Trademarked as Freespace Motion Engine, the software will be embedded on Intel’s Media Server Reference Design (MSRD) kit that has at its heart a dual core Atom processor CE5300, enabling IP TV subscribers to control TV with mouse-like navigation, and point-and-click simplicity.
The dual core Atom-based SOC supports hyperthreading, virtualization, an advanced 3D/2D graphics engine, integrated power management, and a H.264 B-picture hardware encoder.
"Computers and smartphones have used motion-based, point-and-click interfaces for years because they are the most efficient way to navigate large volumes of content," said Chad Lucien, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Hillcrest Labs.
"Intel has seized onto this idea for TV, and is now driving innovation for serving TV service providers. We're extremely proud that Intel has selected the Freespace MotionEngine for use in its new set-top box reference kits, "added he.
Click & Point
Hillcrest's Freespace MotionEngine software is now being widely used in a variety of consumer electronics devices, including set-top boxes, smart TVs, remote controls, game controllers, mobile handsets, and PC peripherals.
For example, Hillcrest's Freespace software is at the core of LG Electronics’s Magic Remote, a voice-and gesture-recognition smart TV controller, while powering up TCL’s smart TV product line-up and Roku streaming players.
Other companies that have licensed Freespace for use in their products include Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., Universal Electronics (UEI), SMK Electronics, Atmel, and Logitech.
With a high resolution pointer accuracy, the Freespace enables a highly precise pointing remote control which allows users to select icons and images, small and large, on a high-resolution screen easily.
It also features intuitive motion controls that enable high-performance motion gaming and replicate the swipes, gestures, and drag-and drop functions.
Regardless of the orientation of the remote in space, Freespace technology generates intuitive cursor motions on the screen from any position— standing, sitting or reclining, too.
Intelligent motion control
Taking advantage of its intelligent motion stabilization technology, the software can even distinguish between intentional and unintentional movement, including natural hand tremors and button clicks.
This means the remote control accurately and immediately responds to the end user's actions.
Unlike conventional infrared devices and optical motion-sensing devices, Freespace remotes uses RF (radio frequency) technology and inertial motion sensors, so users do not need to point directly at the computer or TV screen. This gives users greater freedom to move around the living room.
Intel's new MSRD is a design kit for OEMs and system integrators that allows them to quickly develop Intel-based set-top boxes and media servers.
Intel has pre-integrated components such as a media engine, broadcast stacks, virtualization, and motion control technology to reduce validation testing for OEMs and to accelerate time to market. The MSRD will be available in April 2013.
