Interface with computers using gestures of the human body,
typically hand movements. In gesture recognition technology, a
camera reads the movements of the human body and communicates
the data to a computer that uses the gestures as input to
control devices or applications. For example, a person clapping
his hands together in front of a camera can produce the sound of
cymbals being crashed together when the gesture is fed through a
computer. One way gesture recognition is being used is to help
the physically impaired to interact with computers, such as
interpreting sign language. The technology also has the
potential to change the way users interact with computers by
eliminating input devices such as joysticks, mice and keyboards
and allowing the unencumbered body to give signals to the
computer through gestures such as finger pointing. Unlike haptic
interfaces, gesture recognition does not require the user to
wear any special equipment or attach any devices to the body.
The gestures of the body are read by a