AI VIRTUAL MOUSE USING HAND GESTURES

A PROJECT REPORT

Submitted by

HARISHANKAR M (913121104030)
BARATHVAJ T K S (913121104302)

in partial fulfillment for the award of the degree

of

BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING
IN

COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

VELAMMAL COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

AUTONOMOUS

MAY 2025
 BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

Certified that this Report titled “ AI VIRTUAL MOUSE USING HAND

GESTURES” is the bonafide work of “HARISHANKAR M
(913121104030),BARATHVAJ T K S (913121104302)” who carried out the
work under my supervision. Certified further that to the best of my knowledge
the work reported herein does not form part of any other thesis or dissertation
on the basis of which a degree or award was conferred on an earlier occasion on
this or any other candidate.

SIGNATURE SIGNATURE

DR.R.Perumalraja M.E., PhD DR.R.Perumalraja M.E., PhD

(HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT) (HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT)
DEAN & PROFESSOR DEAN & PROFESSOR
DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER
SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
VELAMMAL COLLEGE OF VELAMMAL COLLEGE OF
ENGINEERING AND ENGINEERING AND
TECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY
MADURAI-625009 MADURAI-625009

Submitted for the university viva voce held on at

Velammal College of Engineering and Technology.

INTERNAL EXAMINER EXTERNAL EXAMINER

ABSTRACT

A new way of computer interaction is introduced in this work: a Hand-

Tracking Virtual Mouse, or HTVM, that allows users to move a mouse cursor
by hand motions rather than a physical device. The system tracks movements
in real time through a webcam and interprets gestures, such as moving the
cursor, clicking, and scrolling. The touch-free interface is built with OpenCV
to capture video, Mediapipe for hand-gesture detection, and Autopy to
simulate the movement of a mouse. The primary advantage of this interface is
that it provides an alternative input interface that is easier to use and more
hygienic than traditional input devices. This technology is especially useful
where contact with the object should be avoided; e.g., in medical settings or
virtual and augmented reality (AR/VR) applications.

Such a system has the accuracy and responsiveness required with virtually no
latency to make it applicable to a broad field of uses. With this in mind, it is
designed to be user-friendly to provide a clean, natural experience by allowing
users to interact with computers through hand gestures alone. This report
presents the architecture of the system, how it was developed, and its
performance in several scenarios as applied in everyday environments and
other environments where touchless control is necessitated. The Hand-
Tracking Virtual Mouse is one of the developing gesture-based technologies
that will take over the future of human-computer interaction.

CONCLUSION
The Hand-Tracking Virtual Mouse (HTVM) represents a significant
advancement in the field of human-computer interaction, providing a hygienic,
accessible, and efficient alternative to traditional input devices. By leveraging
real-time hand tracking and gesture recognition, HTVM achieves the accuracy
and responsiveness required for practical applications, from everyday tasks to
specialized environments like medical and AR/VR settings. This touch-free
interface not only demonstrates the potential of gesture-based controls but also
paves the way for future innovations in touchless technology. As gesture-based
interfaces continue to evolve, HTVM underscores the feasibility and potential
of these systems to transform how users interact with digital devices, heralding
a more natural and intuitive era of computing.

TABLES OF CONTENT

S.NO CONTENT PAGE NUMBER

1. Introduction 7

1.1 Overview 7

1.2 Objective 8

2. Literature Survey 9

3. System Study 10

3.1 Feasibility Study 10

3.1.1 Economical Feasibility 11

3.1.2 Technical Feasibility 12

3.1.3 Social Feasibility 13

4. System Proposal 14

4.1 Existing System 14

4.2 Proposed System 15

4.3 Advantages 16
 4.4 Disadvantages 17

5. System Requirements 18

5.1 Hardware Specification 18

5.2 Software Specification 19

6. Detailed Description of Technology 21-24

6.1 Computer Vision with OpenCV

6.2 Hand Tracking and Gesture

Recognition with MediaPipe
6.3 Automation and Control with
Autopy
6.4 Coordinate Mapping and
Calibration
6.5 System Optimization and
Responsiveness
7. System Design 24-31

7.1 Architecture Diagram

7.2 Data Flow

7.3 Component Design

7.4 System Flow

7.5 Advantages of Design

7.6 Error Handling and Calibration

8. System Architecture 32

9. System Implementation 33
 9.1 Step-by-Step Implementation 33

9.2 Implementation Consideration 38

10. Conclusion 38

11. Appendices 39

12. References 42

LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE NUMBER FIGURE NAME PAGE NUMBER

1. 7.1 Architecture Diagram 25

2. 9 System Implementation 33-37

1.INTRODUCTION

1.1 OVERVIEW

The Hand-Tracking Virtual Mouse (HTVM) project explores an innovative,

touch-free method of computer interaction that utilizes real-time hand tracking
to perform mouse functions. Instead of relying on a physical mouse, HTVM
enables users to control cursor movement and execute common actions, such as
clicking, scrolling, and dragging, solely through hand gestures. This system
integrates three primary technologies: OpenCV for video capture, Mediapipe for
precise hand-gesture detection, and Autopy to emulate mouse movements and
actions. Together, these tools create an intuitive and responsive interface that
allows users to interact with a computer in a natural and fluid manner.

