New Software Transforms People Into 3D Characters While Video Calling

Aug. 15, 2005--Logitech today unveiled the Logitech Video Effects software, giving Logitech customers a fun, innovative way to further personalize their video calling experience. Available for the first time with Logitech's new QuickCam Fusion webcam, this breakthrough software allows people to completely transform their image into three-dimensional animated characters whose expressions and movements precisely mimic people's facial expressions. QuickCam Fusion users can also use the software to add animated accessories, such as eyeglasses, to their on-screen image. Logitech Video Effects software works with all popular webcam applications including MSN Messenger Video Conversation, AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) and Yahoo! Messenger.

Logitech Video Effects software recognizes facial features and maps them to three-dimensional animated characters, called avatars, or two-dimensional face accessories, as friends and family communicate over the Internet. The software includes five avatars, including an alien, a shark and a truck; and four facial accessories, including glasses and a crown. Additional Logitech Video Effects avatars and face accessories will be made available through the Logitech website at no additional charge for QuickCam Fusion webcam users. Video clips and still images using Logitech Video Effects avatars can also be captured and shared via e-mail.

"People are always looking for ways to add personal style, whether it be a clothing accessory or a distinct cell phone ring tone," said Gina Clark, director of product marketing for Logitech's video business unit. "Logitech Video Effects software allows webcam users to personalize their Internet video communications in a fun and engaging way. The avatars and accessories essentially become an extension of one's mood or personality, enabling people to express themselves in video communications like never before."

The Logitech Video Effects software is an advancement of Logitech's face-tracking software, allowing webcams to identify, follow and focus on a human face in the video window as the face moves within the camera's field of view. Using technology from California-based Neven Vision, this new software maps facial expressions by tracking up to 22 points on the face, around the eyes, eyebrows, and mouth. The avatar then mimics the facial movements and expressions determined by those points, moving fluidly as the person participates in a video call or a video instant messaging session. When using avatars, the webcam user's video image is completely replaced by the avatar. Similarly, the tracked facial points allow the software to appropriately position the animated accessories, such as eyeglasses over the eyes. In this case, the webcam user's video image will be altered, but not entirely replaced.

Logitech Video Effects are enabled with one click through the Logitech Quick Assistant webcam software window. When selected, a second window opens with all of the avatars and accessories that are available for use. By selecting one of the avatars or accessories, the person's video stream is converted for that character or accessory -- regardless of which video calling or instant messaging software application is in use. The Logitech Video Effects window can be left open in the background so that it's easy to turn the software on and off or change the avatar while in the middle of a video call or video chat session. A single click from the Logitech Video Effects selection window takes the user to the Logitech website where additional avatars and face accessories can be downloaded for free.

Pricing and Availability
The Logitech Video Effects software will be available with the Logitech QuickCam Fusion webcam beginning this month in the U.S. and Europe. The software is available at no additional charge as part of the webcam purchase. www.logitech.com

SOURCE Logitech