Sensics and SMI bring Virtual Reality Eye Tracking to OSVR

Sensics and SMI bring Virtual Reality Eye Tracking to OSVR

COLUMBIA, Maryland, SAN FRANCISCO and TELTOW, Germany, October 5, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

    SensoMotoric Instruments (SMI) and Sensics release the first eye tracking plug-in for
the Open Source Virtual Reality (OSVR) [http://www.osvr.org ] software platform

    The Organizers of Open Source Virtual Reality (OSVR) [http://www.osvr.org ] today
announce a new software plug-in that supports eye tracking technology by SensoMotoric
Instruments (SMI). [http://www.smivision.com ] The OSVR eye tracking interface brings
vendor-agnostic real-time eye and gaze data to the open software and hardware platform for
virtual reality. The SMI plug-in implements this interface, allowing developers to easily
integrate SMI eye tracking data with the range of game engines supported by the OSVR. The
plug-in connects SMI's unique and proven eye tracking upgrade for the Oculus Rift DK2
[http://www.smivision.com/en/gaze-and-eye-tracking-systems/products/eye-tracking-hmd-upgrade.html ]
to OSVR core software and, through it, to the universe of supported interfaces.
The plug-in has been developed by Sensics, Inc. [http://www.sensics.com ], founding
contributor to OSVR, in collaboration with SMI. It is accessible in open-source form from
the OSVR-SMI github repository: https://github.com/OSVR/OSVR-SMI).

         (Photo:
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151005/273817 )

    Eye Tracking devices are effective tools to create interaction inside VR and gaming
environments providing an intuitive way to make selections, move objects, or to create
life-like animations of avatars. The SMI plug-in for OSVR uses the SMI SDK to stream
real-time eye tracking data via the OSVR EyeTracker interface, including 3D gaze direction
and eye images. Via OSVR, SMI eye tracking data can also be integrated into Unity, Unreal
and additional game engines.

    The SMI plug-in connects SMI's HMD eye tracking technology to the OSVR universe. The
SMI Eye Tracking upgrade for the Oculus Rift DK2 is designed for VR developers and
researchers and is a proven high performance eye tracking solution for VR applications. It
comes with a calibration-free user mode for quick and easy setup. A fully automatic slip
compensation allows users to move or take the headset on or off without impact on data
robustness.

    SMI also provides an OEM Eye Tracking Platform and reference designs for Virtual
Reality Headsets ready for pick up by HMD manufacturers.

    "Eye tracking has huge potential to enhance natural interaction with VR content", says
Yuval Boger, CEO of Sensics, founding contributor to OSVR. "SMI products provide excellent
out-of-the-box experience and we are glad to collaborate with them in building the OSVR
SMI plug-in, providing a standards-based eye tracking interface to game developers."

    "SMI's engagement in the OSVR project is fully in line with SMI's continuous support
for the VR community", says Christian Villwock, Director of SMI's OEM Solutions Business.
"By providing an alternative interface to SMI's SDK, SMI emphasizes the diversity of VR
and makes it even easier for developers and academia to use the tools they already favor.
The SMI OSVR plug-in adds another widely accessible way to interface SMI's eye tracking
technology."

    About OSVR 

    OSVR(TM) is a software platform designed to set an open standard for virtual reality
input devices, games and output to provide the best possible VR game experience. Supported
by industry leaders, the OSVR framework unites developers and gamers alike under a single
platform. For additional information, please visit: http://www.osvr.org.

    About Sensics 

    Sensics creates cutting-edge VR products, combining technology, passion and expertise
rooted in many years of delivering to the world's top organizations. A founding
contributor to OSVR, Sensics is at the forefront of open-source VR, advancing choice and
innovation alongside a community of contributors and partners. For additional information,
please visit: http://www.sensics.com.

    About SMI 

    SensoMotoric Instruments (SMI) is a world leader in eye tracking technology,
developing and marketing eye & gaze tracking solutions for scientists and professionals,
OEM and medical solutions for a wide range of applications. Find out more at
http://www.smivision.com. Follow @SMIeyetracking on Facebook
[https://www.facebook.com/smieyetracking ], Flickr
[https://www.flickr.com/photos/smieyetracking ], YouTube
[https://www.youtube.com/user/smieyetracking ] and Twitter
[https://twitter.com/SMIEyeTracking ].

       
         
        Media Contact 
        SensoMotoric Instruments GmbH (SMI) 
        Stefanie Gehrke 
        +49(0)172-3808-537 
        Stefanie.Gehrke@smi.de 

     

    Photo:
    http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151005/273817

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151005/273817
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151005/273817
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
SensoMotoric Instruments GmbH (SMI)