3D Imaging OR "What was old is new again (maybe)"

[jleebiker]

Back a hundred years ago or so, before the days of cell phones, TV's and movies, there was a device called a stereoscope. It would let people see things in 3D via "postcards". I think you've seen these:


The way they got the 3D effect was to take 2 pictures simultaneously a few inches apart. Let's think about that for a second... They took 2 pictures simultaneously a few inches apart. What do we have now a days that could EASILY take 2 simultaneous pictures a few inches apart... Let me think... Hmm... Why I have this device called a "cell phone" that lines up pretty well with where my eyes are if I put it in landscape mode. All someone would have to do is put cameras on each end of the phone and BOOM! Perfect platform for this!
Think about all the pics we take everyday and then think about what it would be like if we could take those pics in 3D. Hmm...
​Can someone smarter than me in cell phone design discuss this?

 

[Chregu]

I'm so sorry, but you are exactly 3 years too late.

The Evo 3D uses two rear-facing 5-megapixel cameras, capable of capturing videos in 720p resolution in 3D or 2D. It can also take photos in stereographic 3D at 1080p resolution. It features a single 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera.

HTC Evo 3D

 

[Chregu]

Well, there's also another example, but no phone. The Nintendo 3DS.

Nintendo 3DS Camera is a built-in photo and video recorder with an integrated media gallery and photo editing functionality. The app uses the system's two front facing cameras to take 3D photos, and the user-facing camera to take regular 2D photos.

Nintendo 3DS

 

[jleebiker]

DANG! Thought I was onto something. I wonder why it didn't take off?

 

[Chregu]

DANG! Thought I was onto something. I wonder why it didn't take off?

If I remember correctly the phone wasn't that great to begin with, the 3D screen suffered from the same problem as the 3DS does, you have to hold it absolutely in the right position. Also, sharing 3D pictures makes only sense when the other person also has a 3D screen.

Also I think it was a Sprint only release.