Microsoft’s system seems to be based off the ZCam developed by 3DV Systems. The camera aspect of their motion control works by emitting short burst of infrared light and then measuring the refection to judge distance, angle and movement within its scope of vision. I liken it to sonar but with light. I should reiterate that this is infrared technology (found in most television remotes) so unlike the current crop of eye toys, this system needs no ambient light and can work equally as well in dark rooms. Additionally, the software is smart enough to detect changes in position of your head, body, hands and fingers.
While that sounds exciting, recently a new rumor surfaced on the web concerning J. Allard and something called the “magic wand”. Allard is joined by four others as inventors of an external electronic device manipulation system according to their patent application. The description states that the system “can utilize one or more sensor from a collection of sensors to determine an orientation or gesture in connection with the wand.”
I’m not certain that in couple of weeks, I’ll understand any more about these gadgets than I do now. Last year there was a flurry of speculation linking motion control to the release of the Banjo-Kazooie game, and that went nowhere. All of this conjecture could be more fluff. But, if there is any truth to these rumors, I am anxious to hear how the products work and see what comes from their implementation.
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