Virtual Reality

zSpace display simulates motion parallax for more immersive 3D

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The zSpace 3-D display implements motion parallax by tracking the user's head movements to achieve a new level of realism (Image: Infinite Z)
The display includes cameras that track the position of the user's glasses and stylus in real time (Image: Infinite Z)
The zSpace display could also find application in gaming (Image: Infinite Z)
The zSpace 3-D display implements motion parallax by tracking the user's head movements to achieve a new level of realism (Image: Infinite Z)
The zSpace display could find use in CAD/CAM applications (Image: Infinite Z)
The display comes with a projector and a stylus that can be used to manipulate virtual objects (Image: Infinite Z)
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A new interactive 3-D display developed by Californian startup Infinite Z can track hand and eye movements in real time to let users manipulate virtual objects in three dimensions in a highly intuitive way. The zSpace display could bring a new level of realism to computer-aided design, virtual reality simulations, and even gaming.

There's no doubt that 3D displays have brought a level of interactivity and sense of immersion that isn't available with 2D. And yet, be it on a small TV or on the big screen, the illusion of depth is far from being entirely convincing. One of the reasons behind this is that traditional 3D displays can simulate binocular parallax – the slight difference in perspective that we witness from each eye – but not motion parallax – the depth cue by which we get a different point of view whenever we move our head with respect to an object.

Infinite Z's display addresses this issue by embedding infrared markers into its companion glasses. The markers allow the position of the viewer's head to be tracked and the three-dimensional image is adjusted accordingly, in real time. The result is when wearing the glasses, the viewer is presented with a much more intuitive experience in which virtual objects can be viewed from different perspectives as their point of view changes.

The zSpace display could also find application in gaming (Image: Infinite Z)

But this isn't all: besides being aware of the position of the viewer's eyes, the display also tracks the position of a stylus that can be used to manipulate the virtual objects in three dimensions, in a way that feels more natural.

The technology, which the company calls "Virtual Holographic 3-D," could become a hit in computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), where it could lead to a much more intuitive way of quickly prototyping and tweaking new designs.

Should costs decrease – as they likely will – it is also not inconceivable that either the technology or one much like it could affirm itself as the new gold standard for virtual reality, immersive computer gaming and, perhaps, even provide elements for a much more intuitive and immersive user interface.

With a not-so-modest price tag of US$3,995, this technology may not become mainstream for some time yet. If you're a software developer who would like to create software that works with the display, however, the good news is that you can get your hands on one for considerably less – just $1,500.

The video below from Infinite Z showcases the zSpace display technology.

Source: Infinite Z via Technology Review

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3 comments
JAT
Don't know if I like were all this 'virtual' stuff is going. When it's good enough, some folks will spend their entire lives in a virtual world. How sad will that be.... a new form of addiction.
Robert Janca
I had the opportunity to try the ZSpace display a few weeks ago. I can definitely see this technology becoming the future of virtual reality. It is really amazing and works smoothly. It took me a few hours to realize just how new and interesting it really is. Straight out of a William Gibson novel.
christopher
@JAT - pick up a William Gibson novel :-)
The LEAP-Motion would be perfect for use instead of a stylus - lets you use your fingers to manipulate 3D space (think: kinect, but 1000x more accurate, and just for your hands).