Digital Cameras Now Shoot 3D

A few months ago I found myself at the BFI Imax cinema near London Waterloo. Seated near the top, we watched the recent Harry Potter movie but with a twist; a segment was screened in 3D. As we found ourselves flying on broomstick at high speeds, swaying left and right, putting aside the near motion sickness sensation, we found ourselves fully immersed experience 'in' a screen more than 20 meters high and 26 meters wide.
From my first cinema 3D experience, watching Jaws in the 1980s, I have always been fascinated with this technology. In simple terms, 3D is a visual technology solution that gives the impression of depth. Recording the same subject with two cameras at the same time where the distance between the lenses is an exact ratio to the distance between our eyes, approximately 2.5 inches apart, creates this effect.

When 3D is screened, be it a still photo or a moving image, it looks as if you are seeing two different images. Traditionally this is where 3D glasses help as each lens acts as a filter that block one of the images, thus creating the illusion of depth. In certain modern technologies, however, digital screens have been created by companies such as Fuji where a "Light Direction Control System" adopts a "Parallax Barrier System" to direct light to the left and right eyes giving the impression of a 3D image. Meaning that you do not need to wear 3D glasses.

Enter 3D Mobile

It is difficult to illustrate the full impact of a 3D technology on a 2D display. Most of us remember the 3D illusion cards that would often be bundled with our cereal boxes. Here, we would hold the card, adjust the plane of view slightly giving the impression of movement and/or depth. This is not it. Nor are the cereal box hologram cards remotely close to this 3D experience. Modern 3D technologies really are an innovation of our time that is near impossible to illustrate. What I can say is that for those fortunate enough to find Fuji's recently launched W1 3D camera, prepare yourself for something unique.
Putting aside the issues of composition, photos and video taken on the W1 can be viewed as fully immersive 3D on both the camera's screen as well as on a specially designed photo frame. Individuals can also print 3D photos on a newly designed Lenticular sheet which might generate a resurgence to the days of physical photo albums – how few people actually use physical photos in this day and age when digital photography is so accessible.

While first to market with a viable consumer product, Fuji isn't alone in this space. 3M has developed a 3D screen in their Vikuiti line of screens for the mobile platform. This solution is of particular interest as when you move out of the 3D visual spot, the screen still looks good in 2D. And while this technology has already been launched in the Wow vx 3D television set built by Phillips, a viable option for mobile phones will change the way we communicate.

Consider tactile-based research coming out of Japan, where we interact with real physical objects, or efforts being undertaken by Sony over a new 360 degree display which shows an image in 3D that can be viewed from any direction. In fact, almost every leading manufacturer is developing one form or another of 3D display, projection, or print technology; some that require the use of glasses, others that do not.

Here in the UK, one of our main TV stations, Channel 4, is running a 3D week. From featuring previously unseen footage of the Queen's coronation ceremony, to horror movies such as Friday 13th III, to a concert tour with Hannah Montana, to a magic spectacular with Darren Brown all in 3D. Perhaps not the best line up, still, something. While later next year, Sky, the satellite TV channel, will be launching a dedicated 3D channel.

3D Future

Earlier this year I came across a demonstration of Pranav Mistry's wearable technology concept. His solution uses a number of sensors and cameras to create an enhanced user engagement - what else would we expect from MIT's Media Lab.

But in the future 3D will not simply be something visual, it will become a comprehensive engagement platform. The simplest example being the ability to 'jump into' a game of Second Life.

Today your phone knows where you are. In the UK we are caught on CCTV cameras more than 300 times a day on average. Imagine if these others cameras were recording in 3D. When someone calls you, not only can you project an image of them in front of you in 3D from your phone, but your image and location can be caught through one of these CCTV cameras and projected to them. One would be in the physical location, while the other could be projected into a virtual 3D creation of the same space. Why would anyone want to do this? Let us again step further.

Say you are a first responder to an accident and the ambulance is 5 miles away, you need to offer immediate help to a critical patient. An image of you and the scene you're in can be projected in full 3D to a doctor in a hospital, or even at their home. They can see the environment you are in, look around in real time, provide advice on what can and cannot be done. With an enhanced tactile experience (two generations on from Mistry's current system), they might even be able to physically help with treatment. Today 3D is a purely visual experience; tomorrow, we will be jumping into it, living it.

