Elliptic Labs shows off touchless interface for 3D navigation

We've seen (though not felt, for obvious reasons) a few touchless interfaces before, but the latest development coming from Elliptic Labs is a real treat. Dubbed a "touchless human / machine user interface for 3D navigation," the firm has somehow figured out how to allow mere mortals to manipulate on-screen images without requiring any sort of funky gloves to be worn or a microchip to be installed in your fingertip. Sadly, little is said about the actual technology behind the magic, but don't worry, the video waiting after the jump should provide plenty of satisfaction.

[Via Technabob]

[Gman @ Feb 3rd 2008 5:42AM]

Nice, although there's a slight delay in reaction to the hand gesture.

[Wolfpaw @ Feb 4th 2008 2:34AM]

"Slight" delay?

That is an ok proof of concept, but to be usable the response time - and I would guess the accuracy - has to be greatly improved. Now it is but a flashy showpiece.

[monkfishbandana @ Feb 3rd 2008 6:10AM]

I reckon it's a form of sonar or something.

However, even though items like the Wii incorporate the third axis very well, I would think it would be a little inconvenient when operating a computer; not to just have windows all over the place, but windows in the distance as well.

[Anthony @ Feb 3rd 2008 6:25AM]

coochi coochi coo ... haha

think about it.

[Akshay @ Feb 3rd 2008 6:28AM]

They could use this technology in the next gen wii!

[mattclarkie @ Feb 3rd 2008 6:53AM]

I also reckon it is either some form of Radar, or an array of some form using IR and it detects whether the beam is broken.

The idea is good in principal, but I can't see it ever really replacing the mouse on a PC, or a touch screen for larger scale uses.

[Kurian @ Feb 3rd 2008 7:25AM]

*Waits for ThriXXX to implement this in their software*

[Carbonize @ Feb 3rd 2008 7:56AM]

Could be done using two cameras and motion tracking.

[Stupidiot @ Feb 3rd 2008 8:51AM]

*Awaits the inevitable new wave of interactive porn*

[Rob @ Feb 3rd 2008 9:27AM]

I think it's done with sound/echo or something like that...

[silverblackvoid @ Feb 3rd 2008 10:37AM]

cool! now i can finally touch those boobs!

[DE Lloyd @ Feb 3rd 2008 1:43PM]

Radar and echolocation couldn't resolve something that pointed and small without also looking at the entire hand, and it's clear that the "dot" is only his fingertip.

I'd guess that it's a simple Infra-Red camera again, hidden behind some semi-reflective material that it can easily see through. Setup your software to see only the closest point and you're set. There's probably an IR emitter as well in there.

Simple.

[DarkAardvark @ Feb 3rd 2008 2:34PM]

yeah, i saw this in the mitsubishi(?) booth at the DC autoshow
i made my own craptastic car with it

[Matt @ Feb 3rd 2008 4:37PM]

I'm guessing it's an ultrasound panel that measures the delay in echo to determine where his finger is.

Example: http://www.senix.com/

[MXY @ Feb 3rd 2008 9:35PM]

Isn't this just an extension of Johnnny's projects found at http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~johnny/projects/wii/ ? Maybe it's more sphisticated (though I like Johnny's vid's better ;) )