Microsoft algorithm uses six-axis motion sensors to fix blurry snapshots, inadvertently pimping your ride
Trying to snap a shot of your cherry red Mazda, but can't keep your hands still? You'll find all the tech you need to smooth things out in an iPhone 4 or (MotionPlus-equipped) Nintendo Wiimote. Experimenting with 6DOF inertial measurement sensor packages, scientists at Microsoft Research have developed a software algorithm that literally records your exposure-destroying shake via accelerometer and gyroscope, then magically removes the blur by canceling it out. While the technique still isn't perfect -- spot ghostly line above some of those background cars -- the Microsoft researchers compared their results to other in-progress algorithms, and we think you'll agree this new solution presents the best results by far. It's a shame Microsoft doesn't say when we'll see the tech in a spiffy DSLR attachment, or better yet a cameraphone. See before and after animated GIFs after the break, and find high-res comparison images and much more at our source link.




































this will be sweet if they come out with it for the iPhone 4
@bobcobb
Yeah.... that seems obvious for a Microsoft solution, right? lol
But seriously. NO MORE MR. BLURRYCAM!!! This is awesome!
@bobcobb WP7 my friend, WP7. And those pictures are giving me seizures left right and centre.
@bobcobb
"Sensors" seem hardware related, of which no Droid phone currently has, just the gyroscope in the iPhone4. But doubt MS will give such a great benefit to one of its greatest competitors. Look for it in NEWER Android phones, maybe (hopefully) and WinPho7 series devices, for sure.
@bobcobb
If nothing else, I hope that there's some information about the accelerometer data saved in the picture so that when I sync my iPhone with my Windows PC, I'll be able to de-blur the picture. An iPhone app would be nice though.
@Dellibedaboss
The Galaxy S has a gyroscope.
@Dellibedaboss isn't android a competitor to wp7?
@system22, yes. But Android and WP7 people get a long a lot better.
@Dellibedaboss
If you think they would never give this tech to one of their "greatest competitors", then what makes you think it will ever get onto an Android phone? Google is much more of a competitor to Microsoft than Apple is.
@Dellibedaboss
I got a gyroscope in my Samsung Galaxy S(captivate), stop dick ridding apple.
@Templarian
Of course we relate. we r not egocentric as other "brand" users/company...
With all seriousness, I DON'T want to see this tech in a DSLR! Guys, really, tell me, what are professionals good for if you compensate for EVERYTHING automatically by default? If you can't shoot crisp photos, DON'T BUY A DSLR!
Other than that, for mobile phones, this is a whole lot a different question and in that regard, I'M ALL FOR IT! :)
How do we know your not just blurring the original and then defaulting? Huh, huh?
@Mike10010100 Apple and Microsoft do cross-license on other stuff, so they might find a way to play nice on this.
@loocas
So people who have hands that shake can't get into photography?
Should we take away wheelchairs from those that can't walk? What kind of response is that?
@loocas
Those "professionals" already use a piece of technology called a vibration reduction (VR) lens. It's how they can take crisp pictures without a tripod but also without a flash.
@loocas
Any decent photographer will tell you that there is so much more to photography then just compensating for shake or any other technical detail. Everyone can put their DSLR on a tripod or use VR to eliminate shake, but that doesn't mean they'll be able to compose a breath taking shot. God knows that's something I struggle with.
@Mike10010100
please please please MS....development this for use in your phones. cuz i really do have shaky hands.
@loocas Says the pinhole camera guy. Are you also against improvements in sensor technology either? Let's go back to film, so we never have any of these issues ever again.
@paul34
LOL before VR there was this thing called shutter speed, F-Stop, and film speed (ISO these days). That's what the pros use actually...
@Dellibedaboss
You don't need that silly iPhone4 gyroscope to accomplish this task. Almost all Android (and older iPhones) have the hardware you need to do this.
@paul34 the pro actually disable the VR to get a tack sharp picture. most pro using sniping technique to stabilize their hand and camera.
@TheJason
FTA: "Our approach uses a combination of inexpensive gyroscopes and accelerometers..." and right now, the iPhone is the only smartphone on the market with a gyroscope. Ironically, WP7 won't even have gyroscope support at launch.
@tonicboy and right now, the iPhone and the Samsung Galaxy S [are] the only smartphone[s] on the market with a gyroscope. Ironically, WP7 won't even have gyroscope support at launch.
Fixed that for ya...
@tonicboy The Captivate has a gyroscope.
@Dellibedaboss All the Samsung Galaxy S' have 6-axis gyro's. So... Sorry to disappoint you. Apple didn't invent this either.
@N900
I thought the Galaxy S is basically the iPhone 4 alternative (spec wise except antenna, memory and OS differences). Now that I learn it has a Gyro ... wow, this is great news. But I still hate the hell out of it since I learnt yesterday that it lacks an LED-flashlight.
@bobcobb
The iPhone 4 is the only phone that could use this at the moment; no other phones have gyros.
@Timmmmmm You're not very observant, are you? ^^
Actually Samsung "invented" the technology, as the Galaxy S was available in stores almost a full month earlier than the old-school iPhone 4.
@paul34 Oh, sure... So the difference between a pixel POSTPROCESSING and manual compensation in the lense doesn't ring any bells to you and tons of others who downranked me, obviously.
@1mc : If handholding, and not shooting with flash, the "pro" will tend to use VR (or IS) just like everyone else.
You tend to turn off IS or VR for tripod-based shots.
This seems really great! Could be the standard for Cameras in a few years. Let's see if programmers can write some code for jailbroken iPhones to bring this technology to the phone.
Hopefully this helps spy photos of unreleased gadgets!
Finally a workaround for my shaky hands! Do want.
Let's hope it comes out on Android first!
@Redyz
Yeah. Right
Microsoft develops a technology.
Android gets it first.
Fool.
First you need an android phone with a gyroscope and accelerometer
@MattsZ
First we need an iPhone with Phone functionalities :/
Because we do need to be able to make calls for a camera app to work.
@MattsZ
Samsung Galaxy S... next requirement?
iPhowned
Now what about that fog that we all get from camera phones?
@Baconbits That's called grease and fingerprints on the camera sensor. Try cleaning it with some rubbing alcohol and a q-tip.
Those shots were taken inside the parking garage right in front of MSR building 99
@hmmwv
But who still puts a bra on their car anymore? DORK.
@Dank Dillweed People who tailgate semis trying to draft behind it.
@Dank Dillweed
People with sagging headlights?
that's not smart cause my eyes are trying to adjust and it just keeps burning
No more Mr. Blurrycam? Hoorrayyy!
i hope it can un blur mr blurrycam's blurry shots.