iTie is a
concept for an interactive training software designed to teach
users tying neckties.
information, visualization, interactive,
training, software, webcam, tracking
Flash CS3, Processing, Afterffects CS3
Prof.
Klaus Dufke
2008
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Supervisor:
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University project: Develop an animated infographic
to explain how to tie a necktie.
iTie uses the
built-in camera of modern laptops to display the user inside the
software, and to track the user's face and necktie.
On top of the camera-image a virtual
necktie is projected. According to the
user's face-position the virtual
necktie is projected where also the real
necktie usually rests. The virtual
necktie than instructs the user step by
step in tying the knot.
At this the virtual necktie animates
only one step at a time, and than waits for the user to mimic the
move.
The virtual necktie will
only move on with the next step when the user's real necktie laps
over with the virtual one. This process loops until the user is good
to go.
The user's necktie is in the same position like
the virtual necktie.
The virtual necktie moves
fluently to the next position and waits for the user to follow.
The user overlaps with the virtual
necktie again and gets positive feedback
that he is in the correct position.
Camera tracking is often restricted due to harsh
lighting conditions and fast movements. Therefore iTie only
tracks the colored area covered by the virtual
necktie. This facilitates the tracking
process and increases robustness of the algorythm. Thanks to Michael
Nischt for his technical advise in computer vision related questions!