Microsoft Licenses 3D TouchLight IP

http://www.techweb.com/wire/software/190900007

By Laurie Sullivan , TechWeb Technology News

Microsoft Corp.'s research lab has developed technology that lets people navigate through 3D holographic-like computer images projected on a glass screen with a wave of their hand.

The ToughLight technology was developed at Microsoft Research, the software maker's arm devoted to futuristic ideas, and licensed to startup EON Reality Inc.

The deal allows EON to build platforms and sell the technology. In fact, Dan Lejerskar, EON's executive vice president for development, said the Irvine, Calif.-based company has sold the first system to Technicum CAST, a research and development firm in Bangor, Whales, which serves the aerospace industry.

Lejerskar said EON will integrate the technology into its existing product lines for aerospace, automotive, commercial and defense industries. The initial focus is on product launches. For example, vendors could use the technology to demonstrate a product or provide detailed views of different components at tradeshows or on showroom floors.

Retail stores could benefit from the platform, too. "Imagine the possibility of trying on different outfits without getting undressed," Lejerskar said. "The technology lets you capture an image of your face and superimpose the picture on various garments to get an idea of how the outfit looks."

The technology combines three cameras to capture motion and photograph objects, as well as projection system with screen, computer, and software. The high-end application will cost about $60,000.

Interactive media gives companies the feedback to measure if the influence on consumer behavior. "I'm not aware of another company working with this type of technology," said Nikki Baird, senior analyst for consumer markets at Forrester Research Inc. "There's an interactive floor display at the Virgin Megastore in Times Square developed by GestureTek and Epson, but that's as close as I've seen."

The technology is similar to the one captured in the movie "Minority Report," in which Tom Cruise's character prevents crime by pulling up information on a glass screen using a wave of his hands. But unlike in the movie, TouchLight doesn't require headset, gloves, or glasses.

Thirty-one-year-old Boston-based technology enthusiast Mike Brown plans to take a vacation soon to either Bermuda or the Bahamas and would find it helpful to see the hotels in 3D prior to making a decision on which to book. "I can also see real estate companies using this technology to give prospective buyers a way to view the property before you physically go to see it," he said.

Microsoft IP Ventures senior director David Harnett said video game companies and movie theaters could also potentially adopt the technology to interact with consumers.

Microsoft licensed the technology through its IP Ventures program, which gives emerging companies a jump start in developing their own products by allowing them to license fledgling technologies.

IP Ventures was launched in May 2005 to expedite commercialization of new innovations generated from the company's significant research and development investment. Companies licensing the IP include Enterprise Ireland, the Finnish National Fund for Research and Development (Sitra), Inrix, Skinkers, Softedge-Systems, Vimio plc and Wallop Inc.

A demonstration of the technology is available here.