Milpitas, CA--Optical communications and sensing network component manufacturerJDSU (NASDAQ: JDSU) is providing core optical technology for the Kinect system that enables the new Microsoft Xbox One entertainment and communications console to provide more-precise 3D sensing and gesture recognition capabilities. In addition to enabling consumers to control Xbox One applications using body movements or gestures instead of using a traditional game controller, the new sensor can now sense multiple users and also much more subtle activities such as facial expressions and heart rate and incorporate them into various Xbox One applications.
JDSU says its technology is a key component in Microsoft's development of the unique and custom optical design for Kinect. The custom optical design includes the first time-of-flight 3D camera to be produced in mass volumes. With time-of-flight technology, pulses of light are rapidly projected out from the Kinect sensor to detect and gather key information from a person that is then filtered back into a 3D camera lens using low-angle shift optical filters from JDSU.
The newest near-infrared (IR) light source technology from JDSU that generates these invisible pulses of light does so at the highest power and fastest speed to allow for the improved sensing and high-resolution capabilities. These core optical technologies include new 'active IR' capability to resolve issues that used to occur when room lighting would change. Now the system can detect and track users even when the lights are out. In addition, the technology includes a high-definition and high-fidelity 3D map sensor to track even small changes in depth and detect details like buttons on a shirt.
"With the new Kinect, 3D sensing has gone beyond making hand gestures at a screen to play a game, it is a much more immersive experience," said Alan Lowe, president of Communications and Commercial Optical Products at JDSU. "We're proud to collaborate once again with Microsoft to develop the highest performing, most innovative and most reliable optical solutions that further break down barriers between people and technology."