It started with a book…

Apress Publishing sent me an email a few days ago with an offer on a book.  The title was “Computer Vision Metrics” and they had a promotion for members for a free download.  The description looked interesting so I went ahead and downloaded it.  The content is intense, with my not having covered the material in an introductory fashion before.  A fifth of the book contains references that branch out further for the reader intent on doing some additional research.  The Intel Labs in Seattle grabbed my attention.

Right under my nose…

It turns out that Intel funds a lab at the University of Washington.  They have a website titled “RGB-D: Techniques and usages for Kinect style depth cameras“, which is was clear and to the point.  I didn’t have to second guess what was going on.  Range imaging, human input, and robotic automation were demonstrated using range imaging technology.  The references to Kinect cameras gravitated my attention toward the hardware side.

Near IR, pun intented…

There are several manufacturers of the Kinect style depth cameras.  SoftKinetic stood out for me, mainly because they demonstrated the product clearly.  But it doesn’t stop there, the price range was reasonable for a technology still new to the public.  Then I found a teardown.  I didn’t want to watch it, I had to.

Hey, isn’t Spring Quarter over!?

Yeah, I’ll be taking a bit of a break over the next couple of months.  I’m going to continue to build the sensor helmet and post about the project as it progresses.  I will also attempt some bridge work of projects and material I’ve covered the past couple of years.  For the most part, I think having some fun this Summer will be key.

A parting note…

Somethings bear repeating, because the memory of the experience fades with each cumulative day that is bound by routine.  Any individual, group, or culture that fears the stigma of failure and suppresses it with staunch dismissive insistence will only foster failure.  That was what I walked away with after watching this.

Major Malfunction: Revisiting Challenger from The New York Times – Video on Vimeo.