A couple weeks (or months) ago the students in Sheridan’s IMM program took a trip to visit GestureTek, “a world leader in computer vision control” in Toronto. The trip was enlightening as we not only learned more about touch technology and experienced various touch surfaces and displayed, but we also got a glimpse where both touch and gesture recognition technology is heading. GestureTek has been around since 1986 when they first experienmented with ‘applied computer vision’ for computer-human interaction. Just as the technology has further emerged and advanced, so has the company as it was formally known as both JesterTek and Vivid Group. GestureTek systems allow the user to create, control and manipulate digital content and information. They have even pushed the boundaries so far as to allow people the ability to transcend 3D virtual environments. Since 1986, GestureTek has developed from a small, experimental company to a global leader in gesture recognition technology, with their products and services currently installed in over 4,000 “interactive multi-media displays, kiosks, exhibits, digital signs and advertisements, virtual gaming systems and other interactive surface computing solutions”.
On our tour of the office, we were introduced to Vincent John Vincent, Co- founder and President. Vincent has been a member of the GestureTek team since the beginning, with his vision and drive leading directly to development of the video gesture recognition and control industry. Working closely with the development team, Vincent has personally overseen the development of hundreds of GestureTek applications and programs.
I was first introduced to GestureTek systems last summer when I was working for the CNIB and attended various Outreach Programs in the Haldimand area. At these events, GestureTek Health systems were used to help people who had suffered strokes, disability and vision loss. GestureTek Health is an industry leader in ” gesture-control technology for the disability, hospital, mental health and education sectors.” One system in particular is the IREX: Interactive Rehabilitation & Exercise Systems. The units provide an emmersive video gesture controlled environment for those seeking help with rehabilitation. This technology appears to not only help in the physical rehabilition process but also mentally as it provides the user with a sense of personal satisfaction and excitement.
Another gesture recognition technology that we were introduced to at GestureTek was their GestPoint system, which provides touch free interaction through physical gestures. This system is in use within display, presentation and mouse replacement systems. The Holopoint system was on display during our visit to GestureTek. However, with the office being pretty busy I didn’t get a chance to experience it first hand…until a trip a couple weeks later to the Hockey Hall of Fame with my sister. The Hall was using the Holopoint system as the form of entry for a hockey quiz game. This wasn’t the only GestureTek installation at the Hall. This just further proves Vincent’s statement that positions GestureTek as a leader within the gesture recognition industry.
With iPod Touches and iPhones sweeping the consumer market and Microsoft’s Surface only a couple years away from potential consumer use, it is apparent that GestureTek has been a leader within this sector even before these products were developed. However, the question now becomes which products will be most financially successful in the long run. As it stands currently, I do not believe GestureTek has a device or system that is mobile, allowing for interaction on the go. But that is not to say that they do not have one in the works. We were also introduced to their wide range of Illuminate MultiTouch Diplay Screens and Tables. With the use of a motion sensing gesture control interface to control interactive content. However, I found it somewhat interesting that every time I was using any of their multitouch or surface technology that I felt that I was working on a large version of an iPod Touch or iPhone, when in reality it is actually the reverse. Our iPhones are actually juse smaller, mobile versions of GestureTeks systems.
Our visit to GestureTek was very enlightening as we witnessed the various ways that gesture recognition technology is currently being employed within our society. Whether it be used for advertising for Dr.Pepper or Starbucks, or helping someone to rehabilitate themselves, GestureTek is an international leader in advancing gesture technology with no signs of slowing down.
