3D technology has been making the line thin that separates the real world from the virtual one. From 3D printing to 3D imaging and 3D computers to 3D camera, the 3D technology has provided the real-life view of the virtual world.
Today, 3D cameras have become the norm. The market leaders are going toe-to-toe to deliver more advanced, smarter, and accurate 3D cameras to capture an object in three dimensions as experienced through human binocular vision. The main principle behind the 3D effect is stereoscopy. The difference between objects seen through left and right eyes enables the 3D perspective in human eyesight. The market for 3D camera has gained momentum in the last few years. According to a research firm, Allied Market Research, the global 3D camera market is expected to reach $11.13 billion by the end of 2024, registering the CAGR of 37.1% during the period 2018–2024.
Growing demand for 3D content from the entertainment industry, enhancement in 3D scanning technology, and demand for high definition 3D content have boosted the market of the 3D camera. Moreover, the current surge in development of virtual reality (VR) applications and expected rise in home automation would propel the demand for more advanced 3D cameras.
Advent of 3D cameras in smartphones
The most awaited smartphone of LG, LG G8 ThinQ, is expected to feature laser 3D camera that could win the race of developing smartest 3D camera in the smartphone industry. Recently, LG has filed for patent for its novel technology of camera that involves lasers to identify object depth to develop 3D images for both videos and photos.
The pioneer in 3D front-facing camera, Apple, introduced 3D camera in smartphones when it launched Face ID unlocking. 3D cameras use laser technology by firing out rays and measure those who bounce back to determine the depth of the object and deduce how far the object is. The camera then works out where in the photograph the 3D effect should be. Using this technique, the company expects to launch this smartphone within the next two years.
Huawei, the biggest competitor for most of the smartphone companies, is also not far away from launching a smartphone that is capable of clicking 3D photos using 3D camera. The so-called smartphone, Princeton, will be announced before the end of 2018 and it is said that the sensors are developed by Sony Corp. These sensors are said to be capable of accurately measuring distance by throwing light at the object.
The launch of this new feature is regarded as a strategic move when there are very few reasons for consumers to buy new phones. The company aims to increase sales and stand out from the major competitors such as Apple and Samsung by offering novel technology such as clicking 3D pictures and videos in real time and sharing them with others.
Apart from creating 3D models of people and objects, the smartphone’s 3D camera can use augmented reality applications. In addition, the new camera would allow developers to control games and apps in novel ways such as hand gestures. Thus, the company is expected to incorporate the 3D camera in more than one smartphone model.
These innovations can be regarded as a small peek at the bright future of 3D camera and 3D technology. Given the rate at which these innovations are taking place in the market, there will be a time when 3D cameras will be something that people use in their day-to-day lives to offer their lives a third-dimensional point of view.