14 DAY TRIAL // Stargate fans now have the chance to get a more palpable experience of the universe aboard the Destiny. By embracing Microsoft's Photosynth technology MGM (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios) have put together a couple of synths featuring a corridor and the gate room aboard the ship. “A corridor aboard the Destiny. Explore it to find some hidden surprises,” reads the invitation presented to users by the website. In addition, visitors will also be able to get a close view of the Stargate featured in the series.
Microsoft Photosynth allows 3D spaces to be constructed out of 2D digital images. But the technology takes it one step further. Users can also navigate the three-dimensional spaces put together, by jumping from one image to another. It is the case of the Stargate synths. While selecting specific images, users will be able to access information describing the details they are able to see in the digital pictures.
“This front view of the Stargate aboard the Destiny gives a close up view of one of its nine chevrons and its symbols. The symbols correspond to symbols in the Destiny's DHD,” is the description for an image. “Above the gate is the gate bearing. It lights up briefly and goes out when symbols lock under it. Once the puddle is formed the gate bearing stays lit while the gate is active,” reads the text associated with another.
Synths are navigable via the mouse. Users can zoom in and zoom out, pan and rotate the perspective as much as the 3D space allows them to. “Photosynth is an entirely new visual medium. Photosynth analyzes a set of photos of a place or an object for similarities each other, and uses that data to estimate where a photo was taken and build a model of the subject. It then re-creates the environment and uses that as a canvas on which to display the photos. Photosynth is available for free here, where you can explore creations from users around the world and build synths of your own,” Microsoft revealed.