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Omek Interactive and Panasonic Electric Works Partner to Develop Line of 3D Gesture Recognition and Interactive SolutionsJan 12, 2011 (Close-Up Media via COMTEX) -- Omek Interactive, a developer of gesture recognition and full-body tracking solutions, and Panasonic Electric Works, a provider of motion sensors and electronic components, have announced a partnership to enable gaming, digital signage and entertainment providers to create 3D experiences for consumers. Panasonic's 3D imaging sensor, the D-IMager, is a near infrared sensor using a proprietary CCD to capture movement or gestures based on the Time-of-Flight (ToF) principle. When combined with Omek's gesture recognition engine, a variety of interactive applications, including digital signage, entertainment and interactive point of sale systems can be developed. Omek's software package includes gesture packs for Natural User Interface controls (NUI) such as scrolling and selecting and application packs featuring Follow Bubble and Lucky Lotto. Follow Bubble creates on-screen speech bubbles that follow people as they come within range of the camera and display. Lucky Lotto displays boxes (or other shapes) with symbols "hidden" under them. As potential customers walk by the display, it asks them to choose by using a hand gesture to reveal prizes or coupons. "You can think of it as an interactive 'touchless' screen," said Rebecca Rachmany, Sr. Marketing Director of Omek Interactive. "A user only needs to be close to the screen and the screen 'interacts' with you. Wave your hand and it waves back. Applications can be developed where people can experience the feeling of flying, dancing or catching virtual objects. For advertisers, this opens up an entirely new toolbox and a world of possibilities that will attract customers and create unique experiences." The Panasonic 3D sensor enables gesture recognition and full body motion tracking using real time three-dimensional information. It also allows consumers to control in-store electronic displays, play games and interact with advertising and information screens. The solution provides accurate tracking in a range of lighting conditions, including brightly lit environments. ((Comments on this story may be sent to [email protected])) |