This touchless interface is designed to address key challenges in settings where

traditional input devices are impractical, such as in medical environments where
hygiene is paramount or in AR/VR applications where immersive, non-tactile
interaction is preferred. HTVM is capable of tracking hand movements with
high accuracy and minimal latency, ensuring it meets the responsiveness needed
for seamless user experience in real-world scenarios. The project aims to
develop a functional prototype that combines ease of use, accuracy, and
adaptability across diverse environments.
1.2 OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of the Hand-Tracking Virtual Mouse project is to

develop a non-contact, gesture-based interface that serves as a substitute for
traditional input devices. Key objectives include:

➢ Achieving Real-Time, High-Accuracy Hand Tracking

 Implementing real-time hand detection with a high level of accuracy and

minimal latency using a webcam, OpenCV, and Mediapipe to track and
interpret specific hand gestures.

➢ Simulating Mouse Functionality through Gestures

 Using Autopy to translate detected hand gestures into mouse actions,

such as cursor movement, left and right clicks, scrolling, and dragging,
thereby enabling a full suite of mouse functionalities.

➢ Enhancing Hygiene and Accessibility in Specialized Settings

 Creating a touch-free interface that is especially valuable in environments

where contact should be minimized, like healthcare settings, food
handling, or clean rooms, while also providing an alternative interface for
individuals with physical limitations that hinder the use of traditional
input devices.

➢ Exploring Applications in Emerging Technologies like AR/VR

 Investigating the potential of HTVM in immersive and virtual

environments where gesture-based interaction provides a more cohesive
experience, particularly in augmented and virtual reality applications.
➢ Evaluating Performance and Responsiveness Across Use Cases

 Testing the system in a variety of real-world scenarios to assess its

performance, accuracy, and adaptability, with an emphasis on
maintaining consistent responsiveness for practical usability.

2. LITERATURE SURVEY

Research in botnet detection within IoT networks has explored various machine
learning approaches, each offering distinct methodologies and insights to
address the growing threat of botnet attacks. Several key studies have
contributed to this area, highlighting both advancements and limitations.

Zhang, Liu, and Wang (2023) combined Random Forest (RF) and Support
Vector Machine (SVM) techniques for anomaly detection in IoT networks.
Their hybrid model improved detection accuracy by analyzing anomalous
patterns in network traffic. However, the approach increased computational
complexity and resource demand, posing challenges for large datasets common
in IoT environments.

Kumar and Patel (2023) developed a system utilizing Long Short-Term

Memory (LSTM) networks alongside edge computing to reduce latency in real-
time botnet detection. While their model achieved efficient real-time detection,
it proved resource-intensive, particularly in scenarios involving constrained
edge computing devices with limited processing power and memory.

Wang, Chen, and Zhang (2023) applied Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) to
model network traffic as a graph, offering valuable insights into network
behavior and relationships between devices. Although this approach provided
detailed understanding, its significant computational demands hindered
scalability, particularly for large and complex IoT networks.

Gupta and Singh (2023) utilized Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for
dimensionality reduction, combined with ensemble learning techniques like
Random Forest (RF) and Gradient Boosting, to enhance botnet detection. While
this method improved classification accuracy, the high computational resources
required limited its applicability in resource-constrained IoT environments.

3. SYSTEM STUDY

The Hand-Tracking Virtual Mouse (HTVM) system aims to provide an

innovative solution to control a computer's cursor and simulate mouse clicks
through hand gestures captured in real-time via a webcam. The system replaces
the traditional mouse device with hand gestures, offering a contactless, gesture-
based alternative.

3.1. FEASIBILITY STUDY

The feasibility study for implementing a Hand-Tracking Virtual Mouse (HTVM)

focuses on assessing:

 Economic Feasibility
 Technical Feasibility
 Social Feasibility

By examining these factors, the project aims to determine its practicality,

resource allocation, and overall potential impact in advancing touchless
computer interaction.

3.1.1. ECONOMICAL FEASIBILITY

The economic feasibility of the HTVM project involves analyzing startup costs,
potential cost savings, scalability, and long-term financial benefits.