Returning to today, and now, the resurgence of 3D technologies have in part been driven by the need for a more engaged, more personalized user experience that immerses the individual. The consumer is always looking for an enhanced proposition, so while we work our way into new solutions and offerings, some standards will succeed while others will not; think VHS vs Betamax. Thus the 3D race might be less about the technology in question and more about the availability of content and services that can be delivered on that technology.

For the time being, however, I would suggest that those etching to jump onto the bandwagon give Fuji credit for spearheading 3D camera technology and at the very least head out to try a W1. It does take time to understand how to compose a good 3D photo, but once you do, you will appreciate the rewards of something unique indeed!

Farrukh I. Younus holds a master's degree in international business management and works in the emerging telecommunication industry across Europe and Asia. Dedicated to understanding and delivering solutions based on new technology, Younus has spoken on the subject to the European Parliament in Brussels, and regularly attends industry-leading conferences worldwide. His cross-cultural knowledgebase is strengthened with extensive international travel that includes visiting China on more than 25 occasions. He resides in Surrey, UK. You can contact him by sending an e-mail to HealthAndScienceATiolteamDOTcom.

My Place on the Isle

Tuesday, December 15, saw the launch of the MICA Gallery's national art competition titled My Place on the Isle: Exploring Islam, Faith & Identity in Britain. The gallery is one in a long line of initiatives by Reedah Nijabat El-Saie, whose other achievements include the launch of ArRum, the UK's first Islamic space for art and culture in 2001.
The event was hosted by Kristiane Backer, whom some of you may remember as a German MTV presenter until she accepted Islam. Her journey is recorded in a text titled From MTV to Mecca — How Islam Changed My Life, the English translation of which is currently in process.

Introductions and speeches were provided from the likes of Shahid Malik, who stressed the importance of engaging communities and of focusing less on what makes us different and more on what we share in common.

Malik also made a very interesting observation: After the recent London bombings by terrorists claiming to follow the teachings of Islam, there was, relatively, little backlash against the Muslim community in London. Part of this is down to the nature and structure of London, which is built on diverse communities where people generally have a much more responsible and educated approach.

He continued to point out that when bombings took place in India, there was a tremendous backlash against Muslim communities, with at least 3,000 killed in retribution. Worse, and hypothetically, had a similar episode taken place in Pakistan by a group of terrorist Christians, the retribution the 1-percent Christian minority in the country would have faced would have been equally awful.

Those of us from the Indian Subcontinent must be honest in acknowledging the degree of racism that takes place. There is something about the UK, the people, the culture, and the community structures that allows anyone from anywhere to find a sense of comfort.

Similarly, Roxane Zand (also a Muslim) from the world famous auction house Sotheby's pointed out that throughout the ages, the medium of art has been regionally as well as locally used to help express feelings, emotions, and thoughts. Sometimes these thoughts are clear and transparent; at other times they lead individuals to think deeper in trying to understand the message portrayed.
And so, the medium of art is fundamental in bridging cultural gaps. And so, this initiative by El-Saie has been a long time coming. The opportunity for Muslims in the UK is to pool together their creative minds by contributing to an art competition in which the British Muslim identity can be quantified. Will there really be just one true winner? My suspicion is "no." Why? With such a diverse Muslim community within the UK, aside from art and expression being individual to cultures, they are also individual to people. There is not just one, single British Muslim identity, but tens, if not hundreds or thousands.

The competition will lead to an exhibition that MICA Gallery hopes to hold at the Saatchi Gallery (to be confirmed). It is anticipated that the winners will also participate in the Cultural Olympiad due to accompany the 2012 Olympic Games. So, if you are a budding artist — be it in painting, photography, print, sculpture, or digital media — do submit an entry.

The closing date for application is August 30. This opportunity will allow you to express your identity through a medium other than words, not to mention the great way it offers for you to start (or promote) your artistic career.

Farrukh I. Younus holds a master’s degree in international business management and works in the emerging telecom industry. He resides in Surrey, UK. His interests include travel, nouvelle cuisine, and chocolate.

Teaching Faith in America's Schools

The challenge of providing basic religious knowledge as part of the American school curriculum needs to be met with a bold, new approach. The separation of church and state has left teachers and administrators loath to broach the subject of religion in the classroom. However, it is essential to begin these discussions at a time when conversations of terrorism, politics, and war revolve around basic misconceptions about one another's beliefs, especially Islam.
Putting religion into its historical context, as well as examining current practices and shared beliefs, should be part of essential education if the coming generation is to overcome the rising tide of intolerance.

