Motion Capture Apparatus Using Sensor Segmentation and Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motion capture systems require a large number of sensors to accurately represent human movements in 3D virtual characters, leading to increased costs, complexity, and limited user-friendly applications such as home game consoles, where fewer sensors result in reduced movement detection and gesture representation.
Innovation Solution
A motion capture apparatus and method that estimates posture information using a minimized number of sensors by detecting distance representations and rotation angles, allowing for the generation of 3D virtual characters with fewer sensors by projecting movement information onto a skeleton model and utilizing a reference sensor to define positions and angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large number of sensors are used to accurately represent human movements, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the body into specific regions (extremities vs. non-extremities) and applies different sensor placement strategies. Sensors are placed only on extremity portions (hands, feet) while non-extremity portions (torso, head) have their movements estimated through calculation, reducing the total sensor count while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an estimation unit as an intermediary that calculates and infers movement data for non-extremity body portions based on sensor data from extremities. This mediator component enables accurate representation of full-body movement without requiring direct sensing at every location
2Measurement precision
If a large number of sensors are used to accurately represent human movements, then measurement precision is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The body is segmented into extremity portions requiring sensors and non-extremity portions where sensors are omitted. This segmentation reduces the quantity of sensors needed while maintaining measurement precision through selective sensing combined with computational estimation
3Device complexity
If a minimized number of sensors is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating sensors on extremity portions where direct measurement is most valuable, while using estimation algorithms for non-extremity portions. This localized sensor placement maintains overall measurement precision while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
An estimation unit serves as an intermediary that compensates for the reduced sensor count by calculating movements of non-extremity body parts based on extremity sensor data, thereby maintaining measurement precision despite minimized sensor quantity
4Measurement precision
If numerous sensors are attached to the body, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments sensor placement to only extremity portions, dramatically reducing the number of attachment points. This segmentation makes the system easier to operate while maintaining measurement precision through the combination of limited sensing and computational estimation
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an apparatus and a method of effectively creating real-time movements of a three dimensional virtual character by use of a small number of sensors. More specifically, the motion capture method, which maps movements of a human body into a skeleton model to generate movements of a three-dimensional (3D) virtual character, includes measuring a distance between a portion of a human body to which a measurement sensor is positioned and a reference position and rotation angles of the portion, and estimating relative rotation angles and position coordinates of each portion of the human body by use of the measured distance and rotation angles.