Virtual 3D Computing Thanks to Nintendo Wii Tech

Three Dimensional Computing may not appeal to everyone but it's coming sooner than you might think. It’s real and won’t make you dizzy. I’ve been able to mimic some advances using the evolutionary technology of my Nintendo Wii.

Based on a code project by Johnny Chung Lee this display presents a 3D perspective that actually changes as I move my head. If I move closer, Scotty gets bigger.

The following video will blow you away when you see how Nintendo Wii technology can be used to create a simple head tracking device to provide a true 3D perspective.

The possibilities of using head tracking goes beyond cool video games. I would love to be able to just look up or down to scroll the screen. Tilt my head and see behind a window?  Perhaps when I finish up WinPatrol 2008 I’ll work on an applet that will provide head based scrolling thanks to starter code available from Johnny.

The folks at Stanford think there’s a future in 3D environments.  They’ve developed technology that will allow cameras to map the distance of various subjects in the photo.  Click for More Info

(Credit: Keith Fife/Stanford University)

Researchers at Stanford aren’t alone.  Last year Adobe showed off its efforts to create a 3D lens. The real world possibilities for this type of technology are endless.