Hardware Accelerator for Professional 3D Conversion (HA3D)

Hardware Accelerator for Professional 3D Conversion (HA3D)

Hardware Accelerator for Professional 3D Conversion (HA3D)
ART/174CP
20140409 - 20150908
10450

Mr Yiu-kei Li
1. FPGA-based hardware accelerator for 3D conversion 2. Algorithms for depth estimation, view generation and output rendering 3. 3D conversion software plug-ins for commercial digital motion graphics and compositing software
Dr Keh-Chung Wang Mr Mark Mok Dr Yuzhong Jiao Mr Walter Chow Mr Teddy Wong Dr Man-Chi Chan Mr Ka-Leung Ho Mr Chan Fai Lam Ms Carina Huang Dr Chi Hong Chan Ms Rita Cheng Mr Yun Kau Lee Dr Luhong Liang Mr Gordon Chung Mr Kenneth Lo Mr Darcy Li Mr Tim Wong
APW International Company Limited Marvel Digital Limited [Sponsor] Marvel Digital Limited (Technology Licensing) [Sponsor] VEFXi Corporation

For professional 3D content creation in the entertainment industry, 3D content captured by stereo cameras (or “native” 3D) is commonly deemed to be of the highest quality 3D content. However, shooting in 3D requires twice as many cameras, specialised rigs and specialised personnel as shooting in 2D requires and therefore, it is much more costly. Besides, lots of post-processing work is required for “native” 3D footage, which makes vast production of 3D contents in a short period of time difficult. A possible solution is converting 2D contents to 3D contents. However, a good conversion is typically labour intensive and time consuming. In this project, we will develop i) a hardware accelerator which will greatly reduce the 3D conversion time for professional 3D conversion; ii) a novel “invisible” depth format for content protection and prevention of resolution loss; iii) a feature to create an innovative 3D viewing experience with 2D/3D picture-in-picture and multiple 3D contents on a single display. The technology can be applied to conversion of films, commercials, and digital signage produced in 2D format into high quality 3D format. Our technology offers effective solutions for creating professional 3D content in the market.