SmartPoint [computer pointing device]

Studies have shown that people working on laptops with an external mouse are much more productive, faster, and accurate than those working with the laptop's built-in touchpad or trackpoint. Unfortunately for people working in a predominantly outdoor field environment, such as geologists and biologists, flat surfaces required by mice are not readily available.The objective of our project is to develop an alternative pointing device, SmartPoint, that these people can use without having to resort to their builtin pointing devices and compromise their productivity. The general idea is a handheld device that navigates the mouse cursor around the screen by pointing the device at the same location, much like video game light pistols.In addition to workplace benefits, SmartPoint can also augment the computer gaming experience by providing a more immersive way of interacting with the game. Instead of using the traditional mouse to control the movements of an onscreen weapon, the user can experience the simulated sensation of holding an actual gun while pointing at the objects on the screen.