By throwing this neon green ball in the air, a little bit of magic happens.
Our camera uses 36 fixed-focus 2 megapixel mobile phone camera modules. The camera modules are mounted in a robust, 3D-printed, ball-shaped enclosure that is padded with foam and handles just like a ball. Our camera contains an accelerometer which we use to measure launch acceleration. Integration lets us predict rise time to the highest point, where we trigger the exposure. After catching the ball camera, pictures are downloaded in seconds using USB and automatically shown in our spherical panoramic viewer. This lets users interactively explore a full representation of the captured environment.
Okay, okay, not magic — digital magic 😉
Here’s one of the snapshots it takes:
To get the full effect of this throwable panoramic camera ball, watch this video:
Throwable Panoramic Camera Ball
[tentblogger-youtube Th5zlUe6gOE]
This would be so awesome for so many different things!
From media production work, to something fun to use at a youth group event or concert.
What would you use it for?
Eleanor says
OK – that’s pretty cool. It would be fun if you were out in an amazing location like that, but it would also be fun for an event – think wedding reception, or a big outdoor event.
I’ll probably wait until the picture quality’s a little better though 🙂
Eric Dye says
Note: There wasn’t a price.
This is always a bad sign.