[sf-lug] what software can i use to track an object (hand) in a box using a webcam?

[Michael Shiloh]

i'm having trouble figuring out the best search words to find what i'm 
looking for.

basically, i'm looking for crude kinect-like behavior. i don't expect 
perfect recognition or tracking, but surely something along these lines 
is available.

my plan is to mount 2 or 3 webcams in a small box. the user inserts 
his/her hand in the box, and i'd like to track the tips of their 
fingers. i would mount the webcams at right angles so as to track 
location in both the x and y (and z) planes. the inside of the box can 
be painted any color to differentiate from the hand, which i can require 
be free of gloves or clothing. i can light the box, although later it 
might be nicer to have the box dark and use infrared lighting.

there are no other objects in the box, and only one hand at a time.

thoughts?