3D Mobile Is Coming, No Funky Glasses Required
Japanese electronics-giant Sharp recently unveiled an LCD touchscreen that displays 3D images without requiring special glasses. Sharp identified mobile phones as a potential outlet for this technology, and this week announced the first 3D camera to be used in mobile devices.
In a press release, Sharp explained how its 3D technology works:
“3D images are composed of two views taken using two cameras that simultaneously capture separate images for the right and left eyes. Consequently, a 3D camera requires peripheral circuitry to apply image processing to the two images, for example, to adjust color or to correct positioning between the images from the two cameras.”
The glasses used to view 3D images have lenses with colored filters. This creates the illusion of something popping off the screen known as parallax. The left and right eyes see separate images because of the apparent displacement of an object as seen from two different points.
The reason 3D technology did not successfully gain widespread use in the 1970s was because technologists failed to create a 3D user experience without the need for funky glasses. In order for parallax to work without glasses on mobile, viewers will hold a mobile device 12 inches (30 centimeters) in front of their face – approximately the same distance a mobile phone is typically held.
Sharp plans to ship the cameras as soon as July, and will begin mass-producing the product this year. Could we be on the verge of capturing and presenting eye-catching 3D images and video with our mobile phones? It’s an exciting prospect.
How will 3D content change our mobile experience?
Three-dimensional imaging technologies are changing the way we experience media, first in movie theaters, now in our homes, and soon in our hands. If 3D cameras become standard in our mobile devices, a wave of new content would contribute to the refinement of the technology.
Here are five ways we’d like to see 3D cameras and imaging for mobile applications:
1. Games. (Did we hear someone say Nintendo 3DS?)
2. Data charts and interactive surveys. Information architecture in 3D would be amazing.
3. Product previews for smaller items like jewelry could change the way we pop the question.
4. 3D profile pictures and video chat.
5. Navigation and maps with pop-up landmarks to guide viewers along.
What are some of your ideas for 3D imaging in mobile applications? Tell us what you’re thinking in the comments section.
50 Useful iPhone Tips for Librarians and Researchers
College@Home created a list of 50 useful iPhone tips for librarians and researchers, and it actually brought up a few points directly related to mobile marketing…
2. Creating a texting service for patron questions. Giving patrons the option of texting in their questions to the library can make it easy for those who prefer to avoid telephone conversations the ability to get quick and easy answers to simple questions, and if librarians within your library are using iPhones they can respond to questions in between checking in or shelving materials and other tasks.
5. Check how your site looks on an iPhone. Many sites don’t quite translate well to mobile devices like the iPhone. Check how your library’s webpage looks by using an online tool like iPhoney or by checking it yourself on an iPhone.
7. Optimize your site for mobile devices. If you’ve checked out how your site looks on an iPhone and the result is not so great, consider creating a special page for mobile users to access your site. Many libraries are already doing so to maximize the usability of their webpages by patrons.
18. Track requests. You can use your iPhone as an easy way to alert patrons that their requests have arrived whether by phone, email or text and you can record and keep track of these requests as well.
23. Create content that’s easy to browse over an iPhone. If you’ve decided to develop a version of your site that’s more easily compatible with mobile phones, consider scaling it down the the basics. Simple search tools and information will be easiest to browse on the go.
