Disney invents the 3D colouring book (video)

3 Oct 2015

Colouring will never be the same ever again.

Disney has a research division that is on the verge of revolutionising colouring books forever by using augmented reality to bring pages to life in 3D. Yes, colouring-in in the 21st century is coming to life!

Not many people know this, but Disney has its own R&D operation in Zurich, Switzerland, focused on the future of children’s entertainment and education.

In a paper for the IEE Symposium on Mixed and Augmented Reality, the Disney Research team showed how colouring with crayons and markers has a future in a world of digital devices like smartphones and tablet computers.

“Augmented reality holds unique potential to impact this situation by providing a bridge between real-world activities and digital enhancements,” Disney Research said.

disney-3D-coloring

Disney Research showed how, through an app on a smartphone or tablet computer, it could bring a physical drawing to life in real-time by creating an animated 3D version of the character, which is textured through the combination of several types of technology.

Just like with your favourite Walt Disney movies as a child, you have to admit the results are enchanting and unforgettable. Have a look for yourself.

Gigglebit is Siliconrepublic’s daily dose of the funny and fantastic in science and tech, to help start your day on a lighter note – because sometimes the lighter side of STEM should be taken seriously, too.

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com