WorldViz Uses Microsoft Kinect to Create Gesture-Controlled 3D Realities

When Mictosoft launched its Kinect technology, it was advertised as a new sort of game controller based on scanning human motions, but it has since crossed over into other territories, in this case that of gesture-controlled virtual realities.

When Microsoft's Kinect came out, it was official that technology had reached the point where it could respond to mere human motion affordably.

Initially, Kinect was a game controller of sorts, but it was inevitable that other industry sectors would experiment with it.

  This once, WorldViz has stepped up to show that it had used Kinect to make gesture-controlled 3D virtual reality applications (it added the functionality to the VIZARD 3D software toolkit).

“This is a great step in our mission of bringing virtual reality to the mainstream,” said Peter Schlueer, President of WorldViz.

“Think about combining this intuitive interaction technology with the newly available low-cost 3D TVs or 3D projectors, and you can see VIZARD users create exciting interactive simulations at unprecedented price points. And on top of that, applications built with VIZARD Enterprise can be redistributed royalty free.”

Natural hand and body gestures are all people need now in order to interact with 3D simulations, as revealed in the special video that WorldViz put up.

Product visualization, physical rehabilitations, training and other things are set to benefit from this new milestone.

“The Microsoft Kinect motion and gesture tracking device is without doubt the most affordable and robust technology in its class,” says Andrew Beall, CEO at WorldViz.

“Without any encumbrances whatsoever, it can track hands, recognize gestures, and even track your entire body. For less than US$150 you can buy a Kinect stand-alone sensor from your local electronics retailer and connect it directly to your PC’s USB port. Then with VIZARD installed, you’ll be developing gesture controlled applications before you know it.”