ScienceDaily: Photography News

Common myths about digital piracy busted

Tue, 14 May 2013 10:14:14 EDT

The results of a large-scale, analysis of BitTorrent file-sharing of computer games, focusing on using open methodologies, bust some of the common myths about digital piracy.

New model to recommend media content according to your preferences

Mon, 13 May 2013 08:31:31 EDT

Researchers have developed a model capable to recommend audiovisual content to each user based on their own media consumption and intrinsic features of images and videos.

Benefit vs. risk of facial recognition technology

Wed, 08 May 2013 21:32:32 EDT

Law enforcement agencies are using facial recognition software as a crime-fighting tool. Now businesses are looking to use the technology to reach customers. But a professor questions whether customers are ready for it.

More than a good eye: Robot uses arms, location and more to discover objects

Mon, 06 May 2013 11:40:40 EDT

A robot can struggle to discover objects in its surroundings when it relies on computer vision alone. But by taking advantage of all of the information available to it -- an object's location, size, shape and even whether it can be lifted -- a robot can continually discover and refine its understanding of objects, say researchers.

Bug's view inspires new digital camera's unique imaging capabilities

Wed, 01 May 2013 13:19:19 EDT

An insect-inspired device uses hemispherical, compound optics to capture wide, undistorted fields of view.

Bug's eye inspires hemispherical digital camera

Wed, 01 May 2013 13:19:19 EDT

Inspired by the complex fly eye, a research team has developed a hemispherical digital camera with nearly 200 tiny lenses, delivering exceptionally wide-angle field of view and sharp images. The new camera -- a rounded half bubble, similar to a bulging fly eye -- has 180 microlenses mounted on it, allowing it to take pictures across nearly 180 degrees. Only a camera shaped like a bug's eye can do this.

With wave of the hand, researchers create touch-based interfaces

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:28:28 EDT

Researchers previously have shown that a depth camera system, such as Kinect, can be combined with a projector to turn almost any surface into a touchscreen. Now researchers have demonstrated how these touch-based interfaces can be created almost at will, with the wave of a hand. For instance, the new system enables someone to rub the arm of a sofa to "paint" a remote control for her TV.

Helpful for robotics: Brain uses old information for new movements

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 09:46:46 EDT

Information from the senses has an important influence on how we move. For instance, you can see and feel when a mug is filled with hot coffee, and you lift it in a different way than if the mug were empty. Neuroscientists have discovered that the brain uses two forms of old information in order to execute new movements well. This discovery can be useful for the field of robotics.

Social media: The perils and pleasures

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 21:18:18 EDT

Too much social media activity may damage strong relationships.

Finding instead of searching

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 09:12:12 EDT

It is easy to lose track of things in large storage facilities but not at the wind turbine manufacturer Enercon‘s facility in Magdeburg though, where a positioning system with digital inventory management increases transparency and expedites processes.

Magnets are chaotic -- and fast -- at the very smallest scale

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 13:24:24 EDT

Using a new type of camera that makes extremely fast snapshots with an extremely high resolution, it is now possible to observe the behavior of magnetic materials at the nanoscale. This behavior is more chaotic than previously thought. The observed behavior changes our understanding of data storage, researchers say.

Teen sexting, the gender gap

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 12:49:49 EDT

A survey of US adolescents reveals a gender gap in attitudes towards sexting and perceived harm.

New automated process simplifies alignment and splicing of multicore optical fibers

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 13:46:46 EDT

New multicore optical fibers have many times the signal-carrying capacity of traditional single-core fibers, but their use in telecommunications has been restricted because of the challenge in splicing them together. Now, a new technique offers an automated method for aligning and splicing multicore fibers, allowing engineers to take manual splicing out of the lab and into an automated production line.

Online records could expose intimate details and personality traits of millions

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 15:11:11 EDT

Research shows that intimate personal attributes can be predicted with high levels of accuracy from "traces" left by seemingly innocuous digital behavior, in this case Facebook Likes -- raising important questions about personalized marketing and online privacy.

Seniors who play video games report better sense of emotional well-being

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 13:12:12 EST

New research finds that older adults who play video games report higher levels of emotional well-being.

