What Are the Different Types of 3D Glasses?

All types of 3D glasses can be divided into two categories: passive and active. Active 3D glasses interact wirelessly with images on a screen to enhance 3D viewing, whereas passive glasses do not. Passive 3D glasses have been around since three-dimensional viewing first arrived in the 1920s, and are themselves divided into two major subcategories: anaglyphic and polarized glasses.

Practically anyone who has ever seen a 3D movie is familiar with anaglyph glasses, which feature a combination of red and blue lenses. Anaglyphic 3D works by projecting two identical but slightly offset images on a screen, each image tinted with a different color. To the naked eye, an anaglyphic image appears blurry, with reddish and bluish hues. The glasses use color-filtering lenses to target one image to the right eye, and another to the left; the result is that each eye sees a different image, but the mind is tricked into believing it sees only one. The mind compensates for this by focusing in between the two offset images and blending them into one, which creates an illusion of depth.


Passive polarized glasses operate on the same basis as anaglyph glasses, only they filter light waves rather than color. Again, two identical and slightly offset images are superimposed, except in this case each image is polarized to project light differently than the other. With polarized 3D glasses, each eye only processes one image. Again, however, the mind is tricked into blending the two images into one, creating a 3D experience. Unlike anaglyphic 3D, which can be projected from any screen, polarization 3D works best with screens able to relay different light frequencies without sacrificing picture quality.

On a simpler scale, Pulfrich glasses can also create a 3D effect, but only with objects moving across the viewer's plane of vision. These 3D glasses have one completely transparent lens, and another that is heavily tinted. As an object moves across the visionary plane, the image is immediately transmitted to the eye through the transparent lens, but the tinted lens causes a slight delay. This delay causes the brain to add more depth to the image, creating somewhat of a 3D effect.

Since the advent of LCD technology, which is capable of digitally transmitting images at super high-speeds, 3D glasses have made great technological leaps and bounds. Today, active shutter glasses are able to communicate wirelessly with an LCD display, interacting with the action on the screen via infrared signals. This enables the lens on active glasses to shutter back and forth between different light filters, further enhancing the 3D viewing experience.

Another significant upside to active technology is that it is adaptable to 3D TV sets. A 3D-ready television set, a pair of active shutter glasses, and a stereoscopic sync signal connector will allow the LCD display and glasses to communicate with one another. A growing number of television broadcasts are being produced to take advantage of this technology.

What Are the Different Types of 3D Animation Jobs?

There are a variety of different 3D animation jobs available. Many of them are found in companies that produce films, video games, and advertisements, though there are also other industries that make use of animators. Animators may create three dimensional objects and then move these objects around the screen or they may work in background animation, lighting, and storyboarding. Directors and producers can also find 3D animation jobs and though these professionals may not work on an animation itself, they are still an essential part of a 3D animation team.

Some of the most common 3D animation jobs involve the creation and animation of computer generated characters or objects. Modelers are used to create the three dimensional objects seen in animations. These professionals often focus on just the physical structure of these objects, allowing other artists to add details such as texture and color. Once the objects have been modeled on a computer, an animator is needed to program movement that brings these objects to life.


Aside from the creation and animation of 3D objects, 3D animators may also be involved in the creation of the environments these objects are found in. Background artists are used to illustrate the world that characters and objects exist in. In some cases, the world created by people with these types of 3D animation jobs needs to be rendered in three dimensions so that the camera angle can change inside the animation and show the environment from a variety of different angles. Alternatively, backgrounds may be made in two dimensions that appear to be in three when viewed from a certain angle.

There are also 3D animation jobs that are not involved with the actual creation of the animation. Layout artists are used to determine how to arrange the objects and backgrounds within the frame. Storyboard artists are needed to figure out the exact story line, whether the animation is a full length film or a brief advertisement. 3D animation also requires the use of lighting and specialized animators are often needed to provide computer generated light in an animation.

