Collision detection and response method for markerless camera-based games using motion boundary estimation

Markerless camera-based games are more immersive and compelling than other types of games. However, it is difficult to select the proper methods for body segmentation and motion detection, because they should be fast processed for real-time responses. Therefore, collision detection and response between virtual objects (VOs) and human bodies are estimated using collision regions. In this paper, we propose a novel collision detection and response method capable of overcoming many disadvantages of previous markerless games. The proposed method is based on frame difference processing, and estimates motion boundaries (MBs); therefore, the method is fast processed. The MBs, which consist of vertices having motion vectors (MVs), are valid boundaries that can detect collisions with VOs. To estimate MVs and MBs, fast polygonal approximation and vertex matching are applied. Thus, MBs can be fast estimated, collisions can be correctly detected, and VOs respond to moving bodies instead of collision regions. The experimental results of the collision detection and response between human and VOs show that the proposed method properly estimates MBs and guarantees precise collision responses. Therefore, the proposed method can be used in camera-based games requiring high performance.