App Shopper: StereoCam (Photography)

App Activity

Sep 28 '09	Version 1.2
Jun 27 '09	Version 1.1
Feb 28 '09	New App: $.99, v1.0

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StereoCam

iOS iPhone

StereoCam aids in the quick creation of stereo image pairs. A stereo image pair consists of two specially designed images that are placed side-by-side to allow viewers (employing an appropriate viewing technique) to see the depicted scene in full 3D.

FEATURES:
* Create "parallel" or "cross-eyed" image pairs
* Fast and simple creation tools:
- Camera interface pops up with instructions.
- Zooming one image automatically zooms the other.
- Drag images to re-center or re-align
* Save in high-resolution so photos can be downloaded
and printed if desired (or used to drive
upcoming high definition 3D display technologies).

Update: Version 1.1 is now out and supports OS 3.0.

DETAILS:
The creation process is simple:
1) Start the program and click on "Create Image".
2) Take a photo and hold the camera position.
The camera UI will also ask you to confirm your shot.
3) Move the camera 2-4'' right and take another photo.
Confirm the shot.
4) You will then be presented with a stereo image pair
along with some options.
- Pinch the left image to control zoom.
The same zoom will be applied to the other image
(to help you maintain consistency).
If necessary, drag the left and right images to
align them vertically (and so that they are
centered around the object(s) of interest).
- You can toggle whether the image pair should
be designed for parallel or cross-eyed viewing
(the meaning of this is discussed later).
- Press "Save Image" to save to your photo album.
- "Cancel" terminates the creation process.

Viewing technique:
The iPhone's dimensions make it a very appropriate display device for stereo image pairs. For good results, view the generated stereo image pairs in landscape mode using either the iPhone's normal photo viewer or the "View Image" function in StereoCam.

Stereo image pairs come in two flavors: parallel and cross-eyed. These refer to the methods used to view them.
Parallel - In parallel viewing, the left eye is meant to see the left image and the right eye is meant to see the right image. When successful, a third (3D) image will appear in the middle between the pair of images.

Many first-time viewers find the following approach helpful: Put the display (in landscape position) right in front of the eyes while looking straight ahead. Do not focus on the screen, but let the left eye naturally look forward into the left image and the right eye into the right image. Slowly pull the display outward farther away from the eyes. Slowly allow your gaze to focus on the 3rd image in the middle which should appear in full 3D. Getting the viewing technique down takes some patience and practice; but once learned, it allows for some stunning results.

Cross-eyed - In cross-eyed viewing, the left eye is meant to see the right image and the right eye is meant to see the left image. Focus on a point in front of the display to see pairs of this type.

For more information, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stereoscopy

UPDATE:
* 6-5-09 : Update (version 1.1) adding support for OS 3 submitted for review. Should be in the store soon.

For support, email:
support@digitalstaircase.com