 Cost Management: The project can minimize initial costs by using open-
source libraries like OpenCV, Mediapipe, and Autopy, along with
consumer-grade webcams. This reduces expenses on proprietary software
and specialized hardware, enabling cost-effective development.
 Future Savings: The touch-free interface can lead to long-term savings
in settings where traditional input devices require regular sanitization or
maintenance, such as healthcare or food services. By mitigating the need
for physical contact, HTVM offers potential savings on equipment wear
and cleaning.
 Market Viability: Although immediate financial returns may be modest,
the HTVM system’s unique application in emerging markets like AR/VR
and remote healthcare presents growth opportunities and potential
revenue in industries prioritizing hygienic, non-contact interactions.

Overall, by optimizing costs through open-source tools and considering

industry-specific needs, the project establishes a strong case for economic
feasibility.
3.1.2. TECHNICAL FEASIBILITY

Evaluating the technical feasibility of the HTVM project is essential to

determine its practicality, including the suitability of technologies, data needs,
algorithm efficiency, hardware requirements, and integration potential.

 Availability of Technologies: The project leverages accessible tools like

OpenCV for video capture, Mediapipe for hand tracking, and Autopy for
mouse control, all of which are readily available and suited for
developing a virtual mouse interface.
 Data Requirements: Since the system relies on real-time hand
movement data from a webcam, there is no need for large pre-collected
datasets. Instead, hand gestures are detected and processed live, which
simplifies the data acquisition process.
 Algorithm Suitability: Mediapipe’s hand-tracking algorithms are well-
suited for accurately detecting hand landmarks, enabling the system to
interpret gestures effectively. This allows for smooth, real-time cursor
movements and commands.
 Hardware and Computational Requirements: The HTVM system can
function on standard consumer-grade laptops or desktops with webcams,
minimizing the need for high-end processing power or specialized
hardware, which enhances its accessibility.
 Integration Challenges: Minimal integration is required, as the HTVM
is designed as a standalone application. However, adjustments may be
needed if integrated with specialized applications, such as in AR/VR
systems or proprietary software environments.

A comprehensive technical analysis shows the feasibility of using accessible

technologies to achieve efficient, real-time hand-tracking capabilities for
touchless interaction.
3.1.3. SOCIAL FEASIBILITY

Evaluating social feasibility is crucial to understanding how the HTVM system

will be received by users, as well as its societal impact and ethical
considerations.

 Public Perception and Acceptance: The HTVM project is expected to

gain acceptance among users due to its innovative, touch-free interaction
design, especially in settings that prioritize hygiene and non-contact
solutions, like healthcare and AR/VR.
 User Engagement and Adaptability: Users’ willingness to interact with
a touch-free system will likely be high, particularly given the
convenience and hygiene benefits it offers over traditional input devices.
This technology can also accommodate individuals with mobility
limitations, promoting accessibility.
 Ethical Considerations: The HTVM system respects user privacy by
processing hand movements locally without storing data, addressing
concerns around consent and data security.
 Societal Benefits: The HTVM system can contribute to safer, cleaner
digital environments, reducing physical contact and fostering hygienic
practices. Additionally, it may enhance inclusivity by offering an
accessible alternative for users with disabilities.
 Enhanced User Experience in Emerging Technologies: As gesture-
based systems gain traction, the HTVM aligns with trends in AR/VR and
touchless controls, underscoring its relevance in a socially responsible
and technologically advancing landscape.

By considering user acceptance, accessibility, and privacy, the HTVM project

demonstrates strong social feasibility, with a positive potential impact on both
user experience and public health.
4. SYSTEM PROPOSAL

The Hand-Tracking Virtual Mouse (HTVM) system proposes an innovative

way to interact with computers using real-time hand gestures. By utilizing a
webcam and leveraging powerful software libraries like OpenCV, MediaPipe,
and Autopy, this system allows users to control their computer's cursor and
simulate mouse actions (clicks, scrolling) without any physical contact. This
proposal outlines the key components, objectives, and potential benefits of the
system.

4.1 EXISTING SYSTEM:

Existing hand-tracking systems typically rely on camera-based

methods that involve detecting and analyzing hand landmarks to enable basic
interactions, such as cursor movement and clicks. Many of these systems utilize
frameworks like OpenCV for video processing, along with machine learning or
deep learning models for hand gesture recognition. Some systems also leverage
Mediapipe for hand-tracking due to its efficiency in detecting key hand points.
These systems use predefined gestures for common actions, making it possible
to interact with a computer without physical contact. However, traditional
systems often face limitations, such as a lack of precise control for complex
tasks, difficulty in detecting subtle gestures, and occasional latency issues that
hinder real-time performance. Most current systems are also standalone,
limiting integration into diverse environments like AR/VR or specialized
settings that require seamless touchless interaction.

4.2 PROPOSED SYSTEM:

The proposed Hand-Tracking Virtual Mouse (HTVM) aims to provide a highly

responsive, touch-free interface for computer interaction using hand gestures.
The system captures video input through a standard webcam and leverages
OpenCV for real-time video processing, Mediapipe for efficient and accurate
hand landmark detection, and Autopy to simulate mouse movements and
interactions. The HTVM system begins with a series of initialization steps that
set up the environment and configure the hand-tracking framework.

