A Wearable Input Device Using Wristwatch-like Camera and Reflection Marker

Abstract

Input interface devices worn by users are desirable for wearable computers. A tiny wristwatch-like TV camera was worn on the wrist of one hand and a retro-reflective maker was worn on a finger of the other hand. They were used for capturing hand gestures as a wearable input device. While looking at the positions of the camera and their own hands, the users pointed at captured areas with the marker for inputs by visual estimation. Near-infrared illumination, a retro-reflective optical marker, and a visual light-cut optical filter were used for extracting the marker from the captured images, and the position of the marker was calculated based on the captured images. LEDs mounted on the camera were also used for indicating the position of the maker. the pointing performances were empirically measured under various indicator conditions. Based on the experimental results, the device is sufficient for pointing at nine areas of a captured area with a high degree of accuracy.