One problem surrounding the needs of cultural heritage research is the acquisition of static on-site photography, which may limit perceived detail in the artifacts later upon inspection. One method which allows re-lighting of artifacts post-shooting is HP Labs researcher Tom Malzbender’s work in polynomial texture mapping, or PTM. Continue reading “Polynomial Texture Mapping (PTM)”
Multi-Spectral Imaging
xRez Studio has long utilized infrared capture of gigapixel panoramic scenes, using modified digital camera backs. Used primarily for aesthetic reasons, IR can also be used in service of cultural heritage documentation work, helping reveal hidded details. Similarly, color matrix de-correlation software such as Jon Harman’s excellent Dstretch has been employed by xRez Studio to help analyze Native American rock art on the Colorado Plateau.
Time-Lapse Photography
A revolution is currently underway in digital photography with time-lapse capture. Showcased in earlier films such as Koyannisquatsi and Baraka by DP Ron Fricke, filmmakers had to previously rely on cumbersome large-format film-based techniques, where film cameras were advanced incrementally. Continue reading “Time-Lapse Photography”
Spherical Animation
One emerging technology with great promise is spherical video, which is an extension of spherical panoramic imagery, but displaying full rate playback of live footage. Spherical video solutions have been available for some time, but lack resolution and quality. One alternative xRez Studio is developing is spherical animation, using emerging panoramic players to deliver interactive pre-rendered sequences for online or site-specific purposes. Continue reading “Spherical Animation”
High Dynamic Range Imaging
High Dynamic Range imagery (HDRI) is creating a revolution in digital photography, where the full tonal range of a scene’s lighting can be faithfully captured and recreated. xRez Studio has been at the forefront of this technology development, interacting with key researchers Paul Debevec and Greg Ward. Continue reading “High Dynamic Range Imaging”
Digital Terrain Rendering
One innovative technique developed at xRez Studio is the integration of digital elevation models (DEM) with high-end 3d rendering and gigapixel images. Another innovation we have developed is to integrate time lapse sequences with DEM data, allowing new, inventive cinematography where a virtual camera can dolly deeply into the image while lapsing in time. Continue reading “Digital Terrain Rendering”
FullDome Theatre Production
Digitally projected full dome theaters are a new and growing form of immersive cinematic presentation for small audiences. There are thousands of these theaters worldwide (see an incomplete list here), and many are domed planetariums that have been retrofitted w/ high resolution digital projectors that “stitch” multiple projections together into one large surround image, allowing very high resolutions at 4 or 8k. Continue reading “FullDome Theatre Production”
High-End Visual Effects Production
With skillsets culled from 15 years of producing feature film visual effects in major effects facilities, we have high level expertise in concept design, digital environment creation, lighting and rendering, matte painting, compositing, and photogrammetry. We have experience from companies such as Digital Domain, Sony Imageworks, Rhythm & Hues, Dream Quest Images, and Walt Disney Feature Animation. Continue reading “High-End Visual Effects Production”