Gesture Based Computing

Gesture-based computing refers to the ability to interface with devices through natural human movement. Different devices can recognize a variety of Gesture-based inputs. Touch screens, such as the I-pod touch, recognize multiple fingers/touch. Game Systems, such as a Nintendo Wii, senses your movement with a hand-remote and infrared sensor. Hands-Free Systems, such as the Xbox Kinect, sense your movements using a set of cameras.

The possibilities surrounding gesture-based computing are amazing. Take the design of a building, for example. My aunt is in a wheel chair. She was asked, along with a little person to tour a new facility to see how accessible it was for persons with disabilities.

Some of the things that my aunt and the other person pointed out on their tour, was that one ramp was too steep, some of the door knobs were too difficult for my aunt to open open, the sinks were too high for the little person, and so on. The brand-new building had to be renovated, before it even officially opened, for better accessibility. How much money would have been saved if my aunt and the other person could have done a virtual tour using gesture-based computing?

I believe that someone will come up with something that will allow a user to control everything in his or her house using a verbal command or a simple command such as a clap of the hands.  

The possibilities for teaching and learning are endless. Already, medical students use simulations that teach how to use certain instruments through gesture-based interfaces. In classrooms, chalkboards have been replaced with interactive white boards. I believe that, in the future, there will be much more virtual education.

    I believe that in the near future, our houses and cars will be controlled using verbal commands or a other simple commands. For example, we may be able to tell our cars to lock the doors and, based on voice-recognition software, it will be able to do this without the need for keys.