GestureTek Inc.
Toronto, ON
Company Overview
GestureTek Inc., (originally called Vivid Group) are the inventors of, and have been the world leader since 1986 in camera-enabled computer control pioneering applied computer vision in the entertainment industry. Their patented VGC (Video Gesture Control Technology) has allowed computer users to be immersed into computer-generated environments and landscapes without the use of joysticks, headgear, keyboards or mice. Users dont have to wear, hold or touch anything.
GestureTeks initial product, the Gesture Xtreme system immerses the users live, full body video image on the screen surrounded by computer animation virtual worlds that they could both navigate and manipulate with body gestures.
GestureTek also pioneered virtual video conferencing allowing users to link virtual video images in different cities to appear in the same 3D virtual world in which they could interact with the objects together.
Next steps were to impact the Rehabilitation market with IREX, which submerges a patient into a computer generated world producing isolated joint movement, combined joint movements and full body functional movement of both upper and lower extremities. The kinematic data is measured, recorded and reported. IREX appeals to a diverse group of rehabilitation specialties.
Recently, the Company has moved into consumer technologies via both licensing and game development. Its patents for video gesture control technology have been licensed to Sony for use with its EyeToy products running on the PlayStation2. Over 4.5 million units have shipped. The Company recently licensed its patent to Hasbro for its new ION Educational gaming system, due out December 2005 for which GestureTek has also been creating games. Discussions are underway with other console manufacturers.
The Company is capitalizing on its years of game development experience, on its core technology, and on its patents to introduce camera-enabled mobile gaming. In preparation, the Company recently took in a round of venture capital funding and established its EyeMobile division. EyeMobile software uses the cell phone's camera to lock to images of physical objects in the environment, which turns the phone into a joystick.
The Company then pioneered a wide variety of point-to-click computer interfaces used in retail and public displays. GestPoint allows any sized screen to be controlled from any distance. GestPoint's stereo analysis and control technology again has many application uses.
GestureTeks other public installation technology, Digital Signage network; GroundFX has been received very well. This interactive floor projection lets users step right on these images and control them with their feet.
GestureTek has seen tremendous growth since its inception, with only one year in the last 18 years without growth. The Company saw a 50% increase in sales from 2002 to 2003, and an added 120% growth in sales from 2003 to 2004 totalling well-over 4 million sales worldwide for that year. Reflective of this growth, there has been a staff increase of over 30% per year since 2003.
GestureTek will continue to be an innovator in VGC Technology for years to come. Clients include, Hasbro, Sony, Bank of America & Hockey Hall of Fame with over 1600 installations worldwide.
Company Information
Physical Address
302-317 Adelaide St. W.
Toronto, ON M5V 1P9
CA
Mailing Address
302-317 Adelaide St. W.
Toronto, ON M5V 1P9
CA
Additional Details
Legal Name: Vivid Effects
Number of Employees: 45
Total Sales ($CDN): $100,000 - $200,000
CA
Software information is confidential. Use of computer hardware, software, video display and video camera equipment.
Samsung Orientation Table is located on the third floor of the Time Warner Center in the interactive galley called 'The Samsung Experience'. This 12'L x 4W' interactive table has 5 linked interactive scenes that depict a map of Manhatten as a WayFinding' System using GestureTek's patented VGC 'touchless' point-to-click technology. Users can move their hands over top these scenes to bring up information on various points of interest.
Sony Hasbro Hockey Hall of Fame Ontario Science Center Ford Motor Basketball Hall of Fame Bank of America Rogers AT & T
Hasbro Inc. has licensed GestureTek's patented Video Gesture Control technology to be used in games for their Playskool division. The ION Education Gaming System will begin being sold in the Fall of 2005 and is target audience is children ages 3 to 7.
Toronto - 5000 sq ft Ottawa - 3000 sq ft California - 3000 sq ft
Toronto - 25 Ottawa - 12 California - 5 New York - 1 China - 1 Japan - 1
Contacts
Vincent John Vincent
Title: President
Area of Responsibility: Management Executive
Phone: Show phone
Fax: Show fax
Email: Show email
Bill Leckonby
Title: Chief Executive Officer
Area of Responsibility: Management Executive
Phone: Show phone
Fax: Show fax
Email: Show email
Services
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Communications- Video Conferencing
Virtual Video Conferencing allows users to link virtual video images in different locations to appear in the same 3D virtual world in which they can interact wih the obhects together.
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Software Developer
Software development for interactive live video applications including: medical applications for occupational therapy, telecommunications applications for live teleconferencing, art installations and entertainment games for large public venues including museums, parks and malls.
Products
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Eyemobile
VGC Technology for use with mobile phones which allows user to manipulate the images in a game without the use of any buttons.
- Gesture Xtreme Systems
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Groundfx
Interactive Floor/Wall Projection which is controlled by the feet. Provides engaging marketing tool. Clients from Automotive, Retail, Hotel, Science Center, Tradeshow Industries.
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Interactive Digital Signage
Interactive point-to-click tcomputer interfaces. GestPoint allows any sized screen to be controlled from a distance. Used in retail and a variety of public displays.
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Rehabilitation Services
IREX uses the patented VGC technology to submerge the patient into computer generated world which isolates and track the combined joint and full body movements of both the upper and lower extremities. The kinematic data is measured, recorded and reported.
NAICS Categories
- 334110 Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing
- 334410 Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing
- 334610 Manufacturing and Reproducing Magnetic and Optical Media
- 339930 Doll, Toy and Game Manufacturing
Additional Information
339930, 334110, 334410, 334610, 334610, 334610, 334610
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