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Researchers at the University of Delaware have invented a technology that they say will do away with the traditional mouse and keyboard, replacing those devices with a touchpad and finger motions that will allow computer users to control their machines "like magic."

The new interface consists of a touchpad that acts as a video camera, recording the objects touching its surface. An embedded microprocessor then uses an algorithmic process to convert the touches into commands understood by the computer, the researchers say.

The mouse-eliminating technology was originally developed by UD visiting Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering Wayne Westerman, who began the project as part of his doctoral thesis. Westerman has been working on developing the technology over the last five years, along with UD Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering John Elias.

The two are now marketing the interface, dubbed IGesture, through a company called FingerWorks.

"Ultimately I think the technology is completely capable of replacing what we use today," Elias said in an interview Thursday. The researchers believe that the system is revolutionary in that it mimics humans' natural tendency to use gestures to communicate and interact.

Steep Learning Curve

Already a number of UD students and faculty are using the technology, according to a FingerWorks spokesperson.

The system is "multitouch," requiring only light and subtle movements, the researchers said. For example, to open a file users rotate their hand as if opening a jar, and to maximize or minimize a screen users expand or contract their hand.

However, Elias said that it takes three to four weeks for users to learn how to work with the system--and some people can't get used to the technology.

"Sometimes people just don't want to change," Elias said. "I'm sure my grandmother didn't want to switch from a typewriter to a computer."

Nevertheless, Elias said that he believes the system could change the way the world does computing, and software makers could eventually start building applications that take advantage of the technology.

Better Than Voice

According to the researchers, the technology is much more flexible than voice recognition systems, because computers have difficulty processing speech differences. The IGesture inventors believe that their technology could eventually allow users to gesture passwords known only to them.

FingerWorks is currently marketing both a stand-alone touchpad and a touchpad built into a nonmechanical keyboard; the latter allows users to switch from typing to mousing without having to move their hand a great distance.

The IGesture Pad is priced at $179 while the IGesture Keyboard is going for $199, according to the company's Web site. The products work on Macintosh, Windows, and Linux systems, and require no extra software, FingerWorks says.

Though Elias conceded that the product pricing is high right now, he said that with increased sales volume the company hopes to move production offshore and reduce prices.