How do we Capture Reality?

Capturing reality is a fascinating field that aims to recreate our three-dimensional world in digital formats. Some of the main types of capture techniques include:

1. Spatial, 180˚ and 360˚ VR Photo and Video Capture: These technologies allow us to capture immersive visual content. 180˚ cameras record half a sphere, while 360˚ cameras capture the entire surrounding environment. This creates a more engaging and interactive viewing experience, especially when combined with VR headsets.
2. Spatial Audio: This technique records sound in a way that preserves directional information, creating a 3D audio experience. When combined with visual VR, it significantly enhances immersion by allowing users to perceive sounds as coming from specific locations in the virtual space.
3. 3D Scanning: This umbrella term covers several methods to create digital 3D models of real-world objects or environments:
   • Photogrammetry: Uses multiple 2D photos to construct 3D models.
   • LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging): Uses lasers to measure distances and create detailed 3D maps.
   • NeRF (Neural Radiance Fields): A newer AI-based technique that creates 3D models from a set of 2D images.
   • Gaussian Splats: Another recent development that represents 3D scenes as a collection of 3D Gaussian functions.
4. Performance Capture: This technology records an actor’s movements, facial expressions, and sometimes voice, to animate digital characters. It’s widely used in film, video games, and virtual reality experiences to create lifelike digital performances.

Head Mounted Display (HMD)

HMDs like the Oculus Go, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Gear VR or Google Cardboard of the are the most immersive and impressive way to experience 360˚ VR content. It’s the closest thing to being there with actually being there.

Smartphone or Tablet

Often referred to as a “magic window” users can view 360˚ Virtual Reality content on a modern smartphone or tablet, by swiping around the screen, or even tilting the device up, down left, or right

Laptop or Desktop Computer

View 360s on a computer by clicking and dragging and mouse, trackpad, keyboard or other controllers. You can even have self-guided moments or automatically spins.

Panoramas, Cyclorama & Domes

Spatial AR Augmented Reality with Spherical Projection Surfaces

Video Globes

Video globes are an innovative way to view and interact with XR content and the most effective way to explore global datasets. With diameters up to 6′ feet, these impressive spherical video displays are sure to grab viewers’ attention.

Spatial Augmented Reality

Projecting on irregular surfaces.