German Researchers Show Off a Gesture-Based Interface

smitty777 writes "The folks at the Potsdam University have developed a user interface based completely on hand gestures. A small(ish) device worn around the neck is used to track the hand position, allowing the user to draw, type, or gesture in the air. You think it looks ridiculous when you can't tell that folks are talking on a cell phone? Imagine a bus full of people gesturing in thin air. Also, don't forget to turn this thing off, or it will look like your cat was walking on your keyboard." Update: 06/11 00:54 GMT by T : This informative comment (kudos!) adds links to a video demonstration and the researcher's own site.

German Researchers?

[mindbrane]

German Researchers Show Off a Gesture-Based Interface

Shurley you jest sir, this could only have been invented by the Italians. OTOH this would be the equivalent of a mute button for the Brits.

Not good!!!

[Anonymous Coward]

Remember the last time Germans started waving their hands around?

No. The Italian's one is *rude* gesture based.

[RexDevious]

Unfortunately, every time they've tried to demo it, a fight breaks out.

3 Finger Salute

[cosm]

I am envisioning a future of urbanites wandering aimlessly as they frantically mash a virtual piano, while in reality they are 3-finger-saluting the air because they can't access their FarceBook or Twatter. Bring on the Windows Mobile Revolution(TM) !

Lawsuits coming ...

[tomhudson]

Lawyers just love this sort of thing.

Someone makes a gesture saying "shove it" (flipping the bird, one-finger salute, whatever) and the cop standing in front of them tazes them.

"There was no warning label saying that gesturing could offend bystanders. I want $5 million."

[_] I have no hands, you insensitive clod!
[_] I have no hands because I wanted to see if it would blend, you insensitive clod!
[_] In Soviet Russia, gestures track YOU!
[_] You can have my gesture device when you pry it from my ... heck, it'll signal I'm dead - the gesture for that is my hands not moving for 24 hours.
[_] It's worn around the neck - if I get the hiccups, what happens? Will I accidentally download porn or something?
[_] Call me when I can attach this to my dog's collar so it can communicate more than "walk me", "feed me", and "rub my belly".

Re:No. The Italian's one is *rude* gesture based.

[hedgemage]

Italian gesture-based interfaces would be fraught with problems.

Abraham: Do you bite your thumb at us, sir?
Sampson: I do bite my thumb, sir.
Abraham: Do you bite your thumb at us, sir?
Sampson (to Gregory): Is the law of our side if I say ay?
Gregory: No.
Sampson: No, sir, I do not bite my thumb at you sir; but I bite my thumb, sir.
Gregory: Do you quarrel, sir?
Abraham: Quarrel, sir? No, sir.