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From: lishka@uwslh.slh.wisc.edu (a.k.a. Chri)
Newsgroups: sci.virtual-worlds
Subject: Re: Using bare hands
Message-ID: <9678@milton.u.washington.edu>
Date: 20 Oct 90 16:07:06 GMT
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Organization: Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene
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gourdol@imag.imag.fr (Gourdol Arnaud) writes:

>I am working in a research group where we are experimenting
>multi-modal interfaces. One of the mode of communication we are
>investigating is communicating using our bare hands.
>The idea of course, being to control
>the computer screen by direcltly manipulating it's content.
>We are also testing simultaneous use of speech to issue commands.

>Would any of you have any idea on how to use this particular
>interface to do things that can't be done with the datagloves ?

This is a very interesting area, one that I hadn't ever thought about.
Please keep us informed of your progress.

One thing that comes to mind right away is that it might be easier to
detect multi-hand actions with your system than with two datagloves.
For instance, it might be easier to correlate hand positions relative
to each other with your computer-vision system.  E.G.  interpreting
sign language, where some of the signs use both hands, might be
easier.  Another possibility is using the whole arm rather than just
the hand (the arm movements are not as complex as hand movements, so
this might be an easy extension of the system you have now).  E.G.
detecting wing-flapping motions as "flying" (mild ;-) "I just flew in
from virtual-New York, and boy, are my arms ever tired!"). 

On the other hand, a computer vision system would likely not be able
to measure force, where a modified dataglove could.  I like the idea
of being free of wires and "exoskeletons" when moving in a VR.

This is all just educated guessing, of course.

                                                .oO Chris Oo.
-- 
Christopher Lishka 608-262-4485  "Dad, don't give in to mob mentality!"
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