Enhancing the accessibility and usability of motion capture technology: design and development of indoor MoCap hardware system

Abstract

Motion capture technology (MoCap) is a revolutionary method to translate real-world subjects’ movements into digital content across various industries, including robotics, medical devices, gaming, and biomechanics. This paper investigates how to make MoCap more accessible and usable to a broader and more diverse audience. Endorsing a user-centric design and development approach, the researchers defined the problem statement as wider acceptance and adoptions of the MoCap technology. Subsequently, a comprehensive market research and real-world MoCap guided how researchers would brainstorm solutions. After carefully considering factors such as camera angles, pole styles, height, light conditions, etc., researched also incorporated various related sensors, such as vibration meters and distance sensors, to generate the functional prototypes and test their ideas. Compared with traditional motion capture devices, the resulting MoCap system demonstrates an easier way to deploy MoCap and a steadier system under consistent vibrations. This improved accessibility and stability allows not only scientists and researchers but also sports coaches, doctors, or students to use MoCap effectively. In conclusion, this research contributes to bring MoCap technology a wider adoption and more practical applications. Meanwhile, the system’s structural stability, manufacturing method, intergration with other sensors, and reliance on Sony RX0 cameras with resolution and frame limitation can be optimized in the future to meet an even broader user need.