Qualcomm has bought certain technology assets from GestureTek, a well-known developer of gesture recognition technology. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
According to a release, Qualcomm is buying IP assets related specifically to gesture recognition technology, as well as “engineering resources.” GestureTek is retaining other assets in that relate to its gesture-controlled public display and digital signage business.
GestureTek is a patent-holder in camera-enabled gesture-recognition technology that is frequently used for entertainment systems. Back in 1986, the company invented and shaped the field of ‘applied computer vision’ for computer-human interaction.
GestureTek’s video gesture control technology (VGC) lets users control multi-media content, access information, manipulate special effects, even immerse themselves in an interactive 3D virtual world, simply by moving their hands or body. They deliver Wii-like gesture-control without the need to wear, hold or touch anything. In fact, GestureTek’s software and patents have been licensed by Microsoft for the XBOX 360, Sony, NTT DoCoMo for their mobile phones and Hasbro.
Qualcomm says that the new technology will add to its smartphone product portfolio and allows to launch products that include gesture recognition. And gesture recognition technology will be integrated into Qualcomm’s Snapdragon family of processors, giving OEMs the capability to produce smartphones, tablets and home entertainment devices with user interfaces based on natural human gestures.