METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISTINGUISHING FEATURES IN DATA

摘要

To distinguish a region (e.g. hand) within a data set (e.g. digital image), data elements (e.g. pixels) representing a transition (e.g. hand outline) are identified. The direction toward the region is determined, for example using weighted direction matrices yielding a numerical maximum when aligned inward. A test element displaced one or more steps inward from the boundary element is tested against a standard for identifying the region. If the tested element meets the standard, that element is identified as part of the region. By examining data elements away from the transition, noise in the transition itself is avoided without altering the transition (e.g. by smoothing) while still only examining a linear data set (i.e. a contour or trace of the feature rather than a flooded interior thereof). The direction to the exterior of the region, an exterior contour, other features, and/or the transition also may be identified/followed.

主权项

1. A machine implemented method for controlling a device through hand inputs, comprising:
establishing a depth image comprising a plurality of pixels in a processor in communication with said device; defining said hand in said depth image with said processor, comprising:
establishing a depth value for said pixels of said depth image;establishing a depth value standard distinguishing said hand in said depth image based on said depth value for said pixels;establishing a plurality of test boundary pixels collectively comprising a boundary for said hand within said depth image, and determining a next of said plurality of test boundary elements at least partially from a current of said test boundary elements, and for each of said test boundary pixels:establishing eight dominant directions;establishing a property matrix comprising said depth value for a three by three configuration of pixels centered on and excluding said test boundary pixel;establishing a three by three dominant direction matrix for each of said dominant directions, each said dominant direction matrix centered on and excluding said test boundary pixel and comprising weighting values of:
8 in said dominant direction;4s 45 degrees offset from said dominant direction;2s 90 degrees offset from said dominant direction;1s 135 degrees offset from said dominant direction;0 180 degrees offset from said dominant direction;for each dominant direction matrix, multiplying each value thereof with a corresponding depth value of said property matrix and summing products thereof to yield a dominant direction value;determining a test inward direction for said hand relative to said test boundary pixel by comparing said dominant direction values;determining a test hand pixel in said depth image displaced at least one pixel from said test boundary pixel in said test inward direction;comparing said depth value of said test hand pixel to said depth value standard;if said depth value of said test hand pixel satisfies said depth value standard, identifying said test hand pixel as belonging to said hand;if said pixels identified as belonging to said hand comprise a substantially continuous trace disposed inward from said boundary, identifying a portion of said depth image enclosed by said trace as belonging to said hand; determining with said processor at least one of a configuration and a motion of said hand; identifying with said processor a control command associated with said at least one of said configuration and said motion of said hand; and calling said control command with said processor, so as to control said device.