The prototype camera is able to “see” the third dimension by illuminating each frame of video with laser light pulses that last no longer than a few billionths of a second. These pulses reflect off the subjects then return to the camera, where they are registered by a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) micro-sensor, which then calculates the subjects’ distance from the camera. It’s not unlike sonar, except it uses light instead of sound.

For now it doesn’t seem this technology is ready for the big screen, however there are other potential uses this special camera could be used for. This could be used for interactive gaming allowing people to play a game without ever having to hold onto a remote. It could also be used for navigation purposes, perhaps as an electronic guide in places like parks and museums. It could also be incorporated into devices for elderly or disabled people to help them identify dangerous situations, such as those that could result in falls.

There’s no doubt there’s several uses for this new camera, and there’s no doubt in my mind that within this decade we’ll be able to see movies like Avatar in 3D without the shades.

via [gizmag]

Despite aerogel being fairly expensive, it could be one of the most significant materials of this century. In recent news scientists from Ohio and Arizona are creating aerogels that can absorb oil from spills or stop pollutants from ever reaching the environment.

“It would be put on top of the water, where it will float on the surface and absorb oil and then, just like a kitchen sponge, you could squeeze the oil out,” said Matt Gawryla, a scientist at Ohio-based AeroClay Inc. AeroClay is working to commercialize the aerogel technology originally developed at Case Western Reserve University.

If this technology could be used to clean oil spills in the Gulf Coast of Mexico this could turn out to be one of the most influential technologies used to clean a disaster.

via [Discovery]

Together they came up with several example of how they envision 2020 will look. Here are some of the concepts they think will be apart of our every day life.

Everything is indexed

by 2020 nearly everything will be indexed with vital information. We’ve already seen the use of indexing starting to happen with phone applications like Four Square and Layar. In 10 years from now, the data linked to anything visible will be much more advanced. For example, we’ll be able to shop without even stepping foot in a store. If you happen to pass something, whether it’s a car, or a sweater someone is wearing, you’ll be able to identify the object and find where the best place to buy it is. This technology would require a mobile device and an augmented reality device.

On-the-go health monitoring

With a technology that’s being called “Bodynet” we’ll be able monitor our current health condition. Not only that, we’ll also to able to see what happens to our body’s if we make certain decisions. This means next time you walk into Burger King you’ll be fully aware how and where those salty fries will affect you.

No secret social networking

If you thought dating was hard now, you could be in for it in the years to come. With technology termed “Whuffie” we’ll be able to retrieve a social metric system that gathers data on what others think of you. If Whuffie lives up to its hype, socializing will take on a completely different dimension. Good luck trying to cheat on your spouse when everyone can see how many friends you’re linked too and your relationship status.

The term “whuffie,” by the way, is a word coined by author Cory Doctorow in his book Down And Out In the Magic Kingdom. It refers to the measurement of respect or karma a person gains or looses in their lives. In Doctorow’s future, humans have implants in their brains that visually project their whuffie, which has replaced money as currency.

Of course, all this information is on the presumption that we’ll be around in 2020!

Much like a generic newspaper, “The Page” folds for ease of use and transportation. It also features a flexible grid system for content to align with. What’s great about this electronic newspaper is how anyone can interact and watch videos while simply tapping the transparent screen. This concept would leave even Harry Potter impressed.

Designer: Jae Kim

Eric Topol explains how our smartphones will monitor our vital signs and chronic conditions. We’ll be able to view our sleep patterns and even know know exactly when we’re dreaming.  We’ll also be able to see reports of our health and track diseases. This technology is revolutionary and lots of it has already been developed. Eric Topol explains how these advances can will be used to keep people out of the hospital bed, and track those who are already there.

The latter half of the 20th century saw the built environment merged with media space, and architecture taking on new roles related to branding, image and consumerism. Augmented reality may recontextualise the functions of consumerism and architecture, and change in the way in which we operate within it.

A film produced for my final year Masters in Architecture, part of a larger project about the social and architectural consequences of new media and augmented reality.

via [vimeo]

Founders: Marc Groothelm and Rafaël Redczus

Project Website: www.yellowbirdsdonthavewingsbuttheyflytomakeyouexperiencea3dreality.com