A method of controlling a PACS image viewer using a system comprising one or more infrared cameras and a processor is described. The method comprises accepting user input from the one or more infrared cameras comprising hand motion, vector, and gesture information, sending the hand motion, vector, and gesture information to the processor according to a frame rate, and translating the hand motion, vector, and gesture information into a virtual input by the processor according to a set of computer-executable instructions, wherein the virtual input is configured to control a PACS image viewer. The virtual input simulates one or more key strokes, mouse clicks, or cursor movements and allows a physician to use a PACS image viewer without using any hand-operated equipment such as a mouse, trackpad, or keyboard. In this way, the physician may scroll through images using the PACS image viewer while maintaining a sterile environment.