The HTVM system detects specific gestures mapped to functions like cursor
movement, clicking, scrolling, and dragging. Key features include:

 Real-Time Tracking and Response: The system processes hand

movements in real-time with minimal latency, enhancing the precision
and responsiveness required for practical use.
 Gesture Recognition and Mapping: The system identifies a range of
hand gestures, each linked to a corresponding mouse action. For instance,
moving an open hand moves the cursor, while a pinching gesture initiates
a click.
 Enhanced Accuracy in Variable Environments: Advanced detection
settings are used to adapt to changes in lighting and background, ensuring
consistent tracking performance in diverse conditions.
 User-Friendly Interface: A straightforward and customizable interface
allows users to calibrate hand gestures and adjust sensitivity, providing a
personalized experience.
 Application-Specific Integration: The system is designed to integrate
seamlessly into applications that benefit from touchless control, such as
AR/VR environments and healthcare applications, where hygiene and
accessibility are priorities.
 Continuous Performance Evaluation: The HTVM system records
interaction metrics like accuracy and latency, facilitating continuous
refinement for improved user experience. It also includes a setup for real-
 time feedback, allowing users to see gestures recognized and actions
triggered instantly.

Through these features, the HTVM system seeks to redefine user interaction
with computers, enabling practical, touch-free control across multiple
application areas.

4.3 ADVANTAGES:

 Enhanced Gesture Recognition: Mediapipe's hand-tracking technology

allows for precise detection of hand landmarks, enhancing the system’s
ability to recognize and respond accurately to user gestures.
 Real-Time Interaction: The system’s architecture is optimized for real-
time responsiveness, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted cursor
movement and interaction with minimal latency.
 Hygienic Touch-Free Interface: By eliminating the need for physical
contact, HTVM supports hygienic practices, making it ideal for
environments like healthcare facilities and shared workspaces.
 Environmental Adaptability: Advanced calibration options improve the
system’s resilience to changes in lighting and background, ensuring
reliable performance across different environments.
 Scalable and Customizable: The system can be adapted to recognize
new gestures or integrate additional functionalities, providing flexibility
for a wide range of applications, including AR/VR.
 Accessible and Cost-Effective: Designed to work with a standard
webcam, the system is accessible and affordable, reducing the need for
specialized hardware.
  Enhanced Usability for Diverse Users: The touch-free interface
provides an accessible alternative for users with physical limitations,
promoting inclusivity in computer interaction.
 Continuous Improvement: Regular updates and performance
evaluations allow the system to adapt to user feedback, maintaining its
relevance and usability over time.

4.4 DISADVANTAGES:

· Latency Issues: Some existing systems may have noticeable latency, which
can disrupt smooth cursor control and lead to a suboptimal user experience,
particularly in real-time applications.

· Gesture Detection Limitations: Certain systems struggle to accurately detect

subtle hand movements or distinguish between similar gestures, impacting
precision in tasks requiring detailed cursor control.

· Hardware Dependency: Many systems rely on high-resolution cameras or

specialized hardware for optimal performance, which may increase costs and
limit accessibility in budget-sensitive settings.

· Environmental Sensitivity: Changes in lighting, background, or other

environmental factors can negatively affect hand detection accuracy, reducing
reliability in variable conditions.

· Limited Use Cases: Many existing hand-tracking systems are not designed to
integrate into environments that demand high hygienic standards, like
healthcare settings, or to seamlessly function in AR/VR applications, limiting
their versatility.
· Lack of Scalability: Current hand-tracking systems may struggle to adapt to
new gestures or integrate with multiple applications, restricting their
adaptability across different usage scenarios.

5. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

The Hand-Tracking Virtual Mouse (HTVM) system requires both hardware

and software components to ensure smooth execution of the application. Below
are the hardware and software requirements necessary for the development,
training, and deployment of the system.

5.1 HARDWARE SPECIFICATION

A reliable hardware setup is essential for real-time hand tracking, gesture

recognition, and system responsiveness in the Hand-Tracking Virtual Mouse
(HTVM). Below are the hardware requirements:

 System: Minimum Intel Core i3 (Recommended: Multi-core CPU with at

least 4 cores, such as Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5, for efficient real-
time video processing and tracking)
 GPU: A dedicated GPU (such as NVIDIA GTX 1050 or higher) is
recommended for optimized performance in hand-tracking and image
processing tasks.
 Hard Disk: Minimum 200 GB (Recommended: SSD with a capacity of
at least 500 GB to improve data access speed and storage for video and
model-related files)
 Webcam: HD webcam (720p minimum, 1080p recommended) for
capturing clear, detailed hand movements in varying lighting conditions.
 Mouse and Keyboard: Standard setup (for debugging and testing
purposes)
  RAM: Minimum 8GB (Recommended: 16GB to ensure smooth
performance and multitasking when running the HTVM along with other
applications)

Additional Considerations:

 Stable Power Supply: Reliable power is essential to maintain system

stability during prolonged usage.
 Cooling Solutions: Adequate cooling is recommended, especially if
using a high-performance GPU, to prevent overheating during continuous
operation.

