Gesture interfaces with depth sensors

Abstract

Computers and other electronic devices shrink and the need for a human interface remains. This generates a tremendous interest in alternative interfaces such as touch-less gesture interfaces, which can create a large, generic interface with a small piece of hardware. However, the acceptance of novel interfaces is hard to predict and may challenge the required computer-vision algorithms in terms of robustness, latency, precision, and the complexity of the problems involved. In this article, we provide an overview of current gesture interfaces that are based on depth sensors. The focus is on the algorithms and systems that operate in the near range and can recognize hand gestures of increasing complexity, from simple wipes to the tracking of a full hand-skeleton. © Springer-Verlag 2013.