It is possible for 3D animation jobs to be found in a number of different fields. Some of the most common industries that make use of 3D animators are the film and video game industries. It is also possible to find these kinds of jobs in military organizations, advertising firms, and companies that create educational resources.

What Are the Different Types of Computer Vision Technology?

Computer vision (CV) is, very simply put, a method to recognize and interpret images using cameras and computers. Computer vision technology is utilized in a number of fields and is made up of a number of specialized hardware and software applications. Some types of computer vision technology include high-resolution cameras, individually designed computer systems, and specialty sensors or filters for both the camera and the computer.

Charged coupled device (CCD) cameras typically provide the image output for computer vision technology. CCD cameras can be omnidirectional, pan-tilt-zoom, or straight vision. Cameras developed by Carnegie Mellon University known as CMUcams are a type of computer vision technology that combine a video camera with a micro-controller. This allows for on-board support of simple image processing. Robotics often utilizes stereo vision, combining two cameras calibrated to capture an accurately converged image.

The computers used for computer vision technology purposes require special parts like daughter boards, also known as daughter cards, and processor boards designed to accelerate the design process. Sensors such as very large scale integration (VLSI) and infrared (IR) sensors are included to facilitate various tasks, such as night vision. Thermal sensors handle heat recognition.


Frame grabbers are implemented to take an analog image sent to the computer from the CCD camera or other image-capturing device and convert it to a digital image in gray-scale or color. Two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) line scanners are included as well, assisting in blob detection, motion sensing, and edge detecting. In certain applications, such as harsh environments, specialty enclosures may be used to protect the hardware.

Robotics and the security and surveillance industry are two of the primary fields using computer vision technology. The medical industry and astronomers play a big role as well. CCD cameras or the like provide the base image for the computer to process as requested by the programmer. Images can be processed generally, providing simple edge detection in 2D, which allows for motion estimation, or in 3D, which then allows for shape extraction.

All of the varying styles and configurations of computer vision technology utilize algorithms developed specifically for CV purposes. These algorithms assist with such tasks as enhancing images and finding lines to match them with models. The use of algorithms keeps the amount of data to be processed down to a minimum by extracting only the information necessary for a dedicated task.

While computer vision is constantly evolving in tandem with technology, it already plays an important part in the fields mentioned herein and many others. Blob detection and face recognition are important in security applications. Robotics relies on computer vision technology to maneuver successfully unmanned or autonomous vehicles. The current applications of the technology may be just the beginning of things that can be done with this emerging field of computer vision.

How Do I Choose the Best 3D Printing Services?

In order to choose the best three dimensional (3D) printing service, it is necessary to consider the type of object you need to have printed. There are many different reasons to make use of 3D printing services, from rapid prototyping to simply wanting a physical copy of a model you created, so it is important to consider factors such as construction material and cost. Some 3D printing services are substantially more expensive than others, and the different types of construction materials are each suited to specific applications. Polyamide tends to be a good material for objects with hinges or other moving parts, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) tends to be quite strong, and certain resins can offer a higher level of detail. Some 3D printing services only offer one type of construction material, while others will provide you with a choice.


Additive manufacturing is a process that is capable of building three dimensional objects from raw materials such as powders and liquid polymers. These processes involve placing down successive layers of very thin material until an entire object has been constructed. One type of additive manufacturing is specifically referred to as 3D printing, since the machines used in the process bear a resemblance to traditional printers. These 3D printers have come down in cost since they were first introduced, though they can still represent a significant investment. For people who only want to create a few objects, it is typically more cost effective to make use of commercial 3D printing services.

The most important factor in choosing a 3D printing service is to verify that they accept the type of 3D models you are working with. Most 3D printing services accept the stereolithography (STL) file format, which can be created by a number of computer-aided design (CAD) software packages. If you are working with the additive manufacturing format (AMF), then you will need to find a 3D printer that supports that. Unlike STL files, AMF files can contain data regarding the types of materials and colors to use in the 3D printing process.

