Goniometer-based body-tracking device and method
US6050962A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 21, 1998 |
| Grant date | Apr 18, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 21, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2562/043
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A sensing system is provided for measuring various joints of a human body for applications for performance animation, biomechanical studies and general motion capture. One sensing device of the system is a linkage-based sensing structure comprising rigid links interconnected by revolute joints, where each joint angle is measured by a resistive bend sensor or other convenient goniometer. Such a linkage-based sensing structure is typically used for measuring joints of the body, such as the shoulders, hips, neck, back and forearm, which have more than a single rotary degree of freedom of movement. In one embodiment of the linkage-based sensing structure, a single long resistive bend sensor measures the angle of more that one revolute joint. The terminal ends of the linkage-based sensing structure are secured to the body such that movement of the joint is measured by the device. A second sensing device of the sensing system comprises a flat, flexible resistive bend sensor guided by a channel on an elastic garment. Such a flat sensing device is typically used to measure various other joints of the body which have primarily one degree of freedom of movement, such as the elbows, knees and…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.