SmartTouch: A cost-effective infrared based imaging touch screen

Current wireless human-computer interaction devices such as wireless mice and touch screens, by-and large, incorporate a sophisticated electronic architecture. The sophistication achieves wireless capabilities but carries over a cost overhead. In this paper, foundation is laid for developing a novel human-computer interaction device with reduced hardware sophistication as well as reduced cost. SmartTouch is an infrared based touch screen device for desktops that uses a webcam and infrared LEDs. SmartTouch transforms an otherwise normal LCD computer screen into an input/output surface suitable for gesture-based interaction wherein users can naturally use their fingers or stylus to issue commands and type text. To increase its utility beyond simple touch it has also been empowered with multi-touch interaction.