Turin, Italy based Video Computer SpA has unveiled a new head- activated 3D pointing device for hands-free computer control, aimed at any application that currently uses a joystick. The product, dubbed UR Gear comprises a headset with integrated stereo headphones and integrated microphone. The makers are pushing the device as a high-end joystick and mouse, targeting the volume PC games market. The helmet relays left/right and up/down as well as forward and reverse movements via an infrared monitor-mounted receiver that measures proximity to the computer and plugs into the PC via the serial and joystick ports. There’s a hand held touch pad with four programmable buttons for other game functions and the package also includes voice recognition software from Dragon Systems Inc for basic mouse functions. Video Computer was founded 10 years ago but up until now has focused on manufacturing and distributing PCs in the Italian market. The diversification came almost by fluke, after the company funded a group of independent engineers to develop a hands free product for the disabled as part of a charity program. It acquired rights to the design and commissioned an unnamed Japanese manufacturer to roll out the products. Video Computer says the headset uses revolutionary infrared position sensing which requires just one source module and one detector, rather than the standard triangulation method, which needs at least two detectors. Using just one source module and one detector makes the product much cheaper to produce, it claims. The company says the device uses chips from National Semiconductor Corp with micro code burned on the ROM, but was reluctant to release specific technical details. Video Computer says it is currently looking to develop the technology for other business applications, and expects this to be the first in a line of new products. The company does not want its offering besmirched by comparison to Virtual Reality helmets, which have largely failed to take-off in the consumer marketplace, although it says the basic idea, to immerse players in the game, is the same. The main difference is that although users control movement with their head, they watch the monitor rather than a miniature LCD display inside the helmet. Video Computer also claims its offering will be a mass market low cost device, adding that it can be used with any game that currently uses a joystick and runs on Windows 3.1, Windows 95 or DOS. The company is initially looking to sell through high street retailers in the US, UK and Japan but says it has also been approached by several game manufacturers with a view to bundling deals. The privately held company has revenues of around $60m and says in plans to float on London’s AIM exchange later in the year. A spokesperson says it hopes to shift a couple of million units in its first year of sales. UR Gear will be shipping in March, priced at around $100.
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