5.2 SOFTWARE SPECIFICATION

The software requirements outline the essential tools, libraries, and frameworks
for developing, deploying, and operating the HTVM system. Below are the
software components:

 Operating System: Windows 10 or later (alternatively compatible with

macOS and Linux)
 Programming Language: Python
 IDE and Environment: Anaconda Navigator with Spyder or Jupyter
Notebook for streamlined development
 Main Libraries:
o OpenCV: For real-time video capture and processing of hand
movements
o Mediapipe: For efficient hand-tracking and gesture detection
o Autopy: For simulating mouse movements and clicks based on
detected gestures
  Python Features:

o Free and Open Source: Python’s open-source nature allows

flexibility, enabling wide community support and modification.
o High-Level Language: Python abstracts complex system details,
focusing on simplicity and readability.
o Cross-Platform Compatibility: Python applications can run
seamlessly across multiple operating systems.
o Interpreted Language: Python executes directly from the source
code, which aids in testing and debugging without the need for
compilation.
o Object-Oriented and Extensible: Python supports both
procedural and object-oriented programming, which is
advantageous for modular code organization.
o Extensive Libraries: Python's extensive standard and third-party
libraries facilitate efficient hand tracking, video processing, and
system integrations.

This setup ensures the HTVM system operates efficiently, providing a

responsive, user-friendly touch-free interface for controlling the computer
cursor through hand gestures alone.

6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF TECHNOLOGY

The technology behind the Hand-Tracking Virtual Mouse (HTVM) combines

computer vision, hand-tracking algorithms, and automation tools to create an
intuitive, touch-free interface for interacting with digital devices. Below is a
detailed overview of the technologies used:
6.1 Computer Vision with OpenCV

OpenCV (Open Source Computer Vision Library) is a versatile, open-source

computer vision library that provides extensive functionality for image and
video processing. In the HTVM system, OpenCV is responsible for capturing
real-time video input from the device’s webcam, analyzing frames, and
converting visual data into formats that other modules can interpret. Its main
roles include:

 Image Acquisition: Capturing video frames in real-time from the

webcam, which will be used to detect and analyze hand movements.
 Image Preprocessing: Converting frames to grayscale, resizing, or
adjusting contrast to optimize processing speeds.
 Region of Interest (ROI): Focusing on specific areas of the frame to
improve performance, as hand-tracking doesn’t require full-frame
analysis.
 Coordinate Extraction: Calculating and returning hand position
coordinates to use as cursor movement inputs.

6.2 Hand Tracking and Gesture Recognition with MediaPipe

MediaPipe is a framework developed by Google that enables real-time

perception of hands and other features in video streams. In HTVM, it plays a
critical role in accurately detecting and tracking hand landmarks in 3D space,
enabling precise gesture recognition. Key functionalities of MediaPipe include:

 Hand Landmark Detection: MediaPipe’s Hand Tracking module can

detect 21 specific hand landmarks, allowing for accurate tracking of
fingers and palm position.
  Gesture Recognition: By analyzing the position and movement of
landmarks, gestures can be interpreted. For instance:

o Cursor Movement: Moving the hand moves the cursor on the

screen.
o Click Detection: A "click" is registered when the user brings the
index finger close to the thumb.
o Scroll Gesture: Custom hand gestures can trigger scrolling, such
as dragging with a pinching gesture.

 Real-Time Processing: MediaPipe runs efficiently in real-time,

providing instant feedback with minimal latency, essential for an intuitive
user experience.

6.3 Automation and Control with Autopy

Autopy is a Python library that facilitates virtual control over the operating
system's native input devices. In HTVM, Autopy serves to simulate traditional
mouse inputs based on the data provided by MediaPipe. Its main contributions
are:

 Mouse Control Simulation: Autopy can position the on-screen cursor by

mapping hand movements to screen coordinates.
 Simulated Clicks: Autopy allows HTVM to mimic mouse click events
based on gestures detected, enabling the system to send "left-click" and
"right-click" commands without a physical mouse.
  Scroll Emulation: It supports scroll commands, allowing users to scroll
through content with a hand gesture, adding to the touch-free experience.

