GestureTek
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Interactive technology, Gesture recognition software |
| Founded | 1986 |
| Founder | Vincent John Vincent, Francis MacDougall |
| Headquarters | Silicon Valley , United States |
Area served | Global (including branches in Toronto, Ottawa, Asia) |
| Products | Gesture recognition software, multi-touch systems, 3D camera tracking technology |
GestureTek is a U.S.-based company specializing in interactive technologies, with its main office located in Silicon Valley, California, and additional branches in Toronto, Ottawa, and parts of Asia.
Founding
Established in 1986 by Canadian entrepreneurs Vincent John Vincent and Francis MacDougall, GestureTek operates as a privately owned enterprise focusing on gesture recognition software that leverages computer vision methodologies. The company’s founders were trailblazers in video-based gesture control, securing a foundational patent in 1996 for their GestPoint system. GestPoint is a video tracking software utilizing cameras to interpret hand and body gestures into commands for computers. This innovation enables users to interact with multimedia content, engage in virtual reality experiences, explore augmented reality environments, and control consumer electronics like TVs and mobile devices without physical contact. GestureTek stands among leading firms such as LM3LABS from Tokyo, Japan, within the gesture recognition industry.
Technology
GestureTek develops gesture interface solutions that encompass multi-touch capabilities and 3D camera tracking technology. Their multi-touch system is implemented in the interactive table at Melbourne’s Eureka Tower as well as in a multi-touch table featuring object recognition at the New York City Visitors Center. Telefónica also utilizes GestureTek’s multi-touch window technology. Additionally, the company’s 3D tracking technology is incorporated into Hitachi’s prototype for 3D television and various digital signage platforms that rely on three-dimensional interaction.
Patents
The company holds eight patents covering significant advancements such as video gesture control motion detection, systems involving multiple cameras for control purposes, stereo camera techniques for 3D visualization, tracking of dual-handed movements, optical flow-based tilt sensing devices, orientation-aware signal outputs, and three-dimensional facial capture.
GestureTek’s patented technologies and software have been licensed by prominent corporations such as Microsoft for the Xbox 360, Sony for the EyeToy peripheral, NTT DoCoMo for mobile phone applications, and Hasbro for the ION Educational Gaming System. Beyond licensing software, GestureTek also designs interactive gesture-controlled display platforms featuring natural user interfaces tailored for advertising campaigns, gaming experiences, and presentation environments.
The company’s natural user interface VR system has garnered research interest from academic institutions and healthcare facilities aiming to apply the technology in physical therapy and rehabilitation contexts.
In 2008, GestureTek was honored with the Mobile Innovation Global Award from GSMA for its gesture-driven user interface designed for mobile gaming and applications. This technology has been adopted by providers integrating with the Java platform as well as mobile developers. A notable implementation includes the gesture-controlled mobile game Katamari Damacy, which operates using GestureTek’s software.
Competitors
Primary rivals within the interactive projection technology sector targeting marketing and retail include Po-motion Inc., Touchmagix, and LM3LABS.