They learned all of these things gradually, through experience. Only then did they realize just how unique Richardson's cousin was. That's when they knew they needed to do something else. The new product, the NaturalPoint trackIR, uses similar technology but targets a wide range of computer users. TrackIR uses a small, three-legged camera that plugs into the computer to follow an infrared dot.
Users can stick the dot on their glasses, on a headset microphone or even on their forehead.
They also can cue the camera using a ring or a wand about the size of quarter. The camera watches the infrared dot move and moves the pointer on the computer in synchronization. The device has potential appeal to almost anyone who's ever grown weary of using a computer mouse. By eliminating the need for a mouse, the trackIR can reduce repetitive stress injuries such as tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. The wide market potential the entrepreneurs see is the opposite of their first product, which appealed mostly to people who couldn't use a mouse or trackball.