It is also important to consider the type of manufacturing materials when choosing a 3D printing service. Some of these services have several types of printers, and can handle many different materials, while others specialize in just one type. If the object you need to have printed has hinges, or other moving parts, you should choose a service that offers polyamide construction materials. Projects that require a great deal of strength or dimensional accuracy are typically a good match for ABS plastic, and resin can offer a very finely detailed product.

What Is a 3D Logo Maker?

A three-dimensional (3D) logo maker is a graphical design program that specializes in making logos in 3D. Most 3D logo maker programs are generators, meaning they generate logos rather than allow users to design custom logos. A 3D logo maker generally saves the images as vectors, which allows them to be stretched to any size without quality penalties. As generators, most of these programs restrict freedom and are not usually suited for general 3D designing.

There are many two-dimensional (2D) logo makers, and some may even be able to make convincing 3D logos. The major difference between a 2D and 3D logo maker is the amount of axes created. With a 2D logo maker, even if the logo is shaded to look 3D, there are only two axes created. A true 3D logo program will store three axes of information. If the logo is only going to be printed, then this usually does not change much, but a 3D image can easily be animated if the logo maker also has animation features.

The majority of 3D logo maker programs are generators rather than design programs. A generator is a program that enables the user to select a graphic, change a few parameters and have a logo generated. With a design program, the software usually will focus on making a 3D logo from scratch, and there normally will be tools to facilitate logo creation.


Control can be an issue with 3D logo maker programs, especially with a generator. A generator often allows the user to enter some custom text, but there rarely are tools to make custom graphics or effects; all or most of the effects are preloaded and cannot be changed outside certain parameters. This means most 3D logo makers cannot be used for general 3D design. At the same time, users without 3D design experience may make better use of this, because they may not be able to make a 3D logo from scratch.

When a logo is made, 3D or otherwise, it often will be printed on many different marketing materials, but the logo size may have to be different for each printed item. For example, a 3D logo would have to be small for business cards but large for billboards. To assist with this, most 3D logo maker programs save the logo files as vectors, or images that can be stretched without creating any worries about quality.

What Is 3D Lettering?

3D lettering is a typography design choice usually found in graphic design as well as some types of industrial design. This kind of multidimensional design can be done in digital, print, and sculpture projects, and many 3D fonts are rendered so that the letters appear to visually jump off the page or computer screen. Instead of looking flat, each letter has a visible top, side, and bottom view, depending on the angles used. Advertising designers frequently use 3D lettering in banners, posters, or billboards to capture viewers' attention quickly. Although 3D graphic design projects can be done relatively easily with an electronic illustration software program, experienced graphic designers often report that a solid understanding of drawing 3D letters by hand is important for effective use of this kind of lettering.

Various non-digital platforms for 3D lettering include signs, portable trade show displays, and even sculpture. Industrial designers sometimes create large 3D letters for the facades of office buildings to advertise the businesses inside. These letters can be made from steel, plastic, aluminum, and other similar material. The process of designing these lettering projects frequently involves the use of 3D software for rendering models of the letters before the actual fabrication steps take place. Businesses that incorporate this kind of lettering usually appeal to customers because 3D images in general have a higher degree of visual interest than two-dimensional ones.


Websites are additional places to find 3D lettering. Some of the most popular choices for this kind of typography design are banner ads placed on websites in the webmaster's hope of catching visitors' attention and inciting them to click on a link within one of these ads. Website graphic designers usually create these letters with image editing or illustration software; many of these programs allow them to create effects such as drop shadowing and color gradients. Designers who include 3d lettering often have a range of decisions to make concerning letter size, position, and angle.

Successfully drawing 3D lettering can be accomplished with a stencil or ruler to create the beginning flat letter shape. Many beginning designers start with simple block letters without serifs in order to make filling in the shadows easier. Connecting the required lines by hand sometimes takes a fair amount of practice, but many people in the graphic and industrial design industries find that this initial process leads to better results with 3D design software.

