Turingsense Blog

Discovering Motion Capture in Turingsense

Movement analysis represents a branch of biomedical engineering that over the years has accompanied the research and development of complex systems, such as orthopedic systems such as prostheses, orthoses and other mechatronic devices. Only subsequently did movement analysis begin to carve out a niche worldwide as a primary source of new methods, protocols and algorithms in applications related to sport, rehabilitation and ergonomics. It is therefore a limited community, albeit essential with respect to its primary objectives.

Why is motion analysis important?

In particular, instrumental motion analysis has been widely adopted in clinics for upper and
lower extremity functional assessment. Lower limb gait analysis has been the main application area of motion analysis protocols, developed since the 1960s. More recently, protocols and specific instrumentation were developed for the upper limb functional evaluation. Their spread among the research and clinical laboratories was supported by the limitations in the so called ―visual observation. Without objective measurements and with low sensitivity, this discipline could lead to misinterpretation of the results or errors in the diagnostic process.

How has movement analysis evolved?

PIC: from camera systems to wearable systems such as clothing, passing through individual sensors and bands

Technological advancement in terms

In a motion analysis or capture system, it is easy to explain what the heart of the system consists of: the inertial measurement units (IMU).

[...]

The heart of the system: IMU chain

Inside IMU

Let's now look together at some basic concepts which for some could be a simple review, but for others a new knowledge.

- combining information from two adjacent IMUs to build a joint

- what the biomechanical model does

- interpretation of angles (clinical and otherwise)

- motion detection algorithms

While on the one hand the system described above is described in its strengths and weaknesses, on a few occasions it is explained how the IMU system can be used successfully for research or for the creation of a product. To better understand how to use this technology, it is necessary to take into account other additional components without which the IMU system risks being interpreted as an invalid alternative to other systems for motion analysis (for example infrared cameras or video tracking systems) or even as an extravagance of some research sectors. [...]

Regardless of the quality of the IMU system, the following elements are essential when tackling a problem of motion capture via wearable devices:

1- the method of interfacing and coupling the IMU to the body: even with the most accurate IMU system in the world, if the sensor is not allowed to remain firm and integral with the underlying part of the body, there are no algorithms that keep the comparison of the measurement error which is generated as a consequence of an inappropriate movement of the sensor

2- the data processing method of the single IMU: even if point 1 is satisfied, the way in which the information from different IMUs is combined together determines the reliability and accuracy of the measurement of the joint to which several IMUs are adjacent

What is Motion Capture?

We dug into the knowledge that CHAT GPT has on motion capture.
Here is the question we asked him:
"Explain in 10 sentences what Motion Capture is and which technologies are currently used"

<< Motion capture, also known as mocap, is a technique used to record the movements of people or objects and convert them into digital data. This data can then be used to create realistic 3D animations for movies, video games, and other digital media.

There are several technologies currently used for motion capture, including optical, magnetic, and inertial systems. Optical systems use cameras and markers to track the movements of people or objects in real-time. These markers are typically placed on key points of the body or object and are tracked by the cameras to create a 3D model.

Magnetic systems use sensors and electromagnetic fields to track the movements of people or objects. The sensors are typically placed on key points of the body or object and are tracked by the electromagnetic field to create a 3D model.

Inertial systems use sensors and accelerometers to track the movements of people or objects. The sensors are typically placed on key points of the body or object and are used to measure the movement and orientation of the object.

Motion capture is used in many industries, including entertainment, sports, and medicine. In the entertainment industry, motion capture is used to create realistic animations for movies, video games, and virtual reality experiences.

In the sports industry, motion capture is used to analyze the movements of athletes and improve their performance. In the medical industry, motion capture is used to analyze the movements of patients and develop treatments for conditions such as Parkinson's disease and cerebral palsy.

Motion capture technology is constantly evolving, and new techniques and systems are being developed to improve accuracy and efficiency. These advancements are expected to lead to more realistic and immersive digital experiences in the future. >>

It is interesting to note that in the description above (for example the well-known problem of interference between magnetic sensors and ferromagnetic materials) is not present.
Furthermore, Turingsense technology is not mentioned, which has made it possible to implement various measurement protocols in recent years, thanks to hardware and software innovations.

For information, visit the Turing Motion section.

Don't forget to watch the explanatory video on Motion Capture that we created specifically.