Abstract: A computer implemented method of fingertip centroid identification in real-time, implemented on a computer system comprising a processor, memory, and a camera system. The processor receives image data from the camera system; runs a first kernel comprising a set of concentric closed shapes over image data to identify an occupancy pattern in which internal closed shapes are at least nearly fully occupied, and in which a subsequent closed shape has at least a relatively low occupancy level, so as to identify one or more fingertips in the image data; for each identified fingertip, runs a second kernel over the identified one or more fingertips to establish a best fit closed shape which covers each identified fingertip; calculates a centroid for each best fit closed shape which corresponds to an identified fingertip; and stores in the memory the calculated centroids for the identified one or more fingertips.