Following up on its use of 3D scanning to bring thousands of interactive 3D models to your computer, Sketchfab is taking a foray into the fourth dimension: time.
In a collaboration with TimeSlice Films, Sketchfab has started hosting interactive 4D models, which might sound a little confusing, but it makes sense once you see it.
This is a 4D model of Tim:
Tim, captured in 4D with GoPro by Timeslice on Sketchfab
The best way to describe what this is exactly is that it’s a 3D GIF that allows you to freely change your perspective as it replays. It almost looks like a real-life version of a malfunctioning video game character model.
By using 53 GoPro cameras, TimeSlice was able to capture a short video of Tim from different angles, which they then stitched together. Sketchfab comes in by creating the software to host the 4D model.
Each individual frame is a 3D model, but adding time to the equation gives it that fourth dimension.
The image is a bit jumpy around the edges, especially around hair, but as people continue to use and improve upon this technology and capturing technique we could be checking out 4D shorts or performances that let the viewer see every possible angle. Capturing innovations like this could be used to get an in-depth look at an athlete’s techniques or a dancer’s performance.