A new, and free software, dubbed MotionInput is making touchless gaming, and computing possible for everyone, regardless of disabilities, as reported by BBC.
MotionInput allows users to design new click or control inputs that suit their needs, without requiring them to know how to use a mouse or keyboard. Using the webcam on their computer, users can input any facial expression or physical gesture that best fits their needs.
Thus, making a fish face or lifting your eyebrows, for instance, could stand in for a right or double click. Users can get the supporting software from the Microsoft Store for free.
Over the past four years, more than 200 students have assisted Professor Dean Mohamedally, a computer science professor at University College London, in leading the development of MotionInput. As an example of "equitable computing," he claimed that it "democratizes" earlier technology by allowing kids to play games with their body movements.
Intel's artificial intelligence (AI) software is what enables this customized technology. It makes use of machine learning to identify a user's body parts and determine which movements or facial expressions during gameplay correspond to specific actions.
Since so much of modern life revolves around our electronics, making assistive technology more widely accessible has obvious advantages. This kind of technology can completely change lives.
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Touchless Technology Beyond Gaming
While gaming is the main focus right now, technologies like MotionInput have much wider applications than that. Touchless computing is thought to have applications in the fields of education, healthcare, and building.
In light of an increasingly digital world, Dr. Shepherd continues that these technologies can help people stay connected in the workplace. The goal of UCL's MotionInput software going forward is to make its non-accessible applications commercially available.
Sony's Access Controller
Gaming for the disabled continues to make headlines, most notably when Sony introduced back in December of last year its access controller. A controller designed to make gaming accessible for everyone, albeit not utilizing touchless technology.
Five years were spent developing the Access controller, during which time six design concepts were investigated and various accessibility specialists and community playtesters with disabilities were consulted.
The goal was to create a design that could be adjusted to suit a variety of player needs. As soon as the product is opened, the accessibility journey starts. The box for the Access controller was created by Sony with the user in mind. It has loops that are readily pulled from either side, making it simple to open with one hand.
Nineteen replaceable button caps and three stick caps are among the numerous kit components that are arranged effectively in slots throughout the interior layout.
The Access controller recognizes the variety of needs within the accessibility community, designed to be a ready-to-use solution for many players with impairments. The circular, programmable controller features larger touchpads, programmable buttons, and accessible connectors for external devices like joysticks and switches.
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