What Is a 3D Photo Cube?

A three-dimensional (3D) photo cube is a computer application or script that displays a six-sided cube on the screen and each of the faces of the cube contains an image or photograph, usually one defined by the user. The relatively simple elements of a 3D photo cube allow the effect to be used in nearly any context, including in computer screen savers, multimedia applications, websites and embedded devices, and as a special-effects filter in some graphical image editors. In most implementations, the cube is not static but constantly rotates on an axis and sometimes even moves slowly across the screen. More complex versions of a 3D photo cube can have additional effects applied to the cube, including reflections, animations and interactive elements that allow a user to move or control the cube.

Many people use a 3D photo cube because it is a simple, interesting and compact method that displays a number of photographs simultaneously. Each of the faces of the cube can contain a different photograph, and the cube rotates slowly, so each of the six photographs will be shown over time while hinting at the other photographs, which might not be in full view. Some programs even allow the cycling of different photographs over time so the images on the sides of the cube automatically change at given intervals.


One complication that a 3D photo cube might have is the fact that each face on the cube is a square, while the shape of most photographs is rectangular. The default behavior of some 3D photo cube applications in this regard varies but can include automatically cropping an image to a smaller size, centering the larger image so the center shows in the square, or scaling the image so there is a gutter on the top and bottom within the cube face. A better result would require the user to edit the digital photographs to be used, making them square before loading them into the 3D application.

A more advanced version of a 3D photo cube program could include interactivity as one of its features. This can be especially entertaining when the program is run on a handheld device in which the angle and pitch of the device can be tied to the movements of the cube. Some cubes are programmed to follow the mouse cursor or to change facing based on keyboard input. One common feature is the ability to switch from the 3D photo cube to a full-screen viewing mode for the photograph that is facing the screen.

What Is 3D Computer Vision?

Three-dimensional (3D) computer vision is a method of using cameras that allows computers to emulate human vision to build a 3D image. With 3D computer vision, a computer uses two cameras at once — just like a person uses two eyes — to build an image with depth. Aside from its use in creating 3D images and movies with recording devices, 3D computer vision also is used frequently with robotics, allowing robots to capture true 3D environments. One of the major problems in developing this system was ensuring that the cameras were aligned correctly, but many systems have perfected this technique. This method also makes 3D technology cheaper for the consumer market, because expensive image processors are not required to build the 3D image.

For 3D computer vision to work, the computer needs to use two different cameras the way people use two eyes. Both cameras record or capture an environment from different angles, allowing the computer to use an algorithm to blend the images and form real-life depth. Computers also are able to capture real-time 3D images, without the need for much processing between the capture and 3D building. This makes 3D computer vision useful for the gaming, movie and recording markets.


Aside from using 3D computer vision to make images and movies, this method also is often used in robotics, especially with robots made to move around and interact with an environment. By using the two cameras, the robot is able to understand the depth of an environment, making it more adept at working with other objects and overcoming physical obstacles such as gaps and bumps. Robotic movement also is smoother because of this understanding of depth.

The major problem in creating 3D computer vision was aligning the two cameras so they would work like eyes. Many of the initial systems using this technology could not get the cameras aligned, so images came out blurred or combined in incoherent ways. As of 2011, many systems have overcome this problem and some are available to consumers.

Before 3D computer vision, there were 3D image processors that could perform the same task of taking images and combining them to form depth. The major problem with this technique is that image processors are expensive, making them largely inaccessible for the consumer market. Cost is not as much of an issue for 3D computer vision, because the process of combining the images is rather simple. This allows the consumer market to enjoy 3D technology without a large price tag.

What Are 3D Desktop Backgrounds?

