Hand Pointing Detection Using Live Histogram Template of Forehead Skin

Hand pointing detection has multiple applications in many fields such as virtual reality and control devices in smart homes. In this paper, we proposed a novel approach to detect pointing vector in 2D space of a room. After background subtraction, face and forehead is detected. In the second step, forehead skin H-S plane histograms in HSV space is calculated. By using these histogram templates of users skin, and back projection method, skin areas are detected. The contours of hand are extracted using Freeman chain code algorithm. Next step is finding fingertips. Points in hand contour which are candidates for the fingertip can be found in convex defects of convex hull and contour. We introduced a novel method for finding the fingertip based on the special points on the contour and their relationships. Our approach detects hand-pointing vectors in live video from a common webcam with 94%TP and 85%TN.Comment: Accepted for oral presentation in DSP201

Validating an infrared thermal switch as a novel access technology

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Recently, a novel single-switch access technology based on infrared thermography was proposed. The technology exploits the temperature differences between the inside and surrounding areas of the mouth as a switch trigger, thereby allowing voluntary switch activation upon mouth opening. However, for this technology to be clinically viable, it must be validated against a gold standard switch, such as a chin switch, that taps into the same voluntary motion.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>In this study, we report an experiment designed to gauge the concurrent validity of the infrared thermal switch. Ten able-bodied adults participated in a series of 3 test sessions where they simultaneously used both an infrared thermal and conventional chin switch to perform multiple trials of a number identification task with visual, auditory and audiovisual stimuli. Participants also provided qualitative feedback about switch use. User performance with the two switches was quantified using an efficiency measure based on mutual information.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>User performance (p = 0.16) and response time (p = 0.25) with the infrared thermal switch were comparable to those of the gold standard. Users reported preference for the infrared thermal switch given its non-contact nature and robustness to changes in user posture.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Thermal infrared access technology appears to be a valid single switch alternative for individuals with disabilities who retain voluntary mouth opening and closing.</p