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Keeping the focus on 3D ; Research aims to stop side-effects associated with new technology [Newcastle Journal (England)](Newcastle Journal (England) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) BEING part of the action is a major attraction for game and film fans following the recent developments in 3D technology. But some cinema-goers and games console users complain that prolonged exposure to 3D images can cause headaches and nausea, due to the strain their eyes are under. Now academics from a North East university are revealing the results of their latest research project, which aims to make 3D technology more enjoyable and user- friendly. A team of experts from Durham University has been working in collaboration with the University of California, Berkeley, to develop a new system of 3D vision, which they say tackles the nasty side-effects. The researchers also believe their system could be used in more effective, non-intrusive surgery and could help to diagnose diseases more efficiently. Called In-Focus 3D, the system has been developed in the North East at Durham's Biophysical Sciences Institute (BSI). BSI's Dr Gordon Love said: "With the conventional 3D we currently have in new 3D gaming consoles and cinemas, headaches, tired eyes, blurred vision and even nausea can occur. "This is because of what we call the 'vergence accommodation conflict'. When our eyes look at an object, RESEARCH Love they must first aim towards that point - referred to as vergence - as well as focus on the object, or accommodate, in the same way a camera would. "But with conventional 3D images, although the light from the image comes from the same place - like a cinema screen or gaming console - the images appear to jump out of the screen. This creates a conflict because the point where the eyes focus is fixed at the screen, while the eyes converge to look at the image elsewhere. This is what causes the discomfort for some." Prof Marty Banks from Berkeley, who is currently based at Durham University, said: "In-Focus 3D gets around those problems by having a fast 'switchable' lens synchronised to the images so that focus cues are nearly perfect. "As the use of conventional 3D spreads further into video games and into television, the long-term impact of such visual effects remain uncertain, especially if people begin spending multiple hours in front of a screen at home compared with just an hour or two in a cinema." Dr Gordon The experts say In-Focus 3D has potential to be developed to benefit healthcare, such as enabling 3D images to be taken from inside the body, meaning no invasive surgery. They also envisage it could be used to give more efficient diagnosis of medical conditions and illnesses. Dr Love added: "This is invaluable because inside the body, there's no natural light, no right angles, none of the reference points we take for granted. In-Focus 3D combats those drawbacks and means as well as having an accurate image of what's happening in the body, there's no need for as much invasive surgery, making it much less traumatic for the patient." (c) 2011 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved. |