Gamers listen up: 3DV Systems, a pioneer Israeli tech startup and world leader in 3D video imaging, has developed a revlutionary technology that could revolutionize the $30 billion gaming industry. It’s latest development is called ZCam™ – a low cost 3D camera for the PC with gesture recognition capability and unique video imaging technology. Zcam senses the distance between the player and the imaging sensor in real time and at high resolution. Because it relies strictly on the reflection of the light from the camera, it does not need ambient light to work, allowing ZCam to function in a dark room, or with any kind of background, bright, dark or otherwise. The ZCam works by the infrared emission of short pulses, and then measure the reflections off objects.
But isn’t it like the Nintendo’s Wii or Sony’s Eyetoy? No, according to Tomer Barel, 3DV’s VP of marketing and product management, Zcam is a big step forward. Devices like the EyeToy work in 2D only, and that limits their effectiveness for games like boxing. The Wiimote’s movement is limited -with Zcam you can actually pick up your tennis club.
ZCam uses patented technology which enables the camera to perceive depth recognize human gestures, translating movements in the physical world into on-screen action. As gamers become the interface, the game design will determine how the inputs work: motion can be navigated simply with a thumb or the entire body can become the controller through three-dimensional movement. The player can be represented in the game with his/her own real-time image and the game can be operated either bare-handed or with a designated object, replacing the need for a control pad.
A video is worth a 1000 images. Click on the links bellow to see the power of 3Dv’s technology:
- Throw a ball at your TV
- Video conferencing with the background of your choice
- A new gaming experience
For additional demo clips of Zcam, check out the gallery section .
The implications of this technology can go far beyond gaming. Leveraging the potential of Zcam could change all human-machine interfaces in industries such as automotive, security, robotics and consumer electronics.
The firm was founded ten years ago and is based in Yokneam, Israel. It is led by CEO Zvika Klier, a serial entrepreneur and previously the founder and CEO of GammaSense. Investors include Kleiner Perkins, Pitango, Elron Electronics Industries and the Rafael Development Corporation (RDC).
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I'm a former general partner at google ventures, head of Google for Entrepreneurs in Europe and founding head of Campus London, Google's first physical hub for startups.
I'm also the founder of Techbikers, a non-profit bringing together the startup ecosystem on cycling challenges in support of Room to Read. Since inception in 2012 we've built 11 schools and 50 libraries in the developing world.
