Qualstar Corp. will license its patented touchless pointing technology after exiting that market. The Simi Valley-based company has developed and manufactured two products based on the technology — a touchless mouse branded as Topo Jojo, and a touch screen. Qualstar recently announced plans to get out of touchless technology business to better focus on its core data storage and power supply businesses. Topo Jojo uses infrared sensor technology to detect a finger’s motion in the air to control a PC display cursor. Touchless control eliminates operator contact with the traditional computer mouse, thus preventing a source of cross contamination in medical environments. The touch screen was marketed for use in kiosks, industrial controls, restaurant and cafeteria menu display, time clocks, and patient care room and nursing station displays. In a 2010 interview with the San Fernando Valley Business Journal, then-Qualstar CEO William Gervais said the touchless products fit Qualstar’s product area strengths and selling to the health care industry. Qualstar, however, has struggled financially in recent years. Its performance sparked a proxy battle in June to remove the board of directors. The effort failed and the company, under the direction of new CEO Larry Firestone, is making changes to improve profitability. – Mark R. Madler
Simi Valley Firm Sheds Category
