ERS-2 SAR soil moisture and herbaceous biomass monitoring across a semi-arid transect in Israel

Relationships between radar backscattering coefficient (σº) and environmental parameters of volumetric soil moisture and biomass were empirically investigated in two sites. These sites represent an annual rainfall change from 450 mm to 250 mm across a semiarid transition zone between Mediterranean and arid environments in Israel. A strong linear correlation was found between ground measurements of volumetric soil moisture taken place at the two sites in three different dates and corresponding radar backscatter intensities measured from ERS-2 SAR images. The slope and intercept values of the regression equation are similar to those reported in other regions of the world. Relationships between the radar backscatter and Herbaceous biomass were examined in areas of homogenous vegetation cover. Results show strong linear correlation between Herbaceous biomass measured in the field and the ERS-2 backscatter

A USB Interfaced Motion Capture Sensor, Using Tri-Axis Magnetic/Inertial Sensors For Use In Kinematic Studies

An unobtrusive tri-axis magnetic and gravitational field transducer for use in kinematic tracking is presented. Outlined is a novel approach for using such a sensor i.e. providing a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, allowing the direct utilization of the logical topology of the standard, making scalable deployment possible. Furthermore design considerations; construction and performance of the sensor are analysed and discussed in detail

A USB Interfaced Motion Capture Sensor, Using Tri-Axis Magnetic/Inertial Sensors For Use In Kinematic Studies

An unobtrusive tri-axis magnetic and gravitational field transducer for use in kinematic tracking is presented. Outlined is a novel approach for using such a sensor i.e. providing a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, allowing the direct utilization of the logical topology of the standard, making scalable deployment possible. Furthermore design considerations; construction and performance of the sensor are analysed and discussed in detail

Reducing Sensor Density Requirements For Kinematic Controllers In A Full Posture Yoga Gaming Application

Integration of whole body movements with virtual reality environments and computer games has many benefits for exercise training and rehabilitation. Such applications can serve as a virtual personal trainer for different exercise therapies. Current examples of this are based on provision of visual feedback to the user via a webcam yet these allow the player to deviate from the desired exercise sequence without direct warning or feedback. This can be solved by tracking body movements using orientation sensors. However, tracking and providing real time feedback for whole body movements for exercise therapies such as Yoga can prove very complex and require the use of a large number of sensors on body segments. In this paper we describe a methodological approach that can facilitate the development of a body movement driven Yoga exercise computer game that can discriminate player performance level with the use of minimum instrumentation

The E-Motion System: Motion Capture and Movement-based Biofeedback Game

This paper describes the development of a movement based training game aimed at teaching users an exercise program. This is achieved through analysing body posture as the player performs the exercise routine while concurrently receiving real-time feedback from the game. An in-depth post game feedback system also features, giving the player a detailed account of their performance after completing the exercise routine. Analysis of the player’s posture is achieved by placing orientation sensors on appropriate parts of the players’ body. The game can then read and interpret data from these sensors reconstructing a live 3D model of the players’ posture. The game has the kinematic data of an expert performing the current exercise routine stored in memory, which is compared to the kinematic data of the current player and appropriate feedback is given to aid the player in performing the exercise. The theme of the prototype game currently developed is that of a yoga training game (E-Yoga)

A Prototype Sourceless Kinematic-Feedback Based Video Game for Movement Based Exercise

This paper presents a prototype kinematic and audio feedback based video game, availing of a scalable motion capture acquisition system, based around a number of orientation sensors. The orientation sensors used are USB based tri-axis magnetic and gravitational field transducers. The novel video-game is capable of incorporating the real time data from these sensors to control an on screen avatar, which in turn can be programmed to give appropriate instructions to the user i.e. play a sound file, once the user obtains a certain posture. The video game is designed to promote physical exercise and movement based relaxation, in particular; Yoga. In addition, design considerations; implementation and performance of the system are analyzed, discussed and the accuracy qualitatively analyzed by comparing movement data obtained from it to that of a validated motion analysis technique, the CODA motion analysis system

Reducing Sensor Density Requirements For Kinematic Controllers In A Full Posture Yoga Gaming Application

Integration of whole body movements with virtual reality environments and computer games has many benefits for exercise training and rehabilitation. Such applications can serve as a virtual personal trainer for different exercise therapies. Current examples of this are based on provision