PrimeSense

PrimeSense‏‎ was an Israeli 3D sensing company founded in 2005 and acquired by Apple in 2013. The company developed technologies for motion sensing and 3D scanning applications, most notably the depth-sensing technology used in Microsoft's Kinect system for the Xbox 360.

History

PrimeSense was founded in 2005 by Aviad Maizels, Alexander Shpunt, Ophir Sharon, Tamir Berliner, and Dima Rais. The company's initial focus was on developing technology for gaming and entertainment applications, but it soon expanded into other areas such as robotics, healthcare, and retail.

In 2010, PrimeSense's technology was used in the Kinect system for the Xbox 360, which allowed users to control games using body movements and voice commands. This was a significant milestone for the company and helped to establish it as a leader in the field of 3D sensing technology.

In 2013, PrimeSense was acquired by Apple for an estimated $360 million. Since the acquisition, Apple has used PrimeSense's technology in several of its products, including the iPhone and iPad.

Technology

PrimeSense's technology works by projecting an infrared pattern onto a scene and then using a sensor to capture the reflected light. This data is then processed to create a 3D depth map of the scene, which can be used to track movements and recognize objects.

One of the key advantages of PrimeSense's technology is that it can work in a wide range of lighting conditions and can accurately track movements even at a distance. This makes it ideal for applications such as gaming, where users may be moving around a lot and may not always be close to the sensor.

Impact

PrimeSense's technology has had a significant impact on the field of 3D sensing and has been used in a wide range of applications. In addition to gaming, it has been used in robotics to help robots navigate their environment, in healthcare to track patient movements, and in retail to create interactive shopping experiences.

The acquisition of PrimeSense by Apple has also had a significant impact, as it has allowed Apple to incorporate 3D sensing technology into its products. This has helped to enhance the functionality of these products and has contributed to the ongoing development of the field of 3D sensing.