Gesture recognition is the ability of a device to identify and respond to the different gestures of an individual. Most gesture recognition technology can be 2D-based or 3D-based, working with the help of a camera-enabled device, which is placed in front of the individual. The camera-enabled device beams an invisible infrared light on the individual, which is reflected back to the camera and onto a gesture recognition Integrated Chip (IC).
The IC, with the help of gesture recognition software, creates a depth map of the images received and responds appropriately to the movements in front of the camera. The key advantage of gesture recognition technology is that no physical contact is required between the individual and the gesture recognition-enabled device.
The major application areas of gesture recognition in the current scenario are:
- Automotive sector
- Consumer Electronics sector
- Transit sector
- Gaming sector
As the adoption of gesture recognition is expected to increase, other sectors listed below are also expected to implement gesture recognition technology in their products:
- Defense sector
- Healthcare sector
- Retail sector
The Global Gesture Recognition Market is expected to witness significant growth, growing at a CAGR of 29.2 percent during the period 2013-2018. TechNavio analysts have pinpointed the top 18 gesture recognition technology companies expected to contribute to market growth during the forecast period:
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“Cognitec Systems was founded in 2002 by a team of experts who recognized the growing need for software solutions in the field of biometrics. Our founders have been working on algorithms for the FaceVACS face recognition technology since 1995. Starting in 1996, government and industry customers have relied on the FaceVACS technology for a wide range of applications. The development of our products and the growth of our company build on the extensive knowledge of our scientists and software engineers and their continuing dedication to deliver the best performance available on the market.” |
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“GestureTek™ is the inventor, pioneer, multiple patent-holder and world-leader in camera-enabled gesture-recognition technology for presentation and entertainment systems. Back in 1986, we invented and shaped the field of ‘applied computer vision’ for computer-human interaction, and have continued inventing new video gesture control technologies ever since. The company’s multi-patented 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. We deliver Wii-like gesture-control without the need to wear, hold or touch anything.” |
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“CogniVue’s provides revolutionary gains in embedded vision processing performance per power through multi-tier innovation in vision processing, APEX processing IP itself (massively parallel and power-efficient), APEX Core Framework, which enables 100x gains in the processing of complex algorithms,and high level vision expertise providing added value to our customers’ customers. CogniVue has focused on building industry alliances (e.g. Embedded Vision Alliance) and collaboration with solution partners, suppliers, and universities. CogniVue is innovating with vision, enabling new and revolutionary vision-based applications.” |
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“eyeSight was founded in 2005 with the vision of revolutionizing the way people interact with digital devices. As part of this vision eyeSight brought natural human interfaces to countless devices, becoming a leading provider of gesture recognition technology. eyeSight is headquartered in Israel, with global offices located in the U.S., Korea, Hong Kong, and Japan. The company is led by a team of highly experienced Image processing professionals, with extensive expertise in research, implementation, and optimization of real time algorithms for embedded platforms.” |
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“At Omek, we are changing the way people interact with their devices. Omek’s innovative gesture recognition technology provides you with fast, accurate, and easy-to-use tools to add gesture recognition and motion tracking to your applications.Our technology is being incorporated into a vast range of devices – from TVs, and game consoles, to PCs, tablets, notebooks, smartphones and automotive infotainment systems. The gesture-enabled applications running on these devices are as far-ranging reaching as games, 3D design and visualization, operating systems, and beyond.” |
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“PointGrab is a leader in advanced gesture recognition software solutions offering a natural and intuitive way of interacting with consumer devices. PointGrab’s software solution enables any CE device including TVs, PCs, Tablets, and Smartphones to be operated by gesture control using finger, hand and two hands shapes and movements while using a standard camera. PointGrab‘s market-leading solutions have been commercially available since 2010 and are currently integrated into millions of consumer devices through many of the world’s top OEMs, brands and developers.” |
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“SoftKinetic is the leading provider of end-to-end, 3D vision for PCs, portable electronics and machines. 3D vision is used in everything from gesture-control to context awareness. Personal devices can be given the ability to understand ever more about the user, their surroundings and their environment. More than ten years of R&D has gone into developing this unique blend of 3D vision, gesture recognition, and context awareness technology.” |
