Inexpensive Colour Tracking to Overcome Performer ID Loss

Abstract

The NuiTrack IDE supports writing code for an active infrared camera to track up to six bodies, with up to 25 target points on each person. The system automatically assigns IDs to performers/users as they enter the tracking area, but when occlusion of a performer occurs, or when a user exits and then re-enters the tracking area, upon rediscovery of the user the system generates a new tracking ID. Because of this any assigned and registered target tracking points for specific users are lost, as are the linked abilities of that performer to control media based on their movements. We describe a single camera system for overcoming this problem by assigning IDs based on the colours worn by the performers, and then using the colour tracking for updating and confirming identification when the performer reappears after occlusion or upon re-entry. A video link is supplied showing the system used for an interactive dance work with four dancers controlling individual audio tracks.