Graphics Teacher

In 1838, Sir Charles Wheatstone first described the process of stereopsis: the process by which humans perceive three dimensions from two highly similar, overlaid images. Or, the process by which Avatar looks like a mind-blowingly immersive alien landscape instead of a bunch of brightly colored fuzz.

3D technology has come a long way since Wheatstone developed his stereoscope, then used to view static images and eventually pictures. Now we get to wear Wayfarer knock-offs and enjoy 3D films, television shows and video games.

For some people, seeing cool images might be enough. But others might be curious how Pandora was brought to life, or how TRON: Legacy zapped them into its glowing world. The answer is both reassuringly simple and inordinately complex, depending on who you ask and how you look at it.

 

Sun and its partners developed the Java Media and Communication APIs to provide the missing multimedia programming pieces. Two of the biggest pieces, 2D and 3D graphics, are targeted with the Java 2D and 3D APIs, respectively. Java 2D is a core platform API beginning with Java 1.2, while Java 3D will be released as an Extension API shortly after the 1.2 platform becomes available. We have recently finished a series of columns on Java 2D; now we turn our attention to Java 3D.

Turns out that Disney loves the fishes because they’re going to be in 3D. Disney has announced that Pixar’s animated classic Finding Nemo will hit theaters this Fall for a limited, three-dimensional run. This isn’t the first time Disney has re-released 2D Pixar films in 3D. In the lead-up to Toy Story 3, the studio released Toy Storyand Toy Story 2 in a 3D double feature.

Finding Nemo 3D follows in the footsteps of Disney’s first 3D successes including The Lion King which earned $30 million when it was re-released in September and Beauty and the Beast which hit theaters on Jan. 13.

It would appear that Crysis 2 for the PC has leaked in some capacity. A quick look at some of the more popular sites when it comes to this kind of thing suggests that many thousands of people have no problem downloading Crytek’s unfinished game, which is due for release next month. Well, wasdue for release next month—who knows how this leak will affect development?

You’ll find no links here, of course, but the fact that such a big game leaked weeks before its intended release date is certainly worth mentioning as a news item.