CyberExtruder Personalizes Two Top Video Games

CyberX-3D Technology Enables Gamers to Put their Face in Best-Sellers 'The Sims' and 'Quake III: Arena' July 5 /PRNewswire/ -- CyberExtruder Inc. has announced that players of "The Sims" and "Quake III: Arena" can now put their own faces in these best-selling video games. Using their CyberX-3D(TM) technology, a proprietary software and web-based technology that automatically converts a single two-dimensional facial image into a fully-developed 3D model in one second, players of these two leading games can become actual characters in the action.

CyberExtruder began marketing CyberX-3D(TM) technology to the $20 billion gaming industry earlier this year by enabling the top ranked game "Unreal Tournament". Since February, consumers have been able to convert their image and download a special UT game file at the CyberExtruder website (http://www.cyberextruder.com) -- for less than the cost of a music CD.

According to CyberExtruder CEO Larry Gardner, other video game titles will be added prior to the holiday season.

Developed by CyberExtruder, CyberX-3D(TM) technology allows users to submit a single digitized photo of their face to a secure website. The image is automatically analyzed, distinct facial landmarks are identified, and a highly accurate 3D model of the user's face is created within just one second. A unique file is generated and returned to the user, which is then "read" by the video game software or other applications. Currently, visitors to the site can also preview up to 6 images at no charge, and download a free screensaver of their face in 3D, which can be manipulated with the click of a mouse.

This patent-pending process is built on a mathematical model based on an extensive database of actual 3D images of faces, which is combined with the company's automatic mapping software. What makes CyberX-3D(TM) technology a breakthrough is that it works from just one photo and is completely automated.

It also requires no special hardware, which according to Gardner, is a "dramatic difference between our technology and Sony's recently announced Picture Paradise(TM) for their PlayStation 2(TM) platform".

"In addition to only working for Sony's PS2(TM) console," comments Gardner, "their approach requires the user to also purchase a compatible Sony camera and then manually manipulate the image with software embedded in the game." According to a Sony (NYSE: SNE) website, the first compatible title containing Picture Paradise(TM) "middleware" is not scheduled for release until late this summer.

In addition to generating revenues from the video game industry, the company is in the process of securing licensing agreements for the use of CyberX-3D(TM) as a rich media development tool. CyberExtruder is also working with several leading technology companies to develop a facial animation product for instant message and chat, as well as e-commerce and CRM applications.

CyberExtruder, which was founded in May 1999, has secured $1.7 million in private equity funding, most recently in a Series A Round led by an undisclosed investor.

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SOURCE CyberExtruder Inc.