Producer : Sheran Corera

Producer URL : www.projectfreewave.com

Producer’s Description

The massive influx of computers in modern society has led to the discovery of novel approaches in how humans interact with computers. Hand gesture recognition in particular has received much attention as these gestures play a large role in human communication. Amongst the various devices used to capture hand gesture movement, the accelerometer has become increasingly popular as it is immune to challenges inherent to computer vision (such as background noise, variable lighting conditions and limited scope) and due to its availability in numerous consumer electronics such as gaming remotes and modern mobile phones.

FreeWave is a framework to facilitate users to interact with different software applications using accelerometer enabled devices such as smart phones. The framework is capable of integrating with multiple mobile devices, multiple recognition algorithms and a variety of end-user applications. In addition, it also supports the processing in a decentralized manner using defined protocols and APIs. The framework based approach can be used to build a co-dependent network of programmers, users, devices and applications which can be used to further Human Computer Interaction.

Jurors’ Evaluation

Gestures play an important role in human communication. It is therefore no surprise that in the extensive research that has gone into explore natural mechanisms of human computer interaction, tracking of hand movements has received much attention. The accelerometer that is included in many of the modern devices can be used as a means to determine these hand gestures.

FreeWave creates an open source, accelerometer based gesture recognition eco-system, moving users away from the traditional, keyboard and mouse based approach and control applications to a far more intelligent, comprehensible manner, enabling them to connect with the application they are controlling using human motion as an input.

While this application can be used in music to enhance expression and make vibrant a live performance, it can also be useful in a variety of other domains – as a learning/ communication tool for disabled, for making presentations more interactive, playing games and controlling media applications.

The Jurors noted the fact that the product is currently being deployed as an interactive media tool in business and presentations. It is also being tested for use as an education tool for kids and adults with special needs such as those suffering from cerebral palsy / strokes.