Method of using optical mouse scanning assembly for facilitating motion capture

Abstract

Motion capture is a field where sensors are disposed about an animate object and the motions of the object are recorded such that they can be represented as 3D graphics on a computer. Unfortunately, motion capture devices, such as motion capture suits that are currently available on the marker are very expensive. Optical mouse technology has been well established over the past few years. As such, a method and apparatus of using an optical mouse scanning assembly with an external lens is disclosed for facilitating motion capture.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 a illustrates a motion capture device in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, where the motion capture device includes a first optical mouse scanning assembly;

FIG. 1 b illustrates a motion capture device in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention having a first optical mouse scanning assembly and a second optical mouse scanning assembly;

FIG. 1 c illustrates a motion capture device in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention and having a first optical mouse scanning assembly, a non optical sensor and a processor coupled therewith for receiving of data therefrom;

FIG. 1 d illustrates a motion capture device in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the invention for being disposed on a person in a predetermined location on the body;

FIG. 1 e illustrates a motion capture device in accordance with the embodiments of the invention for being disposed on a person in a predetermined location on the body;

FIG. 1 f illustrates a motion capture assembly, in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 1a, which is disposed at a distance from an object; and,

FIG. 1 g illustrates a method of motion capture.

Claims

1. A motion capture device comprising: a first optical mouse scanning assembly comprising a first optical mouse scanning assembly camera;a first lens disposed in an optical path of the first optical mouse scanning assembly camera for affecting a focal length thereof; and,a first processor coupled with the first optical mouse scanning assembly for receiving of first data therefrom that is representative of relative position and velocity data in at least one axis when the motion capture device is moved from a first position to a second position and for generating first processed data.

2. A motion capture device according to claim 1 comprising: a non optical sensor coupled with the first processor and disposed in proximity with the first optical mouse scanning assembly for generating non optical sensor data, where the first processor generates second processed data in dependence upon the first data and the non optical sensor data.

3. A motion capture device according to claim 2 wherein the non optical sensor comprises an accelerometer for generating acceleration data in at least an axis and for providing data related to this acceleration to the first processor as the non optical data.

4. A motion capture device according to claim 3 wherein the non optical sensor comprises a gyroscope disposed in proximity with the first optical mouse scanning assembly and for generating rotational data about at an axis for provision to the first processor in the form of the non optical data.

5. A motion capture device according to claim 2 wherein the non optical sensor comprises a magnetic compass disposed in proximity with the first optical mouse scanning assembly and for generating directional data relative to the earths magnetic field for provision to the first processor in the form of the non optical data.

6. A motion capture device according to claim 1 comprising: a light source co-collimated with the optical path of the first optical mouse scanning assembly for facilitating operation of the optical mouse scanning assembly in reduced light conditions.

7. A motion capture device according to claim 1 comprising: a second optical mouse scanning assembly comprising a second optical mouse scanning assembly camera disposed at an angle and distance from the first optical mouse scanning assembly;a second lens disposed in an optical path of the second optical mouse scanning assembly camera for affecting a focal length thereof; and,the first processor coupled with the second optical mouse scanning assembly for receiving of second data therefrom that is representative of relative position and velocity data in at least one axis when the second motion capture device is moved from a third position to a fourth position for generating second processed data.

8. A motion capture device according to claim 1 wherein the first lens is at a distance of over 10 mm from an object when the motion capture device is moved from the first position to the second position relative to the object.

9. A motion capture device according to claim 1 comprising: a light source co-collimated with the optical path of the first optical mouse scanning assembly for facilitating operation of the optical mouse scanning assembly in reduced light conditions.

10. A method of motion capture comprising: providing a motion capture device comprising a first optical mouse scanning assembly comprising a first optical mouse scanning assembly camera;providing a first lens disposed in an optical path of the first optical mouse scanning assembly camera for affecting a focal length thereof;disposing the motion capture device in a known location on an object;providing a first processor coupled with the first optical mouse scanning assembly; and,generating a first set of data when the motion capture device is moved from a first position to a second position.

11. A method of motion capture according to claim 10 comprising: processing of the first set of data to generate first processed data.

12. A method of motion capture according to claim 10 comprising: generating a skeletal model that is representative of the object and of the known location where the motion capture device is disposed on the object.

13. A method of motion capture according to claim 10 comprising: wirelessly transmitting the first processed data.