Make3D.stanford.edu - 3D Fun with Photos

Make3D does what the name says: it turns your images into a three-dimensional model. Developed by computer scientists at the other California brain trust, Stanford, Make3D takes a conventional 2D photograph and turns into the more interactive 3D fly-around model. In 3D, users can see the ins and outs of a scene, they can see in-depth as if they were walking around a scene. Make3D has many uses. Real estate web sites, for examples would be able to give prospective home owners a realistic preview of properties without their having to leave home. It’s educational ramifications are great as well. Schools can use it to showcase museums, countries, cultures etc. It could be used in creating killer video game environments. The algorithm used out does competitors in its accuracy and sharpness of image. All you have to do is upload an image onto the website or from Flickr and once complete, Make3D will send you an e-mail. If you don’t like the results, an alternative rendering is possible. Make3D requires Adobe ShockWave or a VRML viewer.

“Make3D converts your single picture into a 3-D model. It takes a two-dimensional image and creates a three-dimensional "fly around" model, giving the viewers access to the scene's depth and a range of points of view.

It uses powerful machine learning techniques (more details here), to learn the relation between small image patches and their depth and orientation. This allows it to model 3-d structures such as slopes of mountains or branches of trees.

After uploading your image, you can "fly" in the 3-D scene (requires VRML viewer or Adobe Shockwave), or watch a rendered 3-d movie (flash required).”

Make3D is the forefront of imaging technology. It has numerous applications and will likely please many photo enthusiasts who want something more to add to their photos.

Will Make3D’s photo renderings please users? Or disappoint? Does Make3D keep photos private? Users will likely be hesitant to submit cherished photos if they are unsure of the site’s security.