Pixels guide the way for the visually impaired

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 19:46:46 EST

Images have been transformed into pixels and projected onto a headset to help the visually impaired in everyday tasks such as navigation, route-planning and object finding. Developed using a video camera and mathematical algorithm, the researchers hope the pixels can provide more information and enhance the vision of patients already fitted with retinal implants.

New technology for animation film experts

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 10:19:19 EST

Hollywood devotes great effort to chasing monsters through realistic-looking environments. Researchers have now developed a technology that greatly simplifies the production of such scenes. Actors' movements are captured with a few cameras in a real scene and then transferred extremely realistically to virtual characters. This will not only simplify the work of cartoon makers, but also assist doctors and sportsmen with motion analysis.

New imaging device is flexible, flat, and transparent

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 11:39:39 EST

Digital cameras, medical scanners, and other imaging technologies have advanced considerably during the past decade. Continuing this pace of innovation, an Austrian research team has developed an entirely new way of capturing images based on a flat, flexible, transparent, and potentially disposable polymer sheet.

Xenon flash for photos in dark from smart phones

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 08:44:44 EST

Small but mighty Xenon flash for mobile phones - great shots in the dark soon to be a reality.

Quick, efficient chip cleans up common flaws in amateur photographs

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 12:12:12 EST

Smartphone snapshots could be instantly converted into professional-looking photographs with just the touch of a button, thanks to a new processor chip.

Despite reported dislike, older readers put in less effort when using e-readers

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 18:58:58 EST

Reading text on digital devices like tablet computers requires less effort from older adults than reading on paper.

New technology gives doctors an important diagnostic tool

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 14:15:15 EST

When cocaine producers began using an inexpensive medication, levamisole, to dilute the cocaine to boost their profits, their customers were showing up in hospital emergency rooms with serious skin injuries caused by cocaine-levamisole toxicity. A dermatologist has provided photographs of the skin condition to VisualDx -- a new technology that was created with more than 100,000 medical images to help doctors visually diagnose disease.

Digital games contribute to HIV education in Uganda

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 09:38:38 EST

Computer games, virtual classroom with a discussion forum and video drama can be integrated in a common learning environment for teaching teenage children. This pedagogical approach has demonstrated the significance of using a variety of learning objects to achieve a common educational goal.

New modeling approach transforms imaging technologies

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 14:34:34 EST

Researchers are improving the performance of technologies ranging from medical CT scanners to digital cameras using a system of models to extract specific information from huge collections of data and then reconstructing images like a jigsaw puzzle. The new approach is called model-based iterative reconstruction, or MBIR.

Biodiversity exploration in the 3-D era

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 14:26:26 EST

A group of marine biologists from the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research in Crete are testing computed tomography as a tool to accurately document the anatomy of biological specimens. The resulting 3-D models can be instantly accessed and interactively manipulated by other researchers, thus promoting rapid dissemination of morphological data useful to biodiversity research.

System uses video surveillance cameras to alert security agents of dangerous situations

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 12:59:59 EST

Researchers in Spain have developed an intelligent system that analyzes video surveillance camera images in real time, detects anomalous situations and alerts the nearest security agents in urgent situations, such as the presence of a vehicle moving in the wrong direction.

Next lung cancer treatment advancement may come in the form of informatics

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 12:06:06 EST

Bioinformatic experts are creating a new model based on digital images and genomics to help improve survival rates in people with lung cancer, which is the leading cancer killer among men and women in the United States. The model - which will help clinicians select the treatment most likely to be successful - will base some of its data on a repository of 4,000 lung cancer samples from the Appalachian region, an area that has higher rates of lung cancer than anywhere else in the nation.

Researchers make DNA data storage a reality: Every film and TV program ever created -- in a teacup

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 13:34:34 EST

Researchers have created a way to store data in the form of DNA – a material that lasts for tens of thousands of years. The new method makes it possible to store at least 100 million hours of high-definition video in about a cup of DNA.

Inaccurate diagnoses of melanoma by smartphone apps could delay doctor visits, life-saving treatment

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 16:37:37 EST

Smartphone applications that claim to evaluate a user's photographs of skin lesions for the likelihood of cancer instead returned highly variable and often inaccurate feedback, according to a new study. The findings suggest that relying on these "apps" instead of consulting with a physician may delay the diagnosis of melanoma and timely, life-saving treatment.