6.4 Coordinate Mapping and Calibration

Hand-tracking relies on accurately mapping real-world movements to screen

coordinates. The HTVM system uses a calibration process to define an
interaction zone that aligns hand positions in physical space with on-screen
coordinates. Key components are:

 Dynamic Calibration: Adjusts based on screen size and resolution,

ensuring cursor movements match hand movements naturally.
 Scaling Factors: Coordinates from MediaPipe’s hand landmarks are
scaled to match the screen's resolution, ensuring proportional cursor
movements.
 Boundary Constraints: Prevents the cursor from moving outside the
screen limits, enhancing control.

6.5 System Optimization and Responsiveness

 Multithreading: OpenCV, MediaPipe, and Autopy work in parallel to

maintain system responsiveness.
 Latency Minimization: Reducing latency is crucial for HTVM to feel
natural, so the code is optimized for real-time processing.
 Error Handling: The system accounts for brief hand absence, ensuring
the cursor does not jump or freeze.

Benefits of Using HTVM Technologies

Together, these technologies enable HTVM to deliver:

  Hands-Free Operation: By eliminating the need for physical input
devices, HTVM offers an innovative interaction method ideal for public
spaces, cleanroom environments, and immersive AR/VR experiences.
 Increased Accessibility: HTVM could be a valuable tool for users with
limited mobility who may struggle to use a conventional mouse.
 Future Integration Potential: The HTVM framework can be adapted to
different interaction styles, making it versatile for future applications such
as virtual keyboards, interactive kiosks, and IoT device control.

This combination of OpenCV, MediaPipe, and Autopy makes HTVM a

seamless, efficient, and accessible solution, redefining how users interact with
computers and devices in a touchless environment.

7. SYSTEM DESIGN

The system design for the Hand-Tracking Virtual Mouse (HTVM) involves a
layered architecture that organizes the components and flow of data from input
(hand movements) to output (simulated cursor control). HTVM’s design
consists of multiple stages, including input capture, hand detection, gesture
recognition, and output simulation.

7.1 Architecture Diagram

The HTVM architecture is a pipeline design, where each stage feeds into the
next:
Input Capture Layer

 Webcam
o Captures video frames in real time.
o Sends the captured frames to the Hand Detection Layer for analysis.

Hand Detection and Tracking Layer

 OpenCV
o Preprocesses video frames for clarity and contrast.
o Defines a region of interest (ROI) to reduce processing load by
focusing on areas where the hand is most likely to appear.
 MediaPipe Hand Tracking

o Detects and tracks the hand within the frame using 21 key
landmarks.
o Outputs hand landmark coordinates to the Gesture Recognition
Layer.

Gesture Recognition Layer

 Gesture Interpretation Module

o Interprets hand landmarks to identify specific gestures, such as:
 Cursor Movement: Moving the cursor based on hand
position.
 Click: Detecting when the index finger meets the thumb.
 Scroll: Recognizing pinch and drag gestures.
o Translates gestures into corresponding actions that are passed to
the Output Simulation Layer.
Output Simulation Layer

 Autopy
o Maps hand landmark coordinates to screen coordinates.
o Simulates mouse actions based on interpreted gestures, including:
 Cursor movement.
 Left and right clicks.
 Scrolling.

 Coordinate Mapper

o Maps the physical hand movement area to the screen's dimensions

for smooth cursor control.

7.2 Data Flow Diagram

1. Capture Frame: The webcam captures real-time video frames, and

OpenCV sends each frame to MediaPipe.

2. Preprocess Image: OpenCV pre-processes the frames by adjusting

contrast and ROI for optimized hand detection.

3. Detect Hand Landmarks: MediaPipe identifies 21 hand landmarks in

each frame, providing precise data on hand posture and finger positions.
4. Interpret Gestures: The Gesture Interpretation Module examines the

relative positions of hand landmarks to identify actions (e.g., cursor move,

click, scroll).
 5. Simulate Mouse Actions: Autopy converts gestures into cursor

movements, clicks, and scrolls. Coordinate Mapper ensures screen

position accuracy.
6. Display Output: The operating system displays the virtual cursor

movements and actions in real time.

7.3 Component Design

7.3.1· Input Capture Component (Webcam & OpenCV):

 Receives frames from the webcam.

 Applies preprocessing steps, such as resizing or enhancing, to
improve frame quality.
 Defines a region of interest, reducing processing load by focusing
only on the areas where the hand is expected.

· 7.3.2 Hand Detection Component (MediaPipe):

 Uses machine learning models to detect and track hand landmarks.

 Updates landmark coordinates as hand position changes, outputting
data to the Gesture Recognition Component.

· 7.3.3 Gesture Recognition Component (Gesture Interpretation

Module):

 Tracks relative positioning of landmarks to identify gestures.

 Recognizes gestures such as "click" (index touching thumb),
"scroll" (pinch and move), and "move cursor" (hand movement
across the screen).

· 7.3.4 Output Simulation Component (Autopy):

 Converts hand gestures into system mouse actions.

