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virtual pointer detection, image processing, screen pointing device, computer vision, modeling and simulation

The paper presents a methodology for detecting a virtual passive pointer. The passive pointer or device does not have any active energy source within it (as opposed to a laser pointer) and thus cannot easily be detected or identified. The modeling and simulation task is carried out by generating high resolution color images of a pointer viewing via two digital cameras with a popular three-dimensional (3D) computer graphics and animation program, Studio 3D Max by Discreet. These images are then retrieved for analysis into a Microsoft’s Visual C++ program developed based on the theory of image triangulation. The program outputs a precise coordinates of the pointer in the 3D space in addition to it’s projection on a view screen located in a large display/presentation room. The computational results of the pointer projection are compared with the known locations specified by the Studio 3D Max for different simulated configurations. High pointing accuracy is achieved: a pointer kept 30 feet away correctly hits the target location within a few inches. Thus this technology can be used in presenter-audience applications.