Device to measure distance to fingertips

[AndreasL]

I'm exploring the possibility of building a sort of input device to a computer.
I'm thinking something that could be mounted at the wrist and measure the distance to the fingertips. So that I then can take that data and translate it to positions on a keyboard.
I've researched a little bit, what kind of technology I could use, but as I'm more at home with programming than with electronics - I thought I'd ask here for some advice.

Some criteria for the device.
* Low latency.
* If anything is needed on the fingers it should be small and cordless.
* Not too expensive

I've done some research but haven't found anything that does this in a simple way.
I did find some movement tracking technologies that worked with a camera, but this seems to large and complex as I just need the distance. It also seems like it would be a lot of lag.

I would really appreciate any advice I can get.  ;D
//Andreas

 

[hurricane]

I'm not exactly clear at how measuring the distance from the wrist to the fingertips is going to work because when a person types their whole hand may move and change position so you may have the same distance for more than one key. Maybe you could explain it better.
Didn't someone make gloves for a similar purpose?
I am also curious about what your final purpose is. Is it to be used with a virtual keyboard?
I don't think users would want to wear anything on their fingers so the camera seems like a good idea - you would need the lowest resolution possible so it would capture it quickly.
I would like to see your final design.
Good luck.