Tech Report CS-99-11

A Survey of Hand Posture and Gesture Recognition Techniques and Technology

Joseph J. LaViola Jr.

June 1999

Abstract:

This paper surveys the use of hand postures and gestures as a mechanism for interaction with computers, describing both the various techniques for performing accurate recognition and the technological aspects inherent to posture- and gesture-based interaction. First, the technological requirements and limitations for using hand postures and gestures are described by discussing both glove-based and vision-based recognition systems along with advantages and disadvantages of each. Second, the various types of techniques used in recognizing hand postures and gestures are compared and contrasted. Third, the applications that have used hand posture and gesture interfaces are examined. The survey concludes with a summary and a discussion of future research directions.

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