Wouldn't it be wonderful to hear talk about the "Judeo-Christian-Islamic tradition" instead of treating Islam as the "other"? All three religions encompass so many similar lessons that must be taught in conjunction with one another.

In addition, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Sikhism, not to mention the growing voice of agnostics and atheists, should not be overlooked as people are becoming increasingly interconnected.

Now and Before

I am privileged to have given more than 300 presentations about Islam since 2002. The overwhelming commonality of these experiences is that my audiences generally knew little about Islam, and what little they knew is predominantly negative!
Extremist groups and Internet blogs are taken at face value as representing entire religious groups. Lack of knowledge is easily replaced with ill will and even hatred.

Although the roots of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are briefly studied in both middle- and high-school curriculums across the country, the historical focus leaves students unaware of the state of current beliefs and practices, as well as commonalities, within these faith traditions. Spending only a few days or perhaps a week per religion leaves little time for detailed discussion. Therefore, the gaps in knowledge are mistakenly filled with media sound bites or spurious Internet rumors.

Rather than learning about each religion in isolation, national interfaith groups could formulate age-appropriate courses on religion that would provide the basics of the five most populous religions in a unified and cross-disciplinary style.

Religion is a sensitive, private issue, and rightly so. However, ignoring the relevance of knowledgeable religious discourse does our students a disservice. After all, schools are tasked with providing the tools to produce well-rounded, civic-minded graduates who acknowledge the basic freedoms guaranteed under the US Constitution.

What form could this educational packet take? It needs to be nonproselytizing, mindful of the diversity of practices among the cultures within each faith, and, above all, nonjudgmental. Teachers should distinguish between simple ignorance and blind prejudice about a faith group.

Facing stereotypes head on through games, role-playing, stories, and holidays remain popular teaching techniques that can prove immensely useful in initiating spirited discussions that may reveal more commonalities than what is readily apparent to students.

But, above all, teachers need to be confident that the basic religious facts in their curriculums stem from the most widespread, tolerant interfaith perspectives of each faith tradition, while acknowledging the historical and ongoing debates within faith traditions.

The Others...

Students are on the front lines in the battle for a civil society that focuses on social justice, equality under law, and freedom of religion. Their best weapon is honest, factual education.

As a Muslim, I feel that dispelling misconceptions about Islam is urgently necessary. But, as an American, I realize that teaching Islam in isolation will only increase the "otherizing" of Muslims, whereas putting Islam into context as the third Abrahamic Faith will create much needed goodwill among faith communities.

Additionally, focusing on the positive messages of "faith and works" common in every religion can be the common thread binding citizens together.

Even those of little or no faith can gather together with their neighbors to build bridges of understanding. Creating a simple educational unit that covers basic religious beliefs is a starting point, and we need to start now.

Dilara Hafiz is the Vice President of the Arizona Interfaith Movement and co-author of The American Muslim Teenager’s Handbook.

The Under-Reported Southern Philippines

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Iraqis Fear Bomb Rewards

BAGHDAD – The Iraqi government's plan to offer cash rewards for information that leads to preventing bomb attacks has fuelled fears among many that innocent people might be framed just for the money.
"The announcement was done without specific details so anyone could frame a person or place even without evidence," Moussa Kalil al-Jumairi, a political analyst and sociology teacher at Baghdad University, told IslamOnline.net.

"Officers won't think twice before arresting people and taking them to jail or interrogation detentions."

Iraq has been ravaged by a series of bomb attacks in the capital Baghdad, with more than 280 killed in the past two months.

The government blames the recent car bombs in Baghdad and Mosul on the Al-Qaeda group and Baathists.
It has since announced the creation of a new committee for intelligence and security, which will work with citizens to uncover terrorist cells.

Cash rewards to the tune of US $85,000 will be offered to anonymous informants who lead security forces to the places where bombs were being assembled.

Currently only people who give their names and addresses could receive such payment.

"In many neighbourhoods, residents might take advantage of this reward to force people who have a different sect out as was the case in Dora where 90 percent of the accusations proved ungrounded," al-Jumairi fears.

Khalid Ali Abdul-Kareem, a senior Defence Ministry officer, defend the cash rewards.

