Design and Implementation of Web-Based Video-Sensing Games for the Elderly

Abstract

As we transform into an aging and a computer prevalent society, an ever-increasing number of elderly hope to utilize computer resources. However, operation of the standard mouse requires precision and hand dexterity, which is increasingly difficult to execute as one ages. Therefore, to help the elderly enjoy digital resources, we must provide them with a suitable user interface. The aim of our study was to build an video-sensing game system. By detecting features from video input, no mouse is needed to execute the designed games. It is hoped that the system can give the elderly more chances to utilize their brain by playing cognition-training games. The interactive gaming system we developed is stored in a web server and is suitable for use by the average family, requiring only a small webcam and a basic computer with a web browser. The game system consisted of four games (Tic-Tac-Toe, Connect 4, Fishing Card Game, and Arithmetic Game) and two operation modes (flag operation and gestures). In flag operation mode, the system recognition method is based on detecting regional color. In gestures mode, motion tracking is achieved by the mean shift algorithm. After building the system, we trial tested it and conducted assessment surveys. The survey results showed that flag operation mode received high marks of satisfaction. More than half of the testers agree or very agree with using the mode. Gestures mode received lower marks of satisfaction. Its technique requires improvement in the future. The testers gave high scores to our game design, and they regarded these games as helpful to their cognitive abilities. We hope that through casual and relaxing video-sensing gaming, it can help the elderly improve brain function utilization. The trial assessment results show that, to the elderly, flag operation mode is acceptable and the games are highly regarded. It also shows the feasibility of the designed gaming system.