Xsens Releases Algorithm For Stable 3D Tracking

Xsens Technologies has announced the availability of its Kinematiccoupling (KIC) algorithm in the latest release of its MVN Studio 3.0 software suite for professional-grade human motion capture. The Kinematiccoupling algorithm is the latest addition to the MVN signal processing suite developed by Xsens for processing inertial sensor data (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) to accurately capture motion in 3D.

According to Xsens, successful adoption of inertial sensor technology for human motion capture has been hindered due to the fundamental dependence on the earth's magnetic field to provide a sense of horizontal direction (heading) for long-term measurements, much like how a compass works. The KIC algorithm solves this problem by taking a new approach, with the result of total immunity to magnetic distortions when estimating full 3D joint orientations. 'Using KIC, it is now possible to accurately track movement in environments with significant amounts of iron, such as large steel beams, ferroconcrete floors and radiators,' said Per Slycke, chief technical officer of Xsens.

The Xsens MVN full-body tracking system, which is already in use among top developers, offers immediate benefits with the release of MVN Studio 3.0. Dr Henk Luinge, KIC inventor and research manager at Xsens, said: 'A system with biomechanical links, such as a human being, contains a lot of correlation between the kinematic data measured at each point on the body. 'Basically, by comparing the acceleration, measured by each sensor, in each joint, we can directly determine the full 3D orientation of that joint without the need for magnetometers.

'In the first release of MVN Studio 3.0, the position of the inertial sensor with respect to the joints must be input to the algorithm. 'But, we already know that it is possible to estimate this position accurately based on the data gathered during normal use of the product. 'Essentially, this will enable us to always get the best calibration possible, for each individual user, automatically,' he added. Xsens MVN will be on show on booth 839 at the Siggraph conference, from 27-29 July 2010 in Los Angeles.

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