Fingertip Gesture-Based Real-Time Drawing

This study presents a contactless, gesture-controlled real-time digital drawing system that tracks a user's fingertip to render sketches on a virtual canvas. Traditional digital input devices such as styluses, touchscreens, and mice are often limited by cost, ergonomics, or accessibility. To address these shortcomings, this research proposes a system using Python, OpenCV, and MediaPipe to enable air-based sketching via webcam. Fingertip gestures are translated into digital strokes, while intuitive virtual buttons— activated by hovering—allow users to switch colours, erase, or save their work. The system requires no additional hardware, runs efficiently, and demonstrates high usability across lighting conditions. Applications include educational tools, creative expression, and assistive technology, contributing to the advancement of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI).

Publication Details

Journal
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Published
2025-06-30
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15772340
Primary Topic
Interactive and Immersive Displays
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Fingertip Gesture-Based Real-Time Drawing

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Interactive and Immersive Displays
article

Fingertip Gesture-Based Real-Time Drawing

article en

Abstract

This study presents a contactless, gesture-controlled real-time digital drawing system that tracks a user's fingertip to render sketches on a virtual canvas. Traditional digital input devices such as styluses, touchscreens, and mice are often limited by cost, ergonomics, or accessibility. To address these shortcomings, this research proposes a system using Python, OpenCV, and MediaPipe to enable air-based sketching via webcam. Fingertip gestures are translated into digital strokes, while intuitive virtual buttons— activated by hovering—allow users to switch colours, erase, or save their work. The system requires no additional hardware, runs efficiently, and demonstrates high usability across lighting conditions. Applications include educational tools, creative expression, and assistive technology, contributing to the advancement of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI).

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Quality Education
Openalex Percentile: Top 49%
Interactive and Immersive Displays
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.