Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Informatics developed input method for smartwatches that uses depth camera to track fingertip movement on hand or in mid-air, allowing control precision

Briefing

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Informatics developed input method for smartwatches that uses depth camera to track fingertip movement on hand or in mid-air, allowing control precision

May 19, 2017

Briefing

  • WatchSense – Max Planck Institute for Informatics researchers developed Watchsense, device that uses depth camera and worn by users in their arms, capturing movements of fingers on their backhand or in space above their hands, to provide input to smartwatches
  • How It Works – Recognizes exact positions of thumb and index fingers in 3D image perceived by depth sensor, identifying specific fingers and dealing with backhand's unevenness, as well as recognizing when fingers occlude each other when moved
  • Cross-Device Functionality – Also compatible with smartphones, smart TVs, and virtual or augmented reality devices
  • Sensor Limitations– Currently no depth sensors small enough to fit inside smartwatches, but may become commercialized as more advanced and smaller sensors become available in future

Accelerator

Sector

Information Technology

Organization

Max Planck Institute for Informatics

Source

Original Publication Date

May 5, 2017

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