  Uses coordinate mapping to move the cursor based on the hand's
location.
 Sends click and scroll actions when respective gestures are
recognized.

7.4 System Flow

7.4.1 Initialization and Calibration

 System starts and calibrates screen boundaries with the hand's

movement range.
 Defines interaction zones and sets scaling factors.

7.4.2 Real-Time Operation

 Webcam captures video frames continuously.

 Hand landmarks are detected, and gestures are interpreted instantly.
 Detected gestures trigger corresponding actions via Autopy.

7.4.3 Output Display and Update

 Actions are reflected on the screen, providing immediate feedback

to the user.
 System continuously adjusts and refines calibration for smooth
user experience.
7.5 Advantages of the Design

 Modularity: Each component (capture, detection, recognition, simulation)

operates independently and passes data downstream, allowing easy
updates or modifications.
 Real-Time Responsiveness: The layered design enables low-latency
processing, delivering a smooth user experience.
 Scalability: The system can be extended to support additional gestures or
interface elements, such as virtual keyboard typing or multi-finger
interactions.

7.6 Error Handling and Calibration

 Calibration Mechanism: During initialization, the system calibrates the

interaction area to ensure cursor movements align with hand movements
on screen.
 Error Handling: The system detects when the hand is out of the frame
and pauses cursor movements to prevent unintended actions. It resumes
when the hand reappears in the interaction zone.

This comprehensive design ensures that the HTVM system provides a seamless,
touch-free interface for real-time computer interaction. The layered approach
facilitates modular updates, high responsiveness, and scalability, creating a
future-proof system suitable for diverse applications.
8.SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE

8.1 Architectural Layers

Input Layer

 Webcam Input: Captures real-time video frames and feeds them

into the system for processing.
 Frame Preprocessing (OpenCV): Applies preprocessing steps,
such as resizing, noise reduction, and setting a region of interest
(ROI), enhancing frame clarity and reducing computational load.

Processing Layer

 Hand Detection and Tracking (MediaPipe):

o Detects hand landmarks in each frame using MediaPipe’s
pre-trained hand-tracking model.
o Produces a set of 21 landmarks for each detected hand,
capturing key finger and palm points.
 Gesture Recognition Module:
o Analyzes landmark positions to identify specific gestures.
o Interprets gestures, such as cursor movement (palm
movements), clicks (index and thumb pinch), and scrolling
(pinch and drag gestures).
o Sends recognized gestures to the Output Layer for simulated
actions.

Output Layer

 Coordinate Mapping and Calibration:

 o Maps hand movement to screen coordinates.
o Ensures cursor alignment with hand movements, adjusting
for screen size and hand range calibration.
 Mouse Action Simulation (Autopy):

o Executes simulated mouse actions (e.g., cursor movements,

clicks, scrolling) based on recognized gestures.
o Uses Autopy library to control system cursor, performing
actions such as left-clicks, right-clicks, and scroll actions.

9. SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION
Based on the provided flow diagram, the system implementation of the Hand-
Tracking Virtual Mouse (HTVM) involves several key steps that transform
video frames from a webcam into real-time mouse control using hand gestures.
Here is a breakdown of the system implementation according to the diagram

9.1 Step-by-Step Implementation

Webcam Capture Initialization

 The system begins by initializing the webcam using OpenCV,

continuously capturing video frames from the live
feed.OpenCV processes each video frame
Frame Processing with OpenCV

 Frame to prepare it for further analysis, like resizing and

setting up regions of interest (ROI).

Hand Detection Using MediaPipe

 MediaPipe’s hand-tracking model is applied to detect hands in

the video frames.
 If a hand is detected, the system proceeds with further analysis.
If no hand is detected, it continues to capture frames.
Hand Landmark Detection

 The detected hand's landmarks (21 key points) are identified.

These points are critical for tracking finger movements.

Tracking Fingers (Index and Middle)

 The system tracks specific hand landmarks, focusing on the

index and middle fingers to determine their positions and
gestures.
Check for Single Finger Up Gesture

 The system checks if a single finger (usually the index finger)

is raised. If so, it triggers cursor movement based on the index
finger's position.

Move Cursor Based on Index Finger Position

 The system maps the index finger's position to the screen

coordinates, moving the cursor accordingly.

Check for Pinch Gesture (Click Detection)

 The system checks for a pinch gesture, where the thumb and
index finger come close together. If detected, it simulates a
mouse click.
 Pinch gesture :

Simulate Mouse Click Using Autopy

 If the pinch gesture is detected, the system triggers a left-click

action on the system using the Autopy library or similar
mouse control libraries.

Continue Capturing Frames

 The system continues to capture frames and processes them in

real-time, looping through the above steps for continuous
interaction.
 9.2 Implementation Considerations

· Real-Time Performance: Ensuring low latency between frame

capture, hand- tracking, and cursor control is critical. Techniques like
region-of- interest (ROI) cropping and multi-threading can be used
to improve performance.

