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A Prototype System for Computer Vision Based Human Computer Interaction

Lars Bretzner, Ivan Laptev, Tony Lindeberg, Sören Lenman, Yngve Sundblad

Technical report CVAP251, ISRN KTH NA/P--01/09--SE. Department of Numerical

Analysis and Computer Science, KTH (Royal Institute of Technology), S-100 44
Stockholm, Sweden, April 23-25, 2001.

Demo presented at the Swedish IT-fair Connect 2001, Älvsjömässan, Stockholm,

Sweden, April 2001. View the news reports about our gesture control system at
www.idg.se, Dagens IT.

Introduction

With the development of information technology in our society, we can expect that
computer systems to a larger extent will be embedded into our environment. These
environments will impose needs for new types of human-computer-interaction, with
interfaces that are natural and easy to use. In particular, the ability to interact with
computerized equipment without need for special external equipment is attractive.

Today, the keyboard, the mouse and the remote control are used as the main
interfaces for transferring information and commands to computerized equipment.
In some applications involving three-dimensional information, such as visualization,
computer games and control of robots, other interfaces based on trackballs,
joysticks and datagloves are being used. In our daily life, however, we humans use
our vision and hearing as main sources of information about our environment.
Therefore, one may ask to what extent it would be possible to develop
computerized equipment able to communicate with humans in a similar way, by
understanding visual and auditive input.
Perceptual interfaces based on speech have already started to find a number of
commercial and technical applications. For examples, systems are now available
where speech commands can be use for dialing numbers in cellular phones or for
making ticket reservations. Concerning visual input, the processing power of
computers has reached a point where real-time processing of visual information is
possible with common workstations.

The purpose of this article is to describe ongoing work of developing new perceptual
interfaces with emphasis on commands expressed as hand gestures. Examples of
applications of hand gestures analysis include:

Control of consumer electronics

Interaction with visualization systems

Control of mechanical systems

Computer games

Potential advantages of using visual input in this context are that visual information
makes it possible to communicate with computerized equipment at a distance,
without need for physical contact with the equipment that is to be controlled.
Moreover, there will be no need for specialized external equipment, such as a
remote control. The idea is that the user should be able to control the equipment as
he is.
Analyzing Body Language: Gesture Recognition

Gesture recognition is an exciting topic in computer science. Research in this field

proposes to create a mathematical means of interpreting human gestures, such as
facial expressions and hand movements, that would allow computers to recognize
and interpret them consistently and correctly. There are a multitude of important
applications, and the field in general has many applications for how we may use
advanced technology, such as robots and other forms of automation, in the future.

Hand Gesture Recognition

Hand gesture recognition is one obvious way to create a useful, highly adaptive
interface between machines and their users. In the ideal scenario, hand gesture
recognition technology would allow for the operation of complex machines using
only a series of finger and hand movements, eliminating the need for physical
contact between operator and machine.. Hand gesture recognition, though already
fairly advanced, must still overcome problems related to its use in less hospitable
conditions, such as in poor lighting. Some commercial products using gesture
recognition are already available, but there is much potential for the technology to
improve.

http://www.datehookup.com/content-analyzing-body-language-gesture-
recognition.htm
About Room Partitions
By Diane Dilov-Schultheis, eHow Contributor

About Room Partitions

Room partitions are often called "dividers" or "screens." They are used to divide interior
space for privacy or work. There are some designed for outdoor use that will withstand
the weather. Partitions are available in a number of styles for personal,
educational, business, and commercial settings. You can obtain them produced from
different materials and in various sizes, colors and price ranges. Room partitions take a
large room and convert it into two (or more) smaller ones.

Function
1. Partitions break up bigger areas into smaller areas. Homeowners commonly use
them for practicality and as interior decoration. Schools employ them in
classrooms to create smaller learning spaces. Businesses utilize room partitions
to create office cubicles, at trade shows and to make extra rooms. Partitions are
used any time an area needs to be separated.
Types
2. The types of room partitions are accordion, folding panel and portable (movable,
mobile). The accordion type is often supported by the ceiling, and it is similar to a
long curtain. The folding panel partitions consist of three or more freestanding
panels that can be folded. The portable ones come with wheels to allow them to
be easily moved as needed.
Features
3. Room partitions are manufactured in an assortment of materials. These materials
include wood, fabric, bamboo, rattan, leather, glass, metals, vinyl, and plastic.
Each of these categories is further divided into many styles. Several of the room
partitions can come with marker boards, chalkboards, pegboard, or white board
surfaces for business or educational use.
Identification
4. The room partition styles include animal, animal print, Asian, Shoji, beach,
nautical, fruit, floral, modern, natural elements, photo, screen, settings, scenery,
and traditional. The prices range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. The
widths vary from under 50 to more than 60 inches. The heights begin under 2
feet and can reach the ceiling. Some of the room partitions provide acoustically
insulating foam.
Considerations
5. People use room partitions for many different reasons. If you are on a budget,
the price will have to be considered. A homeowner will most likely not want a
room partition with a chalkboard on it. The location and the decoration of the area
 should be considered as well. An interior partition will not last if placed outside,
and you may not want to put a glass one around young children. Narrow your
search by eliminating the features you do not need or want.

Read more: About Room Partitions |

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