Intel Develops Light Field Mapping Technology

Intel announced that it has developed a new software technology called Light Field Mapping (LFM) that helps to create more life-like 3-D images for interactive applications, such as games, by correctly modeling light reflection properties of 3-D objects. Developed by Intel Labs researchers, Light Field Mapping technology is a compact, efficient and highly accurate method for representing light reflectance properties of real and synthetic objects. LFM also has significant potential for improving the 3-D scanning industry because it can correctly reproduce the appearance of physical objects, even those with very complex surface reflectance properties. Intel says that over the next few months, they will be talking to game developers about the use of Light Field Mapping technology in future 3-D game engines. Intel will also be talking to 3D scanner developers in the same timeframe. Intel expects to see initial diffusion of LFM in about 18 months, with broader diffusion in about two years.