Development and testing of a device for human kinematics measurement

  • Authors:
  • Ivo Stancic;Daniela Borojevic;Tamara Supuk

  • Affiliations:
  • Laboratory for Biomechanics and Automatic Control, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Split, Split, Croatia;Laboratory for Biomechanics and Automatic Control, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Split, Split, Croatia;Laboratory for Biomechanics and Automatic Control, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Split, Split, Croatia

  • Venue:
  • WSEAS TRANSACTIONS on SYSTEMS
  • Year:
  • 2009

Quantified Score

Hi-index 0.00

Visualization

Abstract

This paper presents a simple, inexpensive, and fast procedure for motion kinematics measurement and analysis [1,2]. System developed in our laboratory is based on a high speed industrial camera, active LED markers and a PC for handling cameras video stream and data analysis. Active markers used in this work were assembled using small, lightweight and easily available white LEDs. Smaller LEDs allow larger density of markers to be placed on a subject in motion, tracking position and orientation of all segments relevant for motion kinematic analysis. Computer vision algorithm for marker detection and tracking was developed in-house, followed by an algorithm for computing and analyzing kinematics data of human locomotion [3-5]. Procedures for camera calibration and sub pixel accuracy were also developed and integrated with the system. The accuracy and properties of our system were tested, and results were compared with the existing referent systems presently used in the field. Results of testing marker - camera properties suggest that the system could support work in larger volumes (distances from camera) and almost perpendicular rotations of marker against camera. This property allows building of a 3D kinematics tracking system with two or more cameras placed at different angels against the subject in setup. Proposed system has a few disadvantages; measurements and results that are representative in only one plane and use of battery powered active markers that could disturb subject during normal gait trial. The major advantage of our system is that it offers acceptable accuracy, high speed (up to 320Hz) and easy upgradeability at much lower price when compared with the other commercially available systems [6-8]. Further development of our system will include additional cameras for 3D marker tracking and integration with an inertial sensor for full kinematics and kinetic measurement of human movement.