Hand-free interface based on facial orientations

This paper suggests a hand-free interface based on the facial orientations. The operator's face was observed by the USB camera and the changes in the darkness area of the both nostrils were utilized for recognition of the face orientations. When the operator faced to up and downward, the darkness areas of both nostrils were increased and decreased, respectively. On the other hand, the difference between two nostril areas could be caused in cases where the face was turn to the side. Here, these characteristics were reflected to the recognition of the face orientations. The facial orientations were applied to the auto-wheelchair operations, instead of a joystick device.