Hi folks,
Digits, a Microsoft Research developed gesture control, allows the user to
control a pc or smartphone with arm- as well as hand-gestures. For instance, it
will be possible to make a call while your smartphone is still in your pocket
or control a video game with hand motions only. According to David Kim from Microsoft Research, the device will
understand what the user wants to do rather than forcing the user to do things
in a specific way.
From a technical standpoint, gesture control is not a
problem. However, current devices are too big and are not energy efficient enough
for usage in mobile devices. These restrictions also apply to the Digits
prototype: Velcro holds a device as big as a matchbox to the wrist of the user.
Digits consists of a small black and
white camera equipped with an infrared filter as well as a small infrared laser
pointed to the fingers. The fingers reflect different amounts of light into the
camera. The software calculates the position of the fingers based on 5 points.
This method is CPU and energy efficient.
Here
you can find the full german article published in Technology Review.
Have fun!
