Softkinetic

SoftKinetic is a Belgian company which develops gesture recognition hardware and software for real-time range imaging (3D) cameras (such as time-of-flight cameras). It was founded in July 2007. SoftKinetic provides gesture recognition solutions based on its technology to the interactive digital entertainment, consumer electronics, health & fitness, and serious game industries.^[1] SoftKinetic technology has been applied to interactive digital signage and advergaming,^[2] interactive television,^[3] and physical therapy.^[4]

Originally centered around providing software development kits and middleware, SoftKinetic branched out into internal game and application development with the establishment of SoftKinetic Studios in September 2009. SoftKinetic then progressed into hardware, partnering with time-of-flight camera developer Optrima in September 2010, with the two companies merging into a reformed SoftKinetic by March 2011.^[1]

SoftKinetic's gesture recognition software platform, named iisu, can recognize and distinguish or isolate different scenic elements, can identify and track the body parts of a user, and can adapt the user's shape, posture, and movements to an existing physical model, and vice versa. iisu is compatible with all major real-time range imaging cameras, and the middleware guards developers from the particularities of the hardware.^[5]

SoftKinetic's hardware solution, named DepthSense (formerly OptriCam), is a line of 3D time-of-flight imagers based on patented CMOS sensor and time-of-flight (TOF) technologies. Based on Current Assisted Photonic Demodulation (CAPD), the company's patented CMOS pixel technology, DepthSense hardware products range from sensors to consumer and professional 3D cameras.^[6]

SoftKinetic Studios has collaborated on numerous gesture recognition-based projects for various platforms such as PC, consoles, set-top boxes, arcade, and interactive digital signage; with companies such as Orange Vallée and Fuel Industries.^[7]

References

1. ^ ^{a b} "About Us * Vision and Mission". SoftKinetic. http://www.softkinetic.com/AboutUs/VisionandMission.aspx. Retrieved 2011-08-01. 
2. ^ "Wireless Ronin Provides Digital Signage and Collaborates with Dimensional Innovations for Sprint Experience at New Indianapolis Lucas Oil Stadium". Wireless Ronin Technologies. 2008-11-19. http://www.wirelessronin.com/6.0_news_99.html. Retrieved 2009-02-19. 
3. ^ "Orange Vallee demos Keanu motion-sensitive TV interface". Telecompaper. 2009-01-12. http://www.telecompaper.com/news/article.aspx?cid=652907. Retrieved 2009-02-19. 
4. ^ Cowan, Danny (2008-12-19). "Softkinetic and Silverfit Introduce Senior-Targeted Gaming Platform". Gamasutra. Think Services. http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=21615. Retrieved 2009-02-19. 
5. ^ "iisu™ Datasheet V0.91" (Portable Document Format). Softkinetic. http://www.softkinetic.com/Portals/0/Download/iisu%E2%84%A2%20Datasheet%20V0.91.pdf. Retrieved 2011-08-01. 
6. ^ "EEDOO Selects Softkinetic’s 3D Camera Technology for Gesture-based iSec Sports Entertainment Center". SoftKinetic. 2011-05-09. http://www.softkinetic.com/PressRoom/News/20110509Brussels.aspx. Retrieved 2011-08-01. 
7. ^ "Projects". SoftKinetic Studios. 2011-05-09. http://www.softkinetic-studios.com/Projects.aspx. Retrieved 2011-08-01. 

External links

• SoftKinetic
• SoftKinetic Studios
• Demo of Orange Vallee's gesture-controlled TV, with Softkinetics technology at YouTube (Adobe Flash video) - Gesture control using SoftKinetic software