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Gesture-controlled Communication with Computers

March 12, 2004

The handling of the new computer system of Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS is contactless and based on gestures and hand commands. This user-friendly man-machine communication can be used for toys and games, for presentation technology and to control autonomous robots.

A computer puzzle that can be played contactless and without any voice or keyboard entries is exhibited at the CeBIT 2004 fair . The visitors are invited to test the gesture control of the computer game by navigating the puzzle pieces via hand signals over a large screen. The system recognizes via camera image the person and the person's hand and face and acts according to the hand gestures. The system masters parallel real-time data recognition and analysis without spoiling the game with annoying delays.

Today, man-machine communication is still dominated by keyboard or touch-panel entries. To improve this mechanistic approach to operate computer systems, the Erlangen engineers develop so-called biometric and cognitive systems. This methods will allow for the computer not only to see but also to perceive and to interact in a target-oriented way with its environment. â€žIt is important for us that the user can intuitively operate computer systems and robots", elucidates Christian Küblbeck on the approach of the Erlangen scientists. Via standard hardware including PC, camera and frame grabber, several images are captured. The software calculates the position of the person, the face and hand from the image data unsing edge-detection - irrespective of the complexity of the scene. This object segmentation is a prerequisite for face and hand tracking. By employing grayscale pictures the system operates reliably and insensitivly to illumination changes. In addition to the toy and game sector the scientists see possible application of the new technology in the field of vandalism-proof info screens or virtual shop windows, offering detailed product information.
Picture available at: www.iis.fraunhofer.de/pub_rel/fotos/2004_03_gestik.jpg
Contact-free, gesture-based computer puzzle
© Fraunhofer IIS

Fraunhofer Institut - Integrierte Schaltungen (IIS)

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