Advanced Motion Capture That Moves Life Sciences Forward

Part 1: Ways to Capture

The first step is understanding the various methods for capturing and analyzing motion, which is essential for researchers in life sciences. There are four primary ways to capture:

• Optical-Passive: Utilizes reflective markers attached to subjects, tracked by multiple high-resolution cameras to precisely measure movements.

• Optical-Active: Uses LED markers that actively emit signals, accurately tracked by specialized cameras for enhanced precision and reliability.

• Video Markerless: Employs sophisticated video analysis algorithms without the need for markers, enabling naturalistic and unobtrusive study of movements.
  

• Inertial: Incorporates wearable sensors that track motion independently of camera-based systems, ideal for capturing dynamic, complex movements in various environments.

Each approach provides distinct benefits, giving researchers the flexibility to choose the optimal method based on their specific project requirements and environmental constraints. Learn more about these capture methods.

Part 2: System Specs

Next is considering the system specifications. This means taking into account things like where, how and for what purpose the captured data will be used. It is critical for maximizing the efficacy and accuracy of motion capture technology. The key considerations include:

• Lab Size: Matching your system to your research space ensures accurate and seamless data capture. You need to consider the physical space and what kind of movement needs to be captured.

• System Software: Selecting robust, user-friendly software that streamlines the process of data capture, management, and analysis unique to your field – for example, do you need a turnkey solution, and will it be used in software like Visual 3D or MATLAB?

• Additional Data Outputs: Synchronize and model the data for certain outputs such as Kinematics, Kinetics, External device outputs, Bio-feedback outputs and more.

The Center for Human Performance is an example of where many different lab setups and technologies come together to make a difference in injury prevention and rehabilitation, all streamlined with the help of Vicon’s systems. 

Considering these factors carefully helps researchers and professionals achieve optimal performance from their motion capture systems. Explore detailed system specifications here.

Part 3: Integration Inputs

One of the most powerful advantages of Vicon’s motion capture systems is how effortlessly they integrate a wide variety of data inputs. For researchers working in biomechanics, gait analysis, or sports science, this flexibility opens up a world of possibilities. When multiple data sources can be precisely synchronized with motion capture footage, the overall depth and richness of your research improves dramatically.

• Take inertial sensing technology, for example. These small wearable devices are excellent for capturing motion in settings where optical systems might be limited.

• Video inputs add a visual layer that complements numerical data, allowing researchers to validate or further explore movement in context.

• With generic analogue integration, you can bring in various analogue signals, such as those from force plates or pressure sensors, into the mocap ecosystem.

• Eye-tracking data adds valuable insight into how subjects coordinate their vision with movement, particularly useful in cognitive-motor studies or sports research.

Part 4: Integration Outputs

Similarly, data that’s been captured and modeled in your optical motion capture system can be expressed in several ways. These outputs provide the foundation for accurate, real-time insights that drive meaningful outcomes across research and clinical applications.

• Kinematics is an in-depth examination of joint angles and paths of motion. This enables the identification of movement changes over time or comparison against baseline norms.

• Kinetics: Understanding the forces underlying movements, enabling performance enhancement and injury prevention. Kinetic data is necessary for creating strength and rehabilitation programs tailored to specific physical demands.

• Bio-Feedback Outputs: Real-time data for real-time performance adjustments. This feature allows for live feedback during clinical and sports uses, helping to guide remedial action during sessions.

• Temporal Parameters: Linking timing and rhythm with precise gait analysis. Researchers are able to pinpoint subtle imbalances that influence coordination and rhythm through an analysis of timing data.