A method for human head pose estimation in multicamera environments is proposed. The method computes the textured visual hull of the subject and unfolds the texture of the head on a hypothetical sphere around it, whose parameterization is iteratively rotated so that the face eventually occurs on its equator. This gives rise to a spherical image, in which face detection is simplified, because exactly one frontal face is guaranteed to appear in it. In this image, the face center yields two components of pose (yaw, pitch), while the third (roll) is retrieved from the orientation of the major symmetry axis of the face. Face detection applied on the original images reduces the required iterations and anchors tracking drift. The method is demonstrated and evaluated in several data sets, including ones with known ground truth. Experimental results show that the proposed method is accurate and robust to distant imaging, despite the low-resolution appearance of subjects.

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Abstract. This paper describes the outcomes stemming from the work of a multidisciplinary R&D project of ICS-FORTH, aiming to explore and experiment with novel interactive museum exhibits, and to assess their utility, usability and potential impact. More specifically, four interactive systems are presented in this paper which have been integrated, tested and evaluated in a dedicated, appropriately designed, laboratory space. The paper also discusses key issues stemming from experience and observations in the course of qualitative evaluation sessions with a large number of participants.

Abstract. This paper presents the process and tangible outcomes of a rapid prototyping activity towards the creation of a demonstrator, showcasing the potential use and effect of Ambient Intelligence technologies in a typical office environment. In this context, the hardware and software components used are described, as well as the interactive behavior of the demonstrator. Additionally, some conclusions stemming from the experience gained are presented, along with pointers for future research and development work.