Sony has acquired image sensor and gesture recognition technology firm Softkinetic. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed by the company.
The Belgium based firm specializes in 3D sensing computer vision technologies and depth sensing cameras. It is known for its cameras using time-of-flight range image sensor technology, which measures the duration it takes for light to leave its source, reflect off an object and return to the image sensor. Founded in 2007, Softkinetic had previously collaborated with Sony to bring its 3D gesture recognition middleware to game titles on the PS4.
As a result of the acquisition, Softkinetic will now be a subsidiary of Sony. The company will focus on combining Softkinetic’s ToF range image sensor technology expertise with its own technologies to develop the next generation of image sensors and solutions. These sensors will not only be restricted to the field of imaging, but for broader sensing-related applications as well.