Three-dimensional (3D) desktop backgrounds are images — made with 3D rendering software or a two-dimensional (2D) graphic design program — that are made to look like they have depth. These 3D desktop backgrounds typically do not create an optical illusion for the viewer the way other 3D media does; rather, they usually are just images that contain an X-, Y- and Z-axis. Depending on the artist, these 3D desktop backgrounds may be realistic or abstract, based on artistic direction and skill. They are just image files, so these backgrounds should work on most operating systems (OSs).

The majority of 3D desktop backgrounds are rendered through 3D image software. To make these images, the artist usually creates a grid and renders the graphics through a series of colors, pre-existing images and layers. These backgrounds also can be made with 2D graphic design software, but this is usually more complex and, thus, rare. Whereas 3D image software is equipped to automatically create 3D images, the artist using 2D image software has to create the illusion of 3D depth through use of shading and other methods.


When people refer to something as being 3D, it usually is a visual illusion made to look like the image is popping out at the viewer; this illusion commonly uses two images and makes the viewer feel like he or she is standing in the image’s surroundings. While some 3D desktop backgrounds may be like this, most are just made with three axes. This gives the image depth, but it usually will not look like the image is coming out to the viewer.

There are many different 3D desktop backgrounds made by artists of various skill levels. Abstract 3D backgrounds typically portray images that are unlikely or unable to occur in reality and rely on various shapes and colors to build the imagery. Realistic 3D backgrounds can be made to look like photos or actual events, and the artist shades the 3D models to make them look like they are real.

While there may be some exceptions, most 3D desktop backgrounds are just regular image files. This means most OSs should have no problem using 3D backgrounds. If an OS does not have a graphical user interface (GUI) or does not have enough memory to support these backgrounds — they typically need more memory than 2D backgrounds — then the computer may be unable to install the backgrounds.

What Is 3D Motion Tracking?

Three-dimensional (3D) motion tracking is the act of capturing motion data from actors and actresses. This is similar to filming a person moving around, but the difference is that, instead of footage that can only be played back, 3D motion tracking records the movements so they can be applied to 3D rendering programs. Performing the capture requires special hardware, such as suits and tiny tracking units, but some systems just need a camera to capture the motion. A subset of motion capturing, called performance capture, deals with extremities and facial features.

The act of 3D motion tracking is similar to filming people moving around, but the difference is in how the information is handled. With filming, the footage can only be watched, while motion capture is a digital model of the motion that can be applied to 3D figures on a computer. This is most often used by the movie industry when creating 3D animated films or when computer-based models require intricate movement. Motion tracking also is used by the military to build virtual exercises and by engineers to control machines.

Special hardware is required to perform 3D motion tracking. In the past, actors and actresses were fitted with suits and small tracking units, and a camera tracked their movement. This hardware is still used frequently, but more advanced systems are able to capture motion data without the need of trackers, known as markerless tracking. A special camera is still needed to translate all movements into digital signals and information.


The practice of 3D motion tracking deals with how the limbs and torso move, but not the finer details of human movement. For finer details, performance capture is used. This type of tracking obtains data from finger and facial movements, so artists controlling the 3D model have intricate data about these movements. Without this information, artists have to create facial expressions and finger movements from scratch, which can lead to awkward expressions or stiff hands and fingers.

Before 3D motion tracking was available, animated film artists in the past used a similar system, called rotoscoping, to track motion. Actors and actresses were filmed performing movements and speaking lines according to the script. Artists would then take the film and draw over each frame individually. This resulted in more realistic animation, because all the movements were based on real people. Most major animation companies, before the advent of the 3D motion tracking, used rotoscoping.

What Is a 3D Engine?

A three-dimensional (3D) engine, often called a game engine, is a system used for virtual computer simulations. Game engines are commonly used in video games, though other non-entertainment applications also exist. A 3D engine has several area of functionality, which work together to create an immersive virtual environment. The rendering component of a game engine calculates the visual appearance of a scene, while a physics component determines how different objects should interact. Some engines also include features such as scripting and artificial intelligence to enhance the feeling of realism.

