Computer vision based mouse

We describe a computer vision based mouse, which can control and command the cursor of a computer or a computerized system using a camera. In order to move the cursor on the computer screen the user simply moves the mouse shaped passive device placed on a surface within the viewing area of the camera. The video generated by the camera is analyzed using computer vision techniques and the computer moves the cursor according to mouse movements. The computer vision based mouse has regions corresponding to buttons for clicking. To click a button the user simply covers one of these regions with his/her finger.