Gestures – a symbolic way of communicating – are no longer limited to interactions between human beings. Gestures are now being used to communicate with machines, in a process known as gesture recognition.
Gesture recognition is essentially technology that interprets human motions through the use of computer algorithms. Traditional input methods such as keyboards, mice, or remote controls are replaced by human motions. When gesture recognition is combined with eye recognition, facial recognition, eye tracking and other related technologies, a powerful technology emerges and the gap between humans and machines is bridged. Gesture recognition is a positive step towards more natural and intuitive interaction between humans and machines.
Gesture recognition applications are extremely popular today. From gaming consoles, to PCs, to smart TVs, the technology has taken human-machine interaction to the next level. This can help to explain why 174.5 million units of gesture recognition consumer electronics were shipped in 2015. According to analysts at Technavio, by 2020, the global gesture recognition market will grow at an impressive CAGR of 62% in terms of unit shipments and 73.1% in terms of revenue.
Major Trends in the Global Gesture Recognition Market
#1. Growth in R&D activities
The volume of research and development activities relating to gesture recognition technology and its applications has grown immensely. As the technology is still in its early stages, several pure-play gesture recognition technology companies are investing aggresively in research and development in order to improve and expand their product portfolios. Additionally, mobile phone manufacturers are working to incorporate gesture recognition features in their products, and companies like SoftKinetic Systems are working on image recognition and body sensing technology.
#2. Emergence of Pico projectors
An improvement over traditional projectors, a Pico projector is a tiny, lightweight, portable, next-generation device. These projectors are being placed in tablets and smartphones to beam videos and photos onto any surface. One emerging trend is the integration of Pico projectors, depth sensors and 3D cameras in gaming consoles. This allows AR (augmented reality) games to be projected on any surface and played with gestures instead of motion controllers.
#3. Development of 3D cameras
3D cameras help to provide accurate, 3D mapping of the entire human body. Some hand gestures, which cannot be interpreted by 2D cameras, are easily recognised by 3D cameras and their in-depth features. Also, as these cameras are able to differentiate between players, as many as six players can play a game at a time – without using a controller.
#4. Growing demand for unique user experience
Gesture recognition devices provide unique user experience, something that is highly desirable in today’s world. In fact, there are cases where gaming on a PC using gesture recognition can create an experience that is similar to that of a PlayStation or Xbox, and at a much more affordable price. When combined with augmented reality, gesture recognition can offer a unique and high improved user experience. This is the reason why many gesture technology companies are hiring graphic designers, artists and engineers to come up with unique solutions.
#5. High number of vendors in the market
High demand for unique user experience has encouraged more vendors to make their way into the gesture recognition market. This is surely a reflection of the growing demand for such devices. Some of the latest entrants into the market include ASUS, Intel, PrimeSense and Creative. Each of these vendors has come up with innovative products that are redefining the interaction between humans and machines.
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