Microsoft Kinect is an accessory to the Xbox 360 capable of tracking a user`s body segment positions and orientations in 3D, in real time. Goal of this research is obtaining an evaluation of Microsoft Kinect`s motion data accuracy, in order to use specific range of parameters when projecting and developing Kinect-based exergames and in order to assess whether Kinect is suitable as a motion analysis device in educational context. Exergaming is the use of video games in an exercise activity (Sinclair, Hingston, et al. 2007). "We now need high-quality randomized, controlled trials to evaluate the effectiveness and sustainability of exergaming, as well as its clinical relevance" (Daley, 2009). Methods: Methodology involves the comparison of data traced via Kinect with data traced via both optical based system from BTS BioEngineering and inertial-magnetic system from XSenS and processed with same software and same protocol. Motion data obtained with Kinect will be processed against an ad-hoc developed protocol and compared with data obtained with other motion capture technologies, both stereo optical and inertial/magnetic ones, in order measure the gap between technologies and have a secure basis when projecting exergames, and in order to evaluating the feasibility of using Kinect as a motion analysis device in an educational context. Results: This work describes the development of a software module to acquire motion data from Kinect, calculate position of additional points required by the protocol and convert them in a format readable by stereophotogrammetry-based BTS bioengineering Smart Analyzer Software. The Kinect SDK takes data coming from the Kinect camera and performs a process called "skeletonization". It detects individual users who are within view of the camera and then tracks the positions of their bodies as a series of joints in space. As far as outputting data to file for later analysis, the Kinect SDK doesn`t provide functionality to save this data. The output EMT ASCII format contains only 3D position of points (and not segments). Discussion: The expected results are: an estimate of the accuracy and reliability of Kinect to know what degree of accuracy is implementable in the development of exergames and evaluation the opportunity of using Kinect in an integrated system of motion analysis for use in educational context.
© Copyright 2012 17th Annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science (ECSS), Bruges, 4. -7. July 2012. Veröffentlicht von Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.