Generic Motion Models based on Quadrupedal Data

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Björn Krüger; Professor Dr. Andreas Weber (†)
• Subject Area: Image and Language Processing, Computer Graphics and Visualisation, Human Computer Interaction, Ubiquitous and Wearable Computing ; Veterinary Medical Science
• Term: from 2013 to 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 244622883

Motion capturing has become a standard technique in computer graphics and biomechanics. Animal locomotion has been recorded in different environments and this has been successfully used in animal biomechanical experiments. There is an increasing interest to acquire and analyze animal motion data. Specifically, spinal quadrupedal locomotion is currently an area of focused interest, and the factors influencing this motion such as load and force transmission from the limbs to the head, neck, and back have not yet been evaluated. A comparative method investigating different spinal anatomy and movement offers the possibility to develop a more complex and advanced general theoretical model providing a more unified theory of locomotory mechanisms and control.The long-term goal of the proposed project is to identify generic data-driven and biomechanics-based methods that can be used for capturing, analyzing, up to synthesizing mammalian quadrupedal motions. There are many inter-correlations and loops in the relations of these tasks, some of which are of primary interest in the area of computer graphics and others in biomechanics research and veterinary medicine. Based on the hypothesis that spine flexibility is of essential importance for understanding quadrupedal motions, the development of a generic quadrupedal motion model parameterized by spine flexibility will be the central goal for the overall project.The investigation of overall movement in relation to spinal curvature and flexibility by modeling different curvatures and flexibilities can quantify the active and passive contribution of the quadrupedal spine. Changing curvature and flexibility parameters of the spine will therefore influence the motion pattern; and the development of such a biomechanical model is necessary to fully characterize static and dynamic stability. Once this basic relationship between spinal shape and function has been identified, dynamic simulation can be used to quantify the forces and moments on spines of different shape in walk, trot and canter. A relational database will be established that contains motion capture data from different mammalian quadrupeds. Data will be recorded using optical motion capture, accelerometers and video. The data will then be freely accessible. The accuracy of models determines their usefulness for any application. Accurate representation of individual responses to force is necessary when attempting to develop models that are realistically reproducing the mechanisms associated with a specific response. Optimization of such models requires a quantitative measure of their accuracy. Comparing the measured data with the accuracy obtained from simulating the motion using the generic model developed in this study, as well as with the accuracy of using alternative models will be done. Finally, this will allow an evaluation of the confidence with which certain levels of accuracy can be achieved in defined conditions for the generic model.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Austria
• Participating Institution: Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien ; Universitätsklinik für Pferde
• Partner Organisation: Fonds zur Förderung der wissenschaftlichen Forschung (FWF)
• Participating Person: Dr. Rebeka Zsoldos