Gesture recognition of head motion using range images

Gesture recognition using images is recently studied as a technology of human friendly man-machine interface. In this paper recognition of 3D gesture by using range images is discussed. Two methods for recognizing head motion from a sequence of range images are proposed One method uses differential range images. Vertically/horizontally weighted averages of the difference values are utilized and 'Yes' motion is robustly identified. The other method detects and tracks nose position. 'Yes'/'No' motions are identified by the vertical/horizontal amplitude of vibration. Experiments to recognize a person's gesture using a range sensor system are performed to show the effectiveness of the methods.