14 DAY TRIAL // It seems that the buzz created around Microsoft's Kinect motion controller is major enough in order to prompt other companies to try to come up with a few such solutions of their own, and one of the first to do so is Panasonic, who's just presented to the world its new 3D image depth sensor, called “D-IMager”.
Developed by Panasonic Electric Works Corp of America, the sensor enables gesture recognition and full body motion tracking using real time three-dimensional information to provide fully interactive experiences.
The sensor employs a controller-free computer interface based on the Time-of-Flight (ToF) principle and uses a proprietary CCD in conjunction with near infrared LEDs (160x120 array) for superior three dimensional accuracy that can be used to detect human movement and hand gestures.
The D-IMager's impressive specifications include an average current consumption of only 0.4A, allowing it to be lightweight and fan-less, its viewing capability having a fixed angle of 60 degrees horizontal and 44 degrees vertically, operating at a 1.2m to 9m range and being capable of frame rates up to 30 fps.
The D-IMager is powered by a 24V DC supply (0.4A average) and connects with a windows based operating system via a standard USB 2.0 cable.
According to the company's own statement, the new technology is suited for various interactive applications including digital signage, medical, amusement, immersive multimedia and video games.
Furthermore, the D-IMager can be used in various security applications such as anti-tailgating systems and people counting and also allows consumers to control in-store electronic displays, play games and interact with advertising and information screens, all without the need to touch a screen or press a button.
No pricing details have been provided, but to be perfectly honest, we're quite eagerly looking forward to seeing this thing in action and being able to decide whether it's capable of go directly against the Microsoft Kinect or not.