Instead of collecting data in two dimensions using streamers and then processing the data to produce a 3-D image, they decided to move to three-dimensional acquisition.

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The image used here required a huge amount of data processing, which was performed by Ignacio Toledo at the ALMA OSF.

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Nikon's exclusive EXPEED 3 image processing engine interprets the massive amount of image data flowing from the sensor to quickly process images and HD video.

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The current 3D camera module developed by Sharp incorporates functions to process the image data output by the left and right cameras, including Color Synchronizing Processing to adjust color and brightness, Timing Synchronizing Processing to synchronize the timing of the video signals, and Optical Axis Control Processing to correct positioning.

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The focus of the hardware is to significantly speed up data processing for large, data crunching operations like compression, image recognition, and search functions.

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The supplied image processing software, "SIGMA Photo Pro", converts RAW data quickly and easily.

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