Laser-Based Finger Tracking System Suitable for MOEMS Integration

This paper describes a proof-of-principle demonstration of a novel and simple active tracking mechanism using a laser diode, steering mirrors, and a single non-imaging photodetector. Tracking is based on the analysis of a temporal signal corresponding to the amount of backscattered light produced during a rapid, local circular scan (or saccade) around the presumed object position. The simplicity of the system is such that, using state-of-the-art Micro-Opto-Electro-Mechanical-System (MOEMS) technology, it would be possible to integrate the whole system on a chip, making it an interesting input interface for portable computing devices.

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