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“PrimeSense 3D sensing technology is a layered solution, combining both hardware and software. The PrimeSense NiTE™ perception algorithms layer is the most robust and advanced 3D middleware available in the market. It provides the application with a clear user-control API, whether it is hand-based control or a full-body control. The algorithms utilize the depth, color, IR and audio information received from the hardware device, which enable them to perform functions such as hand locating and tracking; user segmentation; user skeleton joint tracking; and more.” |
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“Cross Match Technologies, Inc. is a leading innovator and provider of biometric identity management solutions to governments, law enforcement agencies, and businesses around the world. Cross Match delivers a comprehensive facial recognition suite, which includes: Lookout Collector to rapidly capture facial images from video footage and surveillance tapes, Lookout Matcher to reliably locate and extract facial images from video footage for watch list comparison and Lookout Verify facial recognition SDK, which enables the real-time verification of ID photos.” |
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“Elliptic Labs is a privately held company with offices in Palo Alto, California, and Oslo, Norway. Started in 2006 as a spinoff from the signal processing environment at the University of Oslo, Elliptic Labs grew from our initial research background in echo-management systems for multi-antenna mobile communication. Elliptic Labs is on a mission to deliver robust natural touchless gesturing that is adaptive to the human style of interaction. We are accomplishing this by enabling ultrasonic touchless gesturing for all PCs, tablets and smartphones to be used anywhere-anytime!” |
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“The GestSure system uses advanced sensors that allow the surgeon to access their imagery through simple hand gestures. From their operating table position, the surgeon employs a simple set of gestural commands that allows them to do anything they would with a conventional mouse. And as advanced as GestSure’s technology is, to the operating room computer it’s no different than a standard USB input device. That means there’s no need to install special software or drivers, and requires minimal hospital IT support. In fact, it’s compatible with all medical imaging viewers, today.” |
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“IrisGuard Technology is based on the science that every human eye is different, providing a unique identifier for every person in the world. It uses the varied characteristic of the human iris and delivers accurate, fast and secure biometric personal identification solutions. IrisGuard EyeBank® solution includes IrisGuard cameras, software and backend servers that scan the iris and immediately compares it with every record in the bank database to give an accurate and reliable authentication.” |
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“The Creative* Interactive Gesture Camera Developer Kit is a small, light-weight, USB-powered camera optimized for close-range interactivity. Designed for ease of setup and portability, it includes an HD webcam, depth sensor and built-in dual-array microphones for capturing and recognizing voice, gestures and images. The Camera, when paired with the Intel® Perceptual Computing SDK Beta 2013, enables developers to create the next generation of natural, immersive, innovative software applications that incorporate close-range hand tracking, speech recognition, face analysis and 2D/3D object tracking.” |
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“Microchip Technology Inc. is a leading provider of microcontroller and analog semiconductors, providing low-risk product development, lower total system cost and faster time to market for thousands of diverse customer applications worldwide. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality.” |
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“We are Pebbles Interfaces. We are here to revolutionize the way people interact with the digital world. Our technology provides an entirely new meaning to simple and natural human gestures, by unifying the interfaces on any device or platform, be it a smartphone, PC, smart TV, or even a coffee table surface — from any distance. We develop advanced motion sensors that display physical objects within the digital space, at any range or angle, with no latency. Pebbles’ minimal hardware is being embedded in our partners’ smart products and devices.” |
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“Pyreos’ unique and minaturised, passive Infrared (IR) sensor technology is enabling highly accurate, low powered touchless gesture control within mobile consumer products. Crucially, for the first time within the industry, Pyreos’ core technology excels in delivering the key features of outstanding accuracy coupled with low battery consumption making it ideally placed for integration within battery-powered, consumer electronic devices like mobile phones and tablet PCs.” |
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“Qualcomm Incorporated (NASDAQ: QCOM) is the world leader in 3G and next-generation mobile technologies. For more than 25 years, Qualcomm ideas and inventions have driven the evolution of wireless communications, connecting people more closely to information, entertainment and each other. Gesture recognition technology will be integrated into Qualcomm’s current and next-generation Snapdragon™ processors, giving OEMs the capability to produce smartphones, tablets and home entertainment devices with user interfaces based on natural human gestures.” |
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“Led by mechatronics engineers Stephen Lake, Matthew Bailey, and Aaron Grant, we’re a world-class team of engineers, researchers and designers building the future of human-computer interaction. We’re closing the gap between humans and technology by solving a fundamental question: How do we connect the real and the digital worlds as we move towards wearable and ubiquitous computing? We have big plans, and world-class investors backing them.” |
