Live2D
Japanese software technology turns 2D drawing into interactive 3D content for use with touchscreen devices – via DigInfo (video embedded below):
Live2D, developed by Cybernoids, is the world’s first drawing technology to enable 3D rendering of 2D images. This technology supports a variety of portable consoles and smartphones, and Live2D is already being utilized for games that take advantage of the unique characteristics of hand drawn artwork.
“In 3D, the unique attractions of 2D art like Osamu Tezuka’s can’t be rendered properly. But with Live2D, we’ve worked to enable smooth 3D motion using entirely the original 2D drawings. So, this system makes the graphics appear exactly as the creator intended.”
“When the face turns sideways, you can show perfectly how the eyelashes and eyes move. You can also use the tools to work more easily and efficiently. This can be done in all kinds of ways, with all kinds of emphasis, depending on what the creator wants to do. This technology is an extension of drawing, so it works best if the creator has a good artistic sense.”
More at DigInfo here
That’s how I know I’ve seen this before. Namco Bandai uses Live2D for the Oreimo app. https://itunes.apple.com/jp/app/anno-meigakonnani-ke-aiiwakeganai/id403671069?mt=8