Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Code resource

Here is a good resource for code for optimization problems in vision that show up a lot while making small sensors. Thanks to AJ for the link.

Friday, May 11, 2012

Graphene sensors

The Economist has a fascinating article about how researchers are using graphene, interspersed with tiny dots of lead sulphide, to absorb light and produce electrons that can be converted into a signal. The cool thing about these proposed photodetectors is that they might be flexible, allowing many applications. They possibly could also be made very small and might even allow the creation of a "light transistor". 

Friday, May 4, 2012

Stereoscopy on small devices

Thanks to EJ for sending me this article. Its a nice overview of the challenges faced when showing stereoscopic content meant for one screen on another, different display. The most interesting section, for me, was about 3D content on mobile phones. The author points out two interesting things: (1) Given the size of the screen, 3D movies and games for portable devices are *usually* easy on the eyes (the disparity-focus headache factor is low). However: (2) The "miniaturization" effect (where objects appear toy-like) is very strong. This means that (outside of "cute'" games) most scenes will appear (to paraphrase the author) as if strangely in a small box. I think the field is wide open for formats and representations that will allow good viewing of 3D content on small devices.