Scientists who created the device say it is the first such system to look at the contours of the wrist. The use of thermal imaging is also noteworthy here. Previous research in the area focused almost exclusively on traditional cameras, often with less than spectacular results. Prototypes developed by scientists in the past were bulky, difficult to use, and could only distinguish between a couple of specific hand gestures. Meanwhile, FingerTrack can accurately track the position of the fingers even when the person using it is holding an object in hand.
While the technology could have a variety of applications, one of the most promising has to do with sign language translation. The team also sees a future where FingerTrak could be used to detect the first signs of cognitive disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. It can also have virtual reality uses.
The usual caveat that comes with any recent research project applies here. It may be years before the team that created FingerTrak finds a way to market your invention. However, what is promising here is that the device employs affordable components and is already very accurate.
