original 2D image is broken up into tiny bits and the algorithm predicts the three-dimensional qualities of the image such as depth and scale and then recreates the image in model form using the results of the algorithm.

The applications of extracting 3-D models from 2-D images, the researchers say, could range from enhanced pictures for online real estate sites to quickly creating environments for video games and improving the vision and dexterity of mobile robots as they navigate through the spatial world.

Viewers can see the algorithm at work by visiting the Make3D website and uploading their own photos. The site allows visitors to rate the model of their image as good or not and to suggest alternatives in order to improve it.

Researchers:
Ashutosh Saxena, Andrew Y. Ng (Stanford University)

Research support provided by:
National Science Foundation

Current Highlight | Past Highlights


Computing Research Highlight of the Week is a service of the Computing Community Consortium and the Computing Research Association designed to highlight some of the exciting and important recent research results in the computing fields. Each week a new highlight is chosen by CRA and CCC staff and volunteers from submissions from the computing community. Want your research featured? Submit it!.