Software allows any camera to collect 3D data

The method, unveiled at the 2017 Conference on Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition in Hawaii, allows any camera to map the depth for every pixel it captures and opens up a wide range of applications, from augmented reality in computer games and apps, to robot interaction, and self-driving cars. The software can even convert historical images and videos into 3D.

“Inferring object-range from a simple image by using real-time software has a whole host of potential uses,” explained supervising researcher, Dr Gabriel Brostow. “Depth mapping is critical for self-driving cars to avoid collisions, for example. Currently, car manufacturers use a combination of laser-scanners and/or radar sensors, which have limitations. They all use cameras too, but the individual cameras couldn’t provide meaningful depth information. So far, we’ve optimised the software for images of residential areas, and it gives unparalleled depth mapping, even when objects are on the move.”