Markerless Motion Analysis for Accurate 3D Angular Kinematics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing markerless motion capture systems struggle to accurately measure three-dimensional rotational motions due to a limited set of spatial coordinates, leading to inaccurate identification of human pose and spatial landmarks, especially in dynamic activities like golf swings.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that enhances 3D angular kinematic data using model equations and probabilistic mapping, combined with supervised or machine learning techniques, to estimate 3D spatial orientation from a limited set of body-fixed reference points, improving measurement accuracy by defining dependent segment reference frames and applying kinematic constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If markerless motion capture is used to avoid requiring markers and accurate camera placement, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision of 3D angular kinematics deteriorates due to limited spatial coordinates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces body segment coordinate systems as an intermediary framework to bridge the gap between 2D camera coordinates and 3D angular kinematics. By defining local coordinate systems for each body segment based on anatomical landmarks and applying transformation matrices, the system mediates between the limited 2D spatial coordinates captured by cameras and the required 3D rotational motion parameters, enabling accurate measurement without markers or precise camera placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional camera coordinates to three-dimensional body segment coordinate systems by introducing the third dimension through anatomical reference frames. This dimensional expansion allows the system to represent 3D angular kinematics (rotation about x, y, and z axes) using only 2D camera observations, effectively adding measurement capability without additional hardware or markers.
2Device complexity
If standard markerless motion capture methods are used to simplify the system, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of 3D rotational motion measurement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the human body into distinct anatomical segments (upper arm, forearm, hand, thigh, leg, foot) with their own local coordinate systems. Each segment is analyzed independently using body-fixed reference frames defined by anatomical landmarks, allowing reliable 3D rotational measurement of each segment without requiring complex global coordination or markers. This segmentation approach maintains simplicity while improving measurement reliability through localized, anatomically-based coordinate transformations.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage devices are disclosed for improving markerless motion analysis of an object in contact with a user. One method including: receiving position data of an object in motion captured by at least one camera; enhancing, using model equations, three-dimensional (3D) angular kinematic data of the position data of the object, wherein the enhanced 3D angular kinematic data includes increased measurement accuracy of the position data of the object; and providing the enhanced 3d angular kinematic data for display to evaluate motion performance of the object.