ZCam is a prototype technology from Israeli firm 3DV Systems, which does roughly the same thing as Sony’s EyeToy gaming camera, but with more features. Specifically, it captures depth, rather than just movements to the side.
The effect? You can punch away in a boxing game, and it has an accurate idea of how you’re swinging. You can move your hands, legs, head or fingers in any direction, and they’ll be mirrored on-screen by a character. The video above shows 3DV’s representative demonstrating the boxing, to knockout effect.
It can also be used to control an avatar on-screen, while the technology is sensitive enough to pick up finger movements, allowing you to control, say, an interactive menu system on your TV by pinching your fingers, or waving them.