Lab 5 - Introduction to Motion Analysis using VICON

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University of Ottawa *

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2315

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Psychology

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Dec 6, 2023

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6

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APA 2315 Introduction to Applied Biomechanics University of Ottawa 1 APA 2315 Lab 5 - Introduction to Motion Analysis using VICON Jeremiah zephir 300130890 ( 15 marks ) OBJECTIVES: 1. To become acquainted with motion analysis using VICON; 2. To understand the basic principles of the VICON motion capture system. EQUIPMENT: VICON cameras and data acquisition system, computer equipped with VICON Nexus and Visual 3D software, force plates, reflective surface markers, marker adhesives, motion capture suits, anthropometer and a scale INTRODUCTION: This lab serves as an introductory lesson on the VICON motion capture system. Motion analysis is at the foundation of biomechanics. By analyzing the movements of humans as they carry out activities, biomechanists develop a thorough understanding of what specific movement parameters are involved (kinematics), what causes the movements (kinetics), what causes associated injuries (injury biomechanics), and how these injuries can be avoided (via changes to coaching techniques, improvements to equipment, use of new materials for joint replacements, etc.). Motion capture and analysis also have applications outside of clinical settings in equipment testing for athletic apparel, video games, movies, etc. Systems used to capture and analyze motion have been in existence for decades and have improved a great deal over the years: from recording film-based video images of subjects outfitted with markers and manually digitizing each marker, to the auto-labelling of reflective markers collected digitally through infra-red cameras, for example. Biomechanists now have the capacity to collect much larger data sets in a vast number of settings and in a shorter amount of time. VICON is one of the more commonly used motion capture systems. Infrared cameras are placed around a determined collection volume and reflective markers are placed on selected anatomical landmarks of a participant. The light from the infrared cameras reflects off the markers and determines the 3D location of each marker. In order to get movement in 3-dimensions rather than 2-dimensions, three cameras must see each marker. This is the reason why multiple cameras are placed around the entire volume. In this lab, you will learn how to use the VICON system to capture movement and reproduce a 3D image of a person walking (gait). You will see how a participant is “film ed using the VICON cameras and the resulting image of their gait pattern that is recreated digitally with the help of reflective markers placed strategically on their lower limbs. The positioning of the markers is very important therefore you will also get a chance to familiarize yourself with anthropometric measurements and bony landmarks which help in placing the markers correctly. METHODOLOGY:
APA 2315 Introduction to Applied Biomechanics University of Ottawa 2 *Refer to the “Instructions for VICON” document posted on Brightspace for step -by-step details on how to run the system. You do not need to memorize the steps outlined in the document! 1. Select a volunteer to be your participant. This person will wear the VICON motion capture suit and perform a variety of movements in front of the group. 2. Measure and record your participant ’s anthropometr ic data. Mass (kg) Height (cm) Left and right ankle widths (cm) the medio-lateral distance between malleoli 3. Calibrate the system. 4. Outfit your participant with the reflective markers. 5. Zero the force plates for data collection.
APA 2315 Introduction to Applied Biomechanics University of Ottawa 3 6. Collect a static trial 7. Inspect and label your static trial. Create a labelling skeleton for use with your dynamic trials. 8. Collect various dynamic trials of different movements. Collect at least one normal walking trial, making sure to give your participant a chance to practice walking naturally while ensuring they step on the desired force plates. 9. To obtain the kinematic variables associated with your data, the data must first be processed such that all markers are correctly labelled and visible during each frame of the motion trial. Check data
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APA 2315 Introduction to Applied Biomechanics University of Ottawa 4 for gaps and marker inconsistencies. Learn how to fill gaps. Depending on the quality of the data collection, this can be very time consuming . 10. After all the gaps are filled and marker inconsistencies are fixed, a model can then be applied to your data, gait events can be located, and numerous variables can be calculated and exported for further analysis. These steps will not be carried out today. Instead, t oday’s introductory lesson on VICON will end by looking at data collected and analyzed by graduate students in biomechanics here at the University of Ottawa. You are being shown these files to see what a trial looks like after all the gaps have been filled and after the model has been applied. QUESTIONS: *Remember, all answers must be in your own words. 