As 3D imaging emerged as a theme at the IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin, the Fraunhofer Institute for Telecommunications took the technology a step further and presented its research on 3D gesture control.

Called the iPoint 3D, the hardware and software components allow two hands to control actions on a screen in three dimensions. The interactive exhibit allows users to view 3D images without special glasses and to manipulate virtual objects without a remote control, according to Paul Chojecki, a researcher at the Berlin-based institute.

The institute showed how the technology works with a game of ping pong.

Two players stand about 3 meters away from a Philips 3D television and extend their hands. Above the players, on the ceiling, is a hardware unit that contains two cameras, a bank of infrared lights and a laser. The laser shines down and creates a reference point for players to line their wrists up with. Then as users move their hands the cameras capture the motion and the virtual ping-pong paddles respond accordingly.

More: http://pcworld.com/article/171449/