Company:Softkinetic

From HandWiki
Sony Depthsensing Solutions
FormerlySoftKinetic
TypePrivate Company
IndustrySoftware, semiconductors
FoundedSeptember 2009
FounderEric Krzeslo, Thibaud Remacle
Headquarters
Ixelles
,
Belgium
Productsiisu, DepthSense, CMOS Pixel
Number of employees
51-200[1]
ParentSony
Rating2.9/5[2]
Websitehttps://www.sony-depthsensing.com

SoftKinetic was a Belgian company founded by Eric Krzeslo and Thibaud Remacle 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[buzzword] based on its technology to the interactive digital entertainment, consumer electronics, health & fitness, and serious game industries.[3] SoftKinetic technology has been applied to interactive digital signage and advergaming,[4] interactive television,[5] and physical therapy.[6]

Originally centered on 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.[3]

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 against the particularities of the hardware.[7]

SoftKinetic's hardware, named DepthSense (formerly OptriCam),[8] 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.[9]

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.[10]

On October 8, 2015, Sony Corporation announced the acquisition of the company.[11]

In December 2017, Softkinetic was renamed to Sony Depthsensing Solutions.[12]

References

  1. "Sony Depthsensing Solutions". https://www.glassdoor.com/Overview/Working-at-Sony-Depthsensing-Solutions-EI_IE2036340.11,38.htm. 
  2. "Sony Depthsensing Solutions". https://www.glassdoor.com/Overview/Working-at-Sony-Depthsensing-Solutions-EI_IE2036340.11,38.htm. 
  3. 3.0 3.1 "About Us * Vision and Mission". SoftKinetic. http://www.softkinetic.com/AboutUs/VisionandMission.aspx. 
  4. "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. 
  5. "Orange Vallee demos Keanu motion-sensitive TV interface". Telecompaper. 2009-01-12. http://www.telecompaper.com/news/article.aspx?cid=652907. 
  6. 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. 
  7. "iisu™ Datasheet V1.7". Softkinetic. http://www.softkinetic.com/Portals/0/Documents/PDF/iisu3.0_Datasheet_V1.7.pdf. 
  8. "DepthSense™ 3D Camera". http://www.softkinetic.com/Solutions/DepthSensecameras.aspx. 
  9. "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. 
  10. "Projects". SoftKinetic Studios. 2011-05-09. http://www.softkinetic-studios.com/Projects.aspx. 
  11. "Sony Acquires Belgian Innovator of Range Image Sensor Technology, Softkinetic Systems S.A., in its Push Toward Next-Generation Range Image Sensors and Solutions". October 8, 2015. https://www.sony.com/en/SonyInfo/News/Press/201510/15-083E/. 
  12. "About". https://www.sony-depthsensing.com/about/. 

Further reading