· Gesture Sensitivity: The system should carefully tune gesture

detection algorithms to avoid false positives, especially when
distinguishing between gestures like clicks and scrolling.

· Calibration: Screen and hand movement calibration is essential

for accurate cursor movement, ensuring that hand gestures map
naturally to screen positions.

10.CONCLUSION

In this project, we successfully implemented hand tracking using the Mediapipe

library, which allowed us to accurately detect and track hand movements in
real-time. By leveraging the powerful features of Mediapipe, we achieved
reliable hand landmark detection, enabling us to interact with digital
environments intuitively.

The project demonstrated the potential applications of hand tracking technology

in various fields, such as gaming, virtual reality, and human-computer
interaction. The results obtained from our implementation indicate that hand
tracking can be both precise and responsive, providing a seamless user
experience.
Future work could explore further enhancements, such as integrating gesture
recognition, improving tracking accuracy under diverse lighting conditions, and
expanding the system to recognize multiple hands. This project has laid a solid
foundation for exploring advanced interaction techniques and the broader
implications of hand tracking technology.

11. APPENDICES:

APPENDIX 1

Install all the libraries

Library 1 :

Library 2 :

Library 3 :

Library 4 :

APPENDIX 2
 pTime = 0
cTime = 0
cap = cv2.VideoCapture(1)
detector = handDetector()
while True:
success, img = cap.read()
img = detector.findHands(img)
lmList, bbox = detector.findPosition(img)
if len(lmList) != 0:
print(lmList[4])

cTime = time.time()
fps = 1 / (cTime - pTime)
pTime = cTime

cv2.putText(img, str(int(fps)), (10, 70), cv2.FONT_HERSHEY_PLAIN, 3,

(255, 0, 255), 3)

cv2.imshow("Image", img)
cv2.waitKey(1)

APPENDIX 3

import cv2
import numpy as np
import HandTrackingModule as htm
import time
import autopy

pTime = 0
plocX, plocY = 0, 0
clocX, clocY = 0, 0

cap = cv2.VideoCapture(1)
cap.set(3, wCam)
cap.set(4, hCam)
detector = htm.handDetector(maxHands=1)
wScr, hScr = autopy.screen.size()
# print(wScr, hScr)

while True:
1. Find hand Landmarks
 success, img = cap.read()
img = detector.findHands(img)
lmList, bbox = detector.findPosition(img)
2. Get the tip of the index and middle fingers
if len(lmList) != 0:
x1, y1 = lmList[8][1:]
x2, y2 = lmList[12][1:]
print(x1, y1, x2, y2)

3. Check which fingers are up

fingers = detector.fingersUp()
print(fingers)
cv2.rectangle(img, (frameR, frameR), (wCam - frameR, hCam - frameR),
(255, 0, 255), 2)
4. Only Index Finger : Moving Mode
if fingers[1] == 1 and fingers[2] == 0:
5. Convert Coordinates
x3 = np.interp(x1, (frameR, wCam - frameR), (0, wScr))
y3 = np.interp(y1, (frameR, hCam - frameR), (0, hScr))
6. Smoothen Values
clocX = plocX + (x3 - plocX) / smoothening
clocY = plocY + (y3 - plocY) / smoothening

7. Move Mouse
autopy.mouse.move(wScr - clocX, clocY)
cv2.circle(img, (x1, y1), 15, (255, 0, 255), cv2.FILLED)
plocX, plocY = clocX, clocY

8. Both Index and middle fingers are up : Clicking Mode

if fingers[1] == 1 and fingers[2] == 1:
9. Find distance between fingers
length, img, lineInfo = detector.findDistance(8, 12, img)
print(length)
10. Click mouse if distance short
if length < 40:
cv2.circle(img, (lineInfo[4], lineInfo[5]),
15, (0, 255, 0), cv2.FILLED)
autopy.mouse.click()
11. Frame Rate
cTime = time.time()
fps = 1 / (cTime - pTime)
pTime = cTime
 cv2.putText(img, str(int(fps)), (20, 50), cv2.FONT_HERSHEY_PLAIN,
3,(255, 0, 0), 3)
12. Display
cv2.imshow("Image", img)
cv2.waitKey(1)

12. REFERENCES

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 This paper provides a comprehensive review of gesture recognition

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 A detailed survey of vision-based hand gesture recognition

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vision-based hand gesture recognition, detailing various methods and
databases.

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Interaction System. arXiv preprint arXiv:1704.07296.
 A real-time hand gesture recognition system that explores hand
tracking and gesture interpretation for HCI.

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Techniques, Challenges, and Applications. PeerJ Computer Science, 5, e218.
 This systematic review discusses the challenges and advancements in
hand gesture recognition, highlighting different techniques and their
practical applications.