Robot allows 'remote presence' in programming brain and spine stimulators

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 11:16:16 EST

With the rapidly expanding use of brain and spinal cord stimulation therapy (neuromodulation), new "remote presence" technologies may help to meet the demand for experts to perform stimulator programming, reports a new study.

Surgeons may use hand gestures to manipulate MRI images in OR

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 11:17:17 EST

Doctors may soon be using a system in the operating room that recognizes hand gestures as commands to tell a computer to browse and display medical images of the patient during a surgery.

Smart search engines for news videos

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 09:57:57 EST

Searching for video recordings regularly pushes search engines to their limit. The truth of the matter is that purely automatic algorithms are not enough; user knowledge has to be harnessed, too. Now, researchers are making automated engines smarter.

Computer scientists find vulnerabilities in Cisco VoIP phones

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 15:50:50 EST

Researchers have found vulnerabilities in Cisco VoIP telephones, recently demonstrating how they can insert malicious code into a Cisco VoIP phone (any of the 14 Cisco Unified IP Phone models) and start eavesdropping on private conversations—not just on the phone but also in the phone’s surroundings—from anywhere in the world.

Turning smartphones into secure and versatile keys

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 13:09:09 EST

It's already possible to open doors using an app -- but we are a long way from seeing widespread acceptance of this in the market. Now, researchers have developed a piece of software that will make the technology even more secure and versatile.

Data storage: A fast and loose approach improves memory

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 15:31:31 EST

An unconventional design for a nanoscale memory device uses a freely moving mechanical shuttle to improve performance.

Computer mediation can help combat bullying in schools

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 15:23:23 EST

Research has demonstrated how computer mediation could help combat bullying in schools.

Filtering spam: New method to rid inboxes of unsolicited email

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 12:20:20 EST

Spammers have recently turned high-tech, using layers of images to fool automatic filters. Thanks to some sophisticated new cyber-sleuthing, researchers are working toward a cure.

Beating the dark side of quantum computing

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 08:56:56 EST

A future quantum computer will be able to carry out calculations billions of times faster than even today's most powerful machines by exploit the fact that the tiniest particles, molecules, atoms and subatomic particles can exist in more than one state simultaneously. Scientists and engineers are looking forward to working with such high-power machines but so too are cyber-criminals who will be able to exploit this power in cracking passwords and decrypting secret messages much faster than they can now.

Enhancing breast cancer detection: Computer algorithm analyzes thermal images of breasts

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 11:35:35 EST

Straightforward imaging with an infrared, thermal, camera for detecting breast cancer early without the discomfort or inconvenience of mammography or biomolecular tests, according to a new study.

Looking for information? Turn the pages with just your eyes

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 09:04:04 EST

Putting on a pair of novel data glasses with an OLED microdisplay allows you to see not only the real world, but also a wealth of virtual information. Imagine looking through a repair manual; the trick here is that you turn the pages using just your eyes.

Digital tablets improve speed and ease of reading for people with moderate vision loss

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 15:29:29 EST

People who have eye diseases that damage their central vision can regain the ability to read quickly and comfortably by using digital tablets, according to a recent study. The research found that people with moderate vision loss could increase their reading speed by 15 words-per-minute, on average. Using a tablet with a back-lit screen resulted in the fastest reading speeds for all study participants, no matter what their level of visual acuity

Field geologists (finally) going digital

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 10:09:09 EST

Not very long ago a professional geologist's field kit consisted of a Brunton compass, rock hammer, magnifying glass, and field notebook. No longer. In the field and in the labs and classrooms, studying Earth has undergone an explosive change in recent years, fueled by technological leaps in handheld digital devices, especially tablet computers and cameras.

Smart as a bird: Flying rescue robot will autonomously avoid obstacles

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 17:30:30 EDT

Researchers have created an autonomous flying robot that is as smart as a bird when it comes to maneuvering around obstacles.

Technology helping to crack oldest undeciphered writing system

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 11:12:12 EDT

New technology has allowed researchers to come closer than ever to cracking the world's oldest undeciphered writing system. Researchers in the UK have developed a Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) System for Ancient Documentary Artefacts to capture images of some of the world's most important historical documents. Recently this system was used on objects held in the vaults of the Louvre Museum in Paris.

