A hand-gesture interface system that allows developers and users of immersive applications to use hand interaction to work within the virtual environment. The PINCH system uses cloth gloves with electrical sensors in each fingertip.

Contact between any two or more digits completes a conductive path, and a complex variety of actions based on these simple "pinch" gestures can be programmed into applications.

The PINCH system includes a pair of gloves, interface electronics, user's guide, tracker mounts, and software. The standard RS-232 serial interface allows the PINCH to be used with virtually any workstation or personal computer.

Gesture Space:

• Contact among any two or more digits (i.e. left forefinger to right forefinger).
• The gloves detect when two or more digits come in contact. After the contact is verified, it is sent to the host. The elapsed time between gestures is also recorded.
• Requires no calibration.

Communications:

• Simple RS-232 protocol communicates gesture information and delta time stamps.
  
• Dip-Switch selectable baud rates including 9600 and 19200.
  
• Sample source code is available for either SGI or PC platforms.

Power:

• 120VAC 11W to 9W wall transformer, 2.1mm plug.
• FCC Class A device.

Tracking:

• The glove does not provide information pertaining to its location in space.
• A mount compatible with both the Ascension and Polhemus electromagnetic trackers is provided.