A magnetic hand motion tracking system for a variety of applications requiring human -machine interaction is presented. Small permanent magnets are fixed on fingernails as signal sources. A series of magnetic sensors on a wristband measure magnetic signals related to the movements of the fingertips. The measured data are transmitted to the application wirelessly. A hand geometric model and a least-square source localisation algorithm are utilised to calculate the hand postures. This system does not require wire connections and can be used conveniently and unobstructively.Introduction: Despite the rapid advances of computers, the communication between human and computer is still mostly performed using a keyboard or a pointing-and-selecting device (e.g. a mouse). As computers are constantly miniaturised, this traditional form of human -computer interface becomes increasingly unsuitable and problematic. More compact human input systems are highly desirable. If the human hand can be tracked by a simple apparatus, it will be possible to deliver information by the motion of fingers in a free space without being constrained within a small area provided by the miniature device. This will allow more rapid and convenient communication with portable and mobile systems and enable more ubiquitous computer applications in people's daily lives. The hand tracking system has additional applications, such as controlling robots and vehicles, and providing personal assistance for patients suffering from impaired speech or paralysed legs.There have been a lot of hand tracking methods [1 -5], e.g. electromyogram (EMG)-based methods [1], methods using image processing [2], and glove based methods [2,3]. Although these methods greatly advanced the research on hand tracking, they are either only suitable for specific applications or are still in the conceptualisation stage. EMG-based systems are prone to error because of complex muscular interactions. Camera-based systems require no hand attachments, but they require suitable locations to place cameras to observe hand motion, and they also suffer from the occlusion problem. Glove-based methods may provide high hand tracking accuracy, but they require complex and expensive components. Investigations using magnetic methods have been reported [4,5]. However, the existing systems either require a large magnetic object as a marker or electric wiring to the marker.This Letter presents a magnetic hand motion tracking system using small magnets (which can be made in the form of artificial nails) and an electronic wristband. This system leverages advanced design of magnetic flux sensors and recent research on hand-based communication. It is wireless, portable, unobstructive and convenient.

E l e c t r i c a l E n g i n e e r i n g D e p t . , U n i v e r s i t y o f P i t t s b u r g h , P i t t s b u r g h , PA 15261 and **Material Science Div., Westinghouse R & D C e n t e r , P i t t s b u r g h , PA 15235 ABSTRACT This paper presents our progress on automated i n s p e c t i o n o f VLSI resist p a t t e r n s a s imaged by scanning electron microscopy. A p r e c i s i o n d i g i t a l e d g e l i n e d e t e c t i o n method has been developed for e x t r a c t i n g e d g e c o n t o u r s o f resist l i n e s o f submicron width, which a r e c r u c i a l f o r m i c r o r e g i st r a t i o n and d e t e c t i o n o f d e f e c t s i n c l u d i n g b u b b l e s and h o l e s , resist s t r i n g e r s a n d resist edge def e c t s .

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