Gigapixel camera offers super sharp shots

A camera capable of creating images with "unprecedented detail" has been unveiled by US engineers.

The prototype machine - dubbed AWARE2 - has the potential to take pictures with resolutions of up to 50 gigapixels, equivalent to 50,000 megapixels, according to the team from Duke University in North Carolina.

It works by synchronising 98 tiny cameras in a single device.

The machine is likely to be used first for military surveillance.

In its current state the researchers say it can take one gigapixel images at up to three frames per minute.

Undetected images

The camera was developed by a team led by engineer David Brady and Michael J. Fitzpatrick, professor of Electric Engineering at Duke's Pratt School of Engineering, along with scientists from the University of Arizona, and the University of California.

They received funding from Darpa - the United States Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.

The prototype camera itself is two-and-half feet square (76.2cm by 76.2cm) and 20 inches deep (50.8cm).

"Each one of the microcameras captures information from a specific area of the field of view," Mr Brady said.

"A computer processor essentially stitches all this information into a single highly detailed image. In many instances, the camera can capture images of things that photographers cannot see themselves but can then detect when the image is viewed later."

Getting smaller

Most consumer cameras currently on the market are capable of taking photographs ranging from eight to 40 megapixels.

Pixels are basically individual "dots" of data - and the higher the number of pixels, the better resolution of the image.

The researchers believe that within five years, as the electronic components of the cameras become miniaturised and more efficient, the next generation of gigapixel cameras should be available to the general public.

"The camera is so large now because of the electronic control boards and the need to add components to keep it from overheating," Mr Brady said.

"As more efficient and compact electronics are developed, the age of hand-held gigapixel photography should follow."

Comments

Micromax Canvas 2 A110 due for Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update next week

Micromax's 5-inch smartphone, the Canvas 2 A110 that ran on Android 4.0 ICS since its launch in October, will receive the 4.1 Jelly Bean update next week. Micromax Canvas2 A110 A lot of budget smartphone manufacturers have promised us an OS update on their Android devices and rarely have they delivered. Today, we have the news that the Micromax Canvas 2 A110 will receive the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update as early as next week. The device was launched in October 2012 and ran on Android 4.0 ICS straight out of the box. There is one downside to this update. It will not be available to users OTA or via the PC. Users will have to go to a Micromax service center to update their device. What remains to be seen is whether it is worth the effort for a user to go to the Micromax store just to update the phone’s OS. “This will not be an OTA update. Users will have to go to Micromax-authorised service centres to get the update. Currently, we are conducting tests on the Jelly Bea...

Micromax Canvas 4 Review

Micromax Canvas 4 Review Micromax launched it’s first device in the Canvas back in August 2012 , calling it the Superfone Canvas A100 . The Micromax A110 Superfone Canvas 2 launched 3 months later in November. Micromax lost the Superfone tag soon after the second canvas device. The A116 Canvas HD , the company’s first smartphone with a HD display made a debut earlier this year. Micromax launched fourth device in the Canvas series is aptly named the Canvas 4 with a model number A210. One thing that is common in all the Canvas devices is the 5-inch display. Is the phone worthy at a price of Rs. 17,999? Let’s dive into the review to find it out. Unboxing We unboxed the device last week. Here is the unboxing video. Box Contents The box contents include: Micromax Canvas 4 smartphone Tangle-free micro USB Cable 2-pin charger adapter Tangle-free in-ear earphones Ear buds 2000 mAh battery Warranty ...

Next gen iPod touch may come in various colours

Apple is believed to be introducing its next generation of iPods when the brand takes the stage at the Apple media event scheduled for September 12, 2012. A report a few days ago stated that there could be at least two new updated iPod lines which will be showcased at the event and possibly there could be a third as well. The third iPod line-up could refer to the updated iPod touch and it could feature a display the same size as the next generation iPhone aka the iPhone 5. A report by 9to5Mac sheds some more light on what to expect and has categorically provided a break up of what type of iPod will receive what update. As per the report, the author Mark Gurman states that sources have informed them that the iPod shuffle will not receive any major change but will be available in eight colour options, up from five that are currently available in the market. The price of this iPod will cost around $49. May come in multiple colour options Last year, Apple merely...

Tech PIVI

Search This Blog