Method for Capturing, Measuring and Analyzing Motion

Abstract

A system and method for capturing, measuring and analyzing motion in real-time is provided which operates with or without markers. A threshold image is based on a background image and is created to minimize noise during the motion capture. A captured image is compared to the threshold image to identify collections of hot pixels or globs. The globs are compared to expected characteristics of the markers or the subject and are tracked between frames. Glob information is used to determine the location of the markers or subject in each frame.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 011,540 entitled “Method for Capturing, Measuring and Analyzing Motion” filed Dec. 13, 2004, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 528,666 entitled “System and Method for Motion Capture,” U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 528,880 entitled “System and Method for Measuring, Animating and Analyzing Motion,” and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 528,735 entitled “Camera for Measuring, Animating and Analyzing Motion,” all of which were filed Dec. 11, 2003. The complete disclosure of each of the above-identified applications is hereby fully incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present invention is directed in general to providing a system and method for capturing and analyzing motion, and in particular to capturing motion using a background image and a threshold image.BACKGROUND[0003]Motion capture systems provide the ability to ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a method for capturing, measuring, and analyzing the motion of humans, animals, and mechanical devices in real-time. The method involves creating a background image and using it to create a threshold image. The threshold image is used to compare captured images and locate hot pixels, which are then analyzed to determine the subject's motion. The technical effects of this invention include improved accuracy and efficiency in motion capture and analysis."

Problems solved by technology

However, current systems do not provide the real-time performance and accuracy demanded by many applications.

One disadvantage of these types of systems is that the limitation on the position and number of the markers leads to accuracy problems.

Another disadvantage is that the markers can interfere with the subject's motion.

Those systems that provide real-time performance typically sacrifice accuracy or limit the type or scope of motion that can be analyzed.

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