# 👋 Gesture Controller
A simple real-time hand gesture recognition tool built using Python, OpenCV and MediaPipe.
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# 🚀 Getting Started
### 1. Install Python 3.11
This project was built and tested using **Python 3.11**.
Download it from:
https://www.python.org/downloads/release/python-3110/
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### 2. Download this repository
Download the project or clone it using Git.
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### 3. Open the project folder
Open a terminal or Command Prompt inside the project folder.
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### 4. Install the required packages
Run:
pip install -r requirements.txt
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### 5. Start the program
Run:
python gesture\_controller.py
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### 6. Allow camera access
If Windows asks for permission to use your webcam, click **Allow**.
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### 7. Try the gestures
Hold your hand in front of the camera.
The recognised gesture will appear on the screen in real time.
Supported gestures:
* ✊ Fist
* ☝️ Index Finger
* ✌️ Two Fingers
* 🤟 Three Fingers
* 🖐 Open Palm
* 👍 Thumbs Up
Press **Q** at any time to close the application.
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# 📖 About
This project detects common hand gestures using **MediaPipe Hands** and **OpenCV**.
MediaPipe tracks 21 landmarks on your hand, and the program determines which fingers are extended to classify the current gesture.
The recognised gesture is then displayed live on the webcam feed.
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# 💡 Why I Built This
This project originally started as one component of **ARIA**, an AI desktop assistant that I spent several months developing.
I wanted a way to control my computer using simple hand gestures, so I built this gesture recognition system before later separating it into its own standalone project.
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# 🛠 Built With
* Python 3.11
* OpenCV
* MediaPipe
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# 🔮 Future Ideas
* Custom gesture creation
* Swipe detection
* Desktop automation
* Keyboard shortcuts
* Multi-hand support
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If you find this project useful, feel free to use it, modify it, or build on top of it.
Or if someone has seen this on my portfolio give it a try using the tutorial at the top of the README.