Abstract
We have developed a computer-based character input system without a keyboard. The handicapped or bedridden patient who cannot use a keyboard are able to input characters with head moving or shaking. The system recognizes and tracks an red marker on his or hers forehead and outputs the maker's two dimensional position. The position of the marker is assigned to computer's cursor. So, people can select characters on the character panel with moving head. Then a selected character with moving head is fixed by timer or external equipment such as a foot pedal of MIDI. The handicapped or bedridden people can write sentences or communicate with other people by the system. The key technique of this system is a tracking algorithm and its hardware. This system has two technical features. The first is a new tracking algorithm using image processing. We proposed a local spiral labeling for a moving object tracking. The second is a new real-time hardware called a FIT board using a new tracking ASIC. The FIT board can be used in a videophone or security system. The FIT board tracks a people's head in front of a videophone or a invader in a restricted area. This character input system is one of the applications of FIT board.