Game engines streamline several key requirements. During the initial creation of a computer simulation or video game, a 3D engine can be used to simplify the development process. Many simulations and games have the same core features and functionality. A 3D engine allows developers to access common game elements without having to "reinvent the wheel" and build every feature from scratch.

As an example, many popular games are played from a first-person perspective. Even though the story and characters of a new title may be different, the function of this viewpoint is often very similar to existing games. A pre-existing 3D engine can be used to process the visual perspective from this common vantage point. In addition to saving development time, a pre-built game engine also provides players with a consistent and familiar interactive experience.


One common task for a 3D engine is the calculation and rendering of a particular scene. Game engines use mathematical models to predict how rays of light would reflect off of physical objects in the real world. Developers can program in-game objects to emulate certain visual characteristics, and select a material such metal or plastic. When the game is played, the engine will use these variables to simulate the reflection of light, and render a scene that is visually accurate.

If a game includes objects or characters that are movable, the engine may also use math to simulate physics. The 3D engine will often contain a database of physical rules which apply. For instance, a simplified rule might tell the 3D engine that unsupported objects need to fall to simulate gravity. Modern engines contain very sophisticated physics capabilities, which enhance the game experience.

Scripting and artificial intelligence programming can also be included in a game engine. These features allow developers to create characters that seem human. Just as the physics component of an engine allows objects to behave in a realistic way, artificial intelligence can be programmed with a list of character rules. An example of game engine scripting might be a computer character that follows the player through a level, and provides clues or assistance based on the player's actions.

What Is a 3D Accelerometer?

A three-dimensional (3D) accelerometer is an electromechanical device that detects and measures non-gravitational accelerations. These forces can appear as motion, vibration, or orientation of people or equipment. Such forces include static and dynamic accelerations outside the range of normal gravity. This technology appears in many forms and applications, such as those used in video game controllers, smart phones, or pedometers for testing athletic performance. Accelerometers use three-dimensional axes to measure tilt and motion in physical space and provide a wealth of data for movement analysis, digital information processes, or even mechanical safety measures.

A 3D accelerometer might measure voltage variances along three perpendicular axes, by the use of flexing silicon fingers, bubble floats, or other techniques. These horizontal, vertical, and depth (X, Y, and Z) axes allow mathematical analysis of gravity (g) forces, or meters per second per second. One g is equivalent to 9.8 meters/second/second, or 9.8 m/s2. Changes in the piezoelectric voltage of crystals, capacitance between microstructures, piezoresistive effects, and even light all allow the electronic processing of physical accelerations. Some accelerometers require calibration in order to set a resting state to zero, which is actually 1 g in Earth's gravity.


Controlling the tilt and roll of satellites and other dynamic high-technology systems, the accelerometer now also operates in a wide range of common products. The technology is used in tablet computers to orient screens, and also to deactivate hard drives to protect circuitry from falls. It measures performance of automobile braking and suspension systems. The technology also serves in vehicle or personal navigation, as well as in the deployment of automobile airbags.

Accelerometers work in camera image stabilization by controlling shutters to minimize motion blur. They control technology from appliances to missile systems. The devices monitor machine and engine vibrations and the gait of runners and walkers. Applications in smart phones and computer tablets allow for new and creative interactions between virtual and physical realities.

A 3D accelerometer may possess either analog or digital outputs, depending upon the technology it will be embedded into. Another usage factor is the number of spatial dimensions required for analysis; for many applications, two dimensions are sufficient for planar measurements from a fixed mount. Additional aspects include sensitivity and maximum swing, or the range of acceleration forces able to be measured. These depend upon the speeds and impacts involved.

Other computational factors include bandwidth, impedance, and buffering issues, all of which affect accelerometer performance. Cost-effective, lower performance accelerometers are increasingly available and serve consumer markets. Highly accurate devices are found in military, government, and laboratory applications.