People have been imagining the various possibilities of Microsoft’s Kinect sensor ever since the device came out in 2010. Some of those visions will soon be coming to fruition this year now that PrimeSense, the makers of the Kinect sensor, created a smaller version called the Capri.

The Capri is about 10X smaller than the original, making it the smallest 3D sensing device out there. It works essentially the same way as its older big brother; sensing both depth and color, as well as movements and gestures. PrimeSense has also improved its algorithms, which lets the Capri have multi-modal 3D sensing capabilities. The Tel Aviv-based company plans on selling the chip for applications in smartphones, tablets, TVs, laptops, PCs, and consumer robotics. These devices should be starting to make an appearance around mid-2013. PrimeSense’s long-term goal is to continue to manufacture these chips smaller and cheaper; allotting consumer electronics to greatly increase their capabilities by giving them the gift of sight. Initially, the most popular use of this technology will be turning every TV and monitor into a “touchscreen”, but it will eventually greatly change the way we operate the world around us.

PrimeSense featured some of the Capri’s retail possibilities at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show with an application from Shop Perception. The program works by embedding 3D sensors into store shelves, accumulating information about what shoppers reach for, how long customers look at an object, and if they actually put an item in their basket. This provides retailers the ability to generate analytics information about the effectiveness of their displays. Another intriguing application, Matterport, scans a 3D image of a room, uploads the image onto a tablet or smartphone, and then provides  the user  the ability to virtually add furniture or appliances to the 3D model; giving consumers the capability to remodel their house before they buy a thing.

It’s easy to see how the increasing sophistication of 3D sensors, coupled with the improvement of clear LCDs, will soon change the world a great deal. Window shopping will mean something completely different in the future. When you walk up to a store window to look at an outfit a 3D sensor will scan you, and then display an image on that same window of you wearing that outfit. GPS maps, that can be manipulated with the flick of a finger, will be displayed on car windshields. Museum exhibits will become increasingly more interactive by permitting guests to move and explore objects while the items themselves remain safely enclosed in secure, clear LCD displays. Closet doors could have mirrors that can display a 3D model of a person, and have a database containing every article of clothing within the closet; allowing that person to try on every possible outfit before ever opening the closet door. Homes will be filled with 3D sensors; giving people the power to control appliances, electronics, climate controls, and faucets all with simple hand gestures. It may seem like science fiction, but PrimeSense expects to create this new reality over the next 5-7 years.