1. Why do we need to calibrate a system before its use (e.g. VICON, force plates, other equipment)? ( 1 mark ) We need to calibrate a system before its use to establish a known reference frame and ensure accurate and consistent data collection. Calibration helps correct for any systematic errors or variations in measurements that may arise due to factors like equipment placement, marker positions, or environmental conditions. Essentially ensures all factors are in palce and there are no sources of error. 2. How does the VICON system work? (i.e. How does it collect data?) ( 1 mark ) The VICON system works by tracking the three-dimensional positions of reflective markers placed on the subject's body or objects of interest. Multiple cameras are placed at various angles, and cameras within the system triangulate the positions of these markers in real-time, creating a virtual representation of the subject's movements. 3. What kind of data does the VICON system measure? Give an example. ( 1 mark ) The VICON system measures motion data, this includes joint angles, segment positions, and movement trajectories. For example, it can track a person's hip, knee, and ankle joint angles during walking, providing valuable information about their gait cycle. 4. What kind of data does a force plate measure? Give an example. ( 1 mark ) A force plate measures ground reaction forces, specifically the vertical force exerted by a person or object on the plate during an activity. For example, in biomechanics, a force plate can measure the impact forces generated when a person jumps, helping assess factors like jump height and force distribution.
APA 2315 Introduction to Applied Biomechanics University of Ottawa 5 5. Where do we place the VICON markers and why? ( 2 marks ) VICON markers are placed on specific anatomical landmarks on a subject's body, such as the pelvis, limbs, and joints. These markers should be positioned precisely to ensure accurate tracking of movement. For example, markers on the pelvis and joint centers help determine joint angles and body segment positions. 6. Why should a participant do a few practice walking trials before starting data collection? ( 1 mark ) Participants should do a few practice walking trials before data collection to familiarize themselves with the experimental setup and equipment. This practice helps the participants adapt to the markers and the motion capture environment, leading to more natural movements during the actual data collection, making data much more realistic. It also allows researchers to identify and correct any issues related to marker placement or equipment setup, ensuring that the data collected is of higher quality and accuracy with no sources of error regarding the equipment. 7. Practice placing “markers” on yourself following the “Modified Plug -in-Gail Lower Body” marker placement guide posted on Virtual Campus. Pay attention to the landmarks listed on pages 2 and 3. Use stickers, tape, or whatever else you can come up with as markers. Ensure whatever you use is visible. Include a photo of yourself outfitted with the markers. ( 1 mark ) 8. Learn about another application of the VICON motion capture system by watching the video in the following link (at least up to the 4:09 mark): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJ1JzYPjcj0 . What was your favourite part of the video? ( 1 mark )
APA 2315 Introduction to Applied Biomechanics University of Ottawa 6 After watching the Avatar Featurette motion capture video, my favorite aspect was seeing the transition of tiny wire models mimicked and translated to gigantic aircrafts. Watching action/CGI movies made me wonder how the animators were able to create unique looking aircrafts with such articulate movement. Turns out miniature scale models are made as a reference point to these alien looking aircrafts. 9. Find another application of the VICON motion capture system (other than biomechanical research and films). Include a link to what you found. Maybe you can find something your TA, lab coordinator, and/or professor hasn’t seen before! ( 1 mark ) Another application of the VICON motion capture system is in the field of sports performance analysis. It is used to track and analyze the movements of athletes during training and competitions, helping coaches and sports scientists optimize performance techniques and reduce the risk of injuries. The system can capture data on aspects like running form, golf swings, and even fine-tuned movements in activities like archery. More info on the provided subject can be seen with the following link: https://www.vicon.com/applications/life-sciences/ 10. Design a research project using the VICON motion capture system. Briefly (4-5 sentences) describe your research question, the conditions you will be comparing, your hypotheses, and your methodology. ( 5 marks ) Research Question: How do different virtual reality (VR) gaming environments affect the spatial awareness and body movement patterns of players? Conditions: Participants will play a VR game in two different environments, one with a wide- open virtual space and another with tight corridors and obstacles. Hypotheses: We hypothesize that the tight-corridor VR environment will lead to more cautious and restricted body movements, while the open space environment will encourage comfortability with more expanded and exploratory movements. Methodology: Participants will be fitted with VICON markers on key body joints. They will then engage in the VR gaming sessions while their movements are recorded by the VICON motion capture system. We will analyze data on joint angles, movement trajectories, and the volume of space explored during gameplay. The two conditions will be compared to determine the impact of VR gaming environments on spatial awareness and body movement patterns.
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