Lightglove: wrist-worn virtual typing and pointing

Abstract

We present the "Lightglove", a watch-size wireless virtual typing device worn underneath the wrist(s), with light beams sensing fingertips and motion sensors tracking hand movement. A miniature keyboard image is superimposed over the user's application on the host system display, and active keys corresponding to each finger are highlighted and pan around the key-map as the hand moves. Typing and pointing actions are similar to those with conventional keyboard and mouse, as though a physical device were underneath the hand. When the cursor moves out of the keyboard display area the Lightglove acts as a pointer (mouse). Applications include computer/PDA input, gaming control, TV remote control, and musical applications.