Immersion Corporation
Immersion Corporation is a technology company known for its innovations in haptic technology, which involves the use of touch feedback, or haptic feedback, in computing devices and electronics. Here's a detailed look at the company:
History
- Founded: Immersion was established in 1993 by Louis Rosenberg, a researcher at NASA's Ames Research Center, with the aim of developing and commercializing haptic technology.
- Early Years: In its initial stages, Immersion focused on developing systems that could provide tactile feedback in virtual reality (VR) environments, which was a novel concept at the time.
- Public Offering: The company went public in November 1999, trading on NASDAQ under the symbol IMMR.
Core Products and Technology
- Haptic Technology: Immersion's primary product is its haptic feedback technology, which allows users to experience tactile sensations through devices like smartphones, gaming consoles, and automotive interfaces.
- Patent Portfolio: Immersion has built a significant patent portfolio related to touch feedback technologies, which it licenses to other companies. This has been a major revenue source for the company.
- TouchSense: A software solution that enables developers to add tactile effects to their applications, enhancing user interaction through touch.
Notable Partnerships and Litigation
- Licensing Agreements: Immersion has licensing agreements with numerous companies including Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo for use of their haptic technology in products like game controllers and mobile devices.
- Litigation: The company has been involved in several high-profile patent infringement lawsuits, most notably with Sony, which resulted in a settlement in 2007 where Sony agreed to pay $150 million for the use of Immersion's haptic technology.
Recent Developments
- Expansion into New Markets: Immersion has been exploring applications of haptics in automotive, medical, and virtual reality sectors, broadening its market scope.
- Strategic Acquisitions: In 2017, Immersion acquired the patents of Haptics Lab, enhancing their patent portfolio and technological capabilities in haptics.
External Links
Related Topics