Fully automated soccer game analysis

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 08:45:45 EDT

Using entirely new electronic solutions, soccer coaches can provide their players with video analysis as early as half-time or immediately following a match.

Glove keyboard may revolutionize use of devices with one hand

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 09:03:03 EDT

Give a hand to some computer engineering students for designing a tool that could revolutionize new ways of using electronic devices with just one hand. It's called a Gauntlet Keyboard, a glove device that functions as a wireless keyboard. Instead of tapping keys on a keyboard, the user simply touches their thumb to points on their fingers assigned a letter or other keyboard function.

Friendship 2.0: Teens' technology use promotes sense of belonging, identity

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 12:17:17 EDT

A new study shows that digital media helps teens reach developmental milestones, such as fostering a sense of belonging and sharing personal problems. But the study also raised questions about whether digital connectedness might hinder the development of an autonomous sense of self.

Wireless data at top speed

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 16:18:18 EDT

Whether it’s a wedding, birthday party or other celebration, these days the chances are you’ll have your camcorder with you to record the great occasion. But we often forget to bring the data cable along with us, so despite promising the hosts to transfer the images to their computer the morning after, we hardly ever do.

Negative effects of computerized surveillance at home: Cause of annoyance, concern, anxiety, and even anger

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 10:16:16 EDT

To understand the effects of continuous computerized surveillance on individuals, a Finnish research group instrumented ten Finnish households with video cameras, microphones, and logging software for personal computers, wireless networks, smartphones, TVs, and DVDs. The results expose a range of negative changes in experience and behavior. To all except one participant, the surveillance system proved to be a cause of annoyance, concern, anxiety, and even anger.

Computerized osteoporosis detection

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 10:24:24 EDT

A computerized approach to examining patient bone X-rays for diagnosis of osteoporosis could side-step the subjectivity associated with visual examination, according to a new research.

Federal law needed to safeguard 'digital afterlives', expert argues

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 12:38:38 EDT

Federal law ought to play a stronger role in regulating social networking sites by allowing users to determine what happens to their "digital afterlives," an expert argues.

Most European languages in danger of digital extinction, study finds

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 09:45:45 EDT

More than 20 European languages face digital extinction because of a lack of technological support, a study by Europe's leading language technology experts has found.

Mathematics and fine art: Digitizing paintings through image processing

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 17:17:17 EDT

A new paper proposes a simple technique for reliable digitization of paintings using fusion of photographs taken from different angles through statistical methods without the need for professional-grade photographic equipment.

Intuitive visual control provides faster robot operation

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 14:25:25 EDT

Using a novel method of integrating video technology and familiar control devices, a research team is developing a technique to simplify remote control of robotic devices.

Wearable sensor system automatic maps building while wearer is moving

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 14:47:47 EDT

Researchers have built a wearable sensor system that automatically creates a digital map of the environment through which the wearer is moving.

Revolutionary ultrathin, flat lens: Smartphones as thin as a credit card?

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 12:56:56 EDT

Scientists are reporting development of a revolutionary new lens -- flat, distortion-free, so small that more than 1,500 would fit across the width of a human hair -- capable in the future of replacing lenses in applications ranging from cell phones to cameras to fiber-optic communication systems. The advance could lead to smart phones as thin as a credit card.

Social media 'narbs' may have predicted violence in Libya

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 13:14:14 EDT

Social media expert Ananda Mitra coined the word "narbs" to describe the small pieces of information floating in the digital sphere. His research shows that using social media to spread hate messages is a trend, not a fad, and that narb patterns may have predicted the violence in Libya.

Facebook profile pictures influence perceived attractiveness, study finds

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 16:14:14 EDT

Researchers have found that comments left by users on Facebook profile pictures strongly affect the level of perceived attractiveness of the profile owner physically, socially, and professionally.

Smartphone app can track objects on the battlefield as well as on the sports field

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 13:05:05 EDT

Researchers have developed new software using smartphones' GPS and imaging abilities, that determine the exact location of distant objects as well as monitor the speed and direction of moving objects.

Computer viruses could take a lesson from showy peacocks

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 15:12:12 EDT

Computer viruses are constantly replicating throughout computer networks and wreaking havoc. But what if they had to find mates in order to reproduce? Researchers have now created the digital equivalent of spring break to see how mate attraction played out through computer programs.