Fraunhofer HHI Delivers Latest Electronic Imaging Solutions for Enhanced Digital Media Experiences at IBC 2013

New 3D acquisition, content analysis and autostereoscopic conversion technologies simplify workflow while creating immersive viewing experiences

Berlin, Germany/Amsterdam– September 9, 2013  – The Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute (HHI), a leader in the development of mobile and fixed broadband communication networks, multimedia systems, image processing and 3D, will showcase four new electronic imaging solutions for 3D acquisition, content analysis and autostereoscopic conversion at IBC.

“Fraunhofer HHI is the driving force that delivers new solutions to enhance the interactive and immersive viewing experience, while simplifying the entire digital media workflow,” said Ralf Schäfer, head of image processing department of Fraunhofer HHI.  “From the latest cameras to the most innovative technologies to address industry challenges, we deliver flexible solutions that provide an overall enhanced digital media experience for today’s need and tomorrow’s demands.”

Fraunhofer HHI will feature the following digital media solutions at IBC:

Miniaturized OmniCam-360
Including its multi-mirror-based rig, the miniaturized OmniCam-360 weighs just 15 pounds and is no bigger than an ordinary television camera. The 360-degree images can be shown on flexible, multi-projection systems that transport viewers into a virtual world. The immersive experience provides the feeling of watching an event live from the very best seat. Practical and portable, the system can be carried by an individual or attached to a normal tripod, making it optimal for concerts and sporting events. The OmniCam-360 won the “New Product Award” of the 2013 3D Technology Awards presented by the International 3D & Advanced Imaging Society.

Fully-automated Interactive Soccer Experience:
Fraunhofer HHI’s Interactive Soccer Experience now fully-automates player identification and recognition of highlights, such as goals, within a match. Unlike other technologies, which can only deliver semi-automated analysis, no special cameras or sensors are required. Further enhancing the experience, specific camera shots can be identified and presented, permitting ongoing evaluation of the match.

Motion-based Content Analysis from the MediaExplorer Search Engine
Fraunhofer HHI’s MediaExplorer Search Engine now permits the capture of motion-based concepts (e.g. “bike race”) to further improve search accuracy. This innovation eliminates the need for the laborious, and at times inaccurate, assignment of keywords in the postproduction process.

Real-time stereo-to-multiview conversion for 3D playback
Real-time stereo-to-multiview conversion allows playback of 3D Blu-ray content or any other stereoscopic 3D video content on autostereoscopic displays. Costly offline conversion is no longer needed and personal 3D viewing preferences can be adjusted on the fly. Depth estimation, the heart of stereo-to-multiview conversion, is now available as a pure hardwired IP core suited for FPGA and ASIC implementation. An FPGA reference implementation will be available for evaluation at IBC.

IBC attendees can experience demonstrations of these new technologies at the Fraunhofer Digital Cinema Alliance IBC booth 8.B80.

Fraunhofer HHI is part of the Fraunhofer Digital Cinema Alliance. The Alliance provides a network of deep expertise and intelligence for the development of scalable technologies and international standards that allow customers to stay ahead the market.

For more information, contact Gudrun Quandel, gudrun.quandel@hhi.fraunhofer.de, or visit http://www.hhi.fraunhofer.de

About Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute
The Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute is a world leader in the development of mobile and fixed broadband communication networks and multimedia systems. From photonic components and systems to fiber optic sensors and high-speed hardware architectures, the Heinrich Hertz Institute works together with its international partners from research and industry on building the infrastructure for the future Gigabit Society. Fraunhofer HHI is your competent partner for 3D broadcasting, gesture controlled man-machine interaction, image processing and transmission and use of interactive media.
Further Information: www.hhi.fraunhofer.de