"People are scared and will never give information if they aren’t sure that their anonymity will be kept," he told IOL.

"Under this situation we believe that more information will come and soon we will have control over bomb attacks in Iraq."

On August 19, a double suicide attack against the Foreign and Finance ministries killed 106 people and wounded some 600 others.

On October 25, a similar attack killed 153 people and wounded more than 500 others.

Five consecutive attacks rocked Baghdad on December 8, killing 127 people and wounding 448 others.

Framed

There are also fears that some people might exploit the new system to frame innocent civilians for personal vendetta.

"A couple of months ago a friend of mine was arrested after an anonymous informant claimed he was working with terrorists," Firas Mohammad Abu Issa, an aid worker and human rights activist, he told IOL.

"After investigations they found out that his neighbour was trying to force him out from the district because of a dispute over a backyard area."

The friend, an aid worker himself, had to stay in jail for more than two weeks until authorities found out the truth.

"It is just an example of what can happen when the reward becomes part of our reality. Innocent people will be arrested and the delay in Iraq’s justice will make people suffer because of misinformation."

Some experts say the recent attacks might affect the voting choices of many Iraqis in the upcoming general elections, scheduled for March.

"Many Iraqis who voted for Maliki in previous elections are thinking whether keeping the same party in power will help them or worse the situation," Sami Zuhair, a political analyst and teacher at Mustansiriyah University, told IOL.

After weeks of wrangling that led to the postponing of the elections, originally scheduled for January, lawmakers approved a compromise election law earlier in December.

Maliki will be contesting the polls, scheduled for March 6, with a new coalition, The State of Law Coalition, which comprises 40 political parties as well as Sunni tribal leaders, Kurds and independents.

But his government has come under increasing fire in recent months over failure to stop car bomb attacks in Baghdad that destroyed many government buildings, killing and injuring hundreds of civilians.

"The recent attacks have been changing the way that Iraqis are looking at the future and might directly affect the final results of the upcoming elections," says Zuhair.

US Debates Anti-terror Cyber Battle

CAIRO — Some American experts believe their government should hunt and shut down websites seen as radicalizing Muslims, while others dismiss the approach as impractical and urge counter online campaigns.

"[Al-Qaeda doesn't] put people on planes anymore because they know we're good at spotting them," John Arquilla, a military theorist at the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, California, told Time magazine on Wednesday, December 23.

"And if we take away cyberspace we would achieve a crippling effect on the global terror network."

Some believe the US administration has done very little to fight the anti-terror battle in the cyberspace.

"Instead of thinking of cyberspace principally as a place to gather intelligence, we need to elevate it to the status of ‘battlespace'," Arquilla told the House Armed Services Committee last week during a hearing on the threat of online radicalization.

"This means that we either want to exploit terrorists' use of the Web and Net unbeknownst to them, or we want to drive them from it."

Many experts recognize that Al-Qaeda has become tech- and media-savvy in recent years.

Dozens of audio and video message produced by its media arm, as-Sahab, are immediately available on the internet.

Futile

But some experts are skeptical about the success prospects of declaring war at such websites, also citing their importance as source for intelligence gathering.

"If you shut down one of their websites today, they have a complete copy elsewhere and can put it up on a new server and have it up tomorrow," says Evan Kohlmann of the NEFA Foundation, created following 9/11 to track terrorism.

He believes such websites are a treasure of information overlooked by the US and are the only window the rest of the world has into al-Qaeda and other such groups.

"[This] would be like firing cruise missiles at our own spy satellites.

"If you start shutting down the websites it's like chopping up a jellyfish — you end up with lots of little pieces that are very difficult to monitor."

Scholars like Chris Boucek, of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, believe shutting down websites is not the answer.

"We're talking about a movement that's based on ideas and grievances, so we need to understand those ideas and grievances," Boucek says.

"Failing to engage in debate on those issues means we're ceding all of that to them, and that makes no sense to me."

Boucek lauded a Saudi campaign, Sakina, which helps scholars to go online to militant websites and debate what is and isn't permitted by Islam.

"There's a multiplying effect when they put this on their website for other people to read.

"Also on their website are different documents and studies, recantation videos, things like that that explain extremism and radicalization."

Boucek believes Washington should launch a similar program to be handled by academics rather than by government officials.

"You can't have the American military telling people what their religion allows.

"It's shocking to me that eight years into this conflict, we don't have a formal institution doing this."