[olug] FW: The next generation computer interface

[Rob Townley]

On 10/23/06, Daniel Linder <dan at linder.org> wrote:
> The request for a large touch display to play AirHockey or Battleship on
> reminded me of something similar.
>
> I read about a group who created a D&D table which consisted of a
> projector mounted on the floor that projected up onto the back-side of a
> frosted glass screen.  The display was visible through the frosted display
> and didn't get shadows as people moved their hands above it.  The display
> was only 1024x768, but that was enough to put up a decent resolution map
> to allow the lead figurines to stand "in" the room that they were
> exploring.
>
> Since a table-sized touch screen would be quite expensive, I wonder how
> hard it would be to setup a camera mounted from the ceiling directly above
> the table and look for the users hands?
>
> It wouldn't have to be exact if it could allow you to control the mouse
> pointer via the tip of your finger for gross changes, and then display a
> virtual touch-pad under your hand which would control the mouse precisely.
>  Then the "sausage finger" problem would be mitigated a bit.
>
> Dan
>
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Thad Starner of the MIT Media Lab could recognize some of the American
Sign Language through a video camera more than 10 years ago.    Don't
think he addressed a virtual touchpad though.