In a 2010 “Future of Photoshop” demonstration, Adobe unveiled its light field algorithm using the Nvidia Graphics Processing Unit, processing at 120 Hz.

VIDEO 5 min. 28 sec. The video below explains that Adobe’s early algorithm would take about an hour to perform the focusing from a plenoptic (multi-lens or multi-camera) camera prototype of its own making. After combining multiple Central Processing Units and developing a better algorithm, the rendering time was reduced to about 1 minute. With an updated Graphics Processing Unit, i.e., Nvidia’s texture-mapping Graphics Processing Unit, being utilized, a light field image could be performed at 120 Hz., making the processing speed almost instant.

If you visited the Michelangelo link on the previous page, you will recall that 1999 digitizing of Michelangelo’s allegorical statue of Night took 8 all-night sessions to photograph. In that process, the light field digitizing was done laboriously by hand, without expectation of refocusing in a later process.

Nvidia’s texture mapping Graphics Processing Unit chip is utilized in the video below. As you view this video, watch for the audience reaction at about 3 min. 12 sec.

If you wish to see the fuller version of this presentation, the following video takes 11 min., 12 sec., and will fill some background information.

The light field process of photography, combining plenoptics with faster and more capable computing power and algorithms, has come into the forefront of many software applications. To see a video explaining the science behind light field technology, and summarizing its many uses, visit the next page.