Leigh C. Elkins

The internet is a funny thing, always growing, something is always happening, always changing….. or is it?

It is undeniable that the internet is on a constant state of flux, never standing still for a minute, but how much is it really changing? Evolving, yes, that is undeniable, but really changing, I’m not so sure. What was the last big change? Twitter? Nope, that we essentially an evolution of blogging and facebook. Facebook? Nope, may as well be called Myspace+. Google? Hello Mr Yahoo. Instant Messaging? Skype? Anything? Answers on a postcard please.

There have been no big changes for a long time, even the hardware we use is still the same. Ok, so we are gradually moving towards smartphones, tablets, touchscreen PCs, etc, but the majority of people still access the internet more often than not through a laptop or desktop, using their keyboard and their mouse. A mouse? What the hell are we doing still using a mouse? The mouse is so old even its grandchildren are eligible for a free bus pass!

Well, it’s a good job we are moving towards touchscreen technology then, isn’t it. Is it? Ummmm, no. Have you seen how many people don’t wash their hands? Just what I want, sharing a computer with a work colleague or family member and for my pleasure not only do I get to paint a pretty picture in photoshop with my finger but I also get a handful of urine, mmmm yummy, that will go nicely with my lunch, thanks.

So no, touchscreen isn’t what I want. I don’t want to have to touch anything, I just want to point. Well, really I just want to think it and my computer will do it, but I have enough trouble interpreting my own thoughts so there is no chance of a computer being able to do that. So for now, pointing will suffice.

Now, I think that is just about enough babble for now drilling my point home, now to the main attraction. I have developed (a while ago now) a script that will allow you to just point at where you want to go, then will do it. Obviously for this to be possible you do require a webcam. Also for clarification purposes having a webcam sat in your drawer that has only seen the light of day twice in the last seven years isn’t what I mean, the webcam must be plugged in (unless of course it is built in) and turned on, and working!

The script is temperamental to say the least and there are issues with sensitivity, but it is a starting point. Rome wasn’t built in a day….. If you have made it this far then bravo, now pop yourself over to http://www.lece.co.uk/webcam and see just what it is that I am fussing about.

Remember, I did say it is basic, temperamental and there are issues, I am well aware of these and work is already underway on improving the concept. For now though, this script is purely that, a concept.

Have fun! Ta ta for now.