Do-It-Yourself Single Camera 3D Pointer Input Device

We present a new algorithm for single camera 3D reconstruction, or 3D input for human-computer interfaces, based on precise tracking of an elongated object, such as a pen, having a pattern of colored bands. To configure the system, the user provides no more than one labelled image of a handmade pointer, measurements of its colored bands, and the camera's pinhole projection matrix. Other systems are of much higher cost and complexity, requiring combinations of multiple cameras, stereocameras, and pointers with sensors and lights. Instead of relying on information from multiple devices, we examine our single view more closely, integrating geometric and appearance constraints to robustly track the pointer in the presence of occlusion and distractor objects. By probing objects of known geometry with the pointer, we demonstrate acceptable accuracy of 3D localization.Comment: 8 pages, 6 figures, 2018 15th Conference on Computer and Robot Visio

Fighting covid-19 outbreaks in prisons

Improving prison health services is critical for fighting epidemics such as covid-19. Prisoners are at much higher risk of infectious diseases than communities outside. Eruption of covid-19 in prisons emphasises the need to improve prison healthcare. Health education for inmates and prison staff must be intensified, and better treatment and prevention measures require increased funding. More non-custodial sentences would decongest prisons, reducing the potential for the outbreaks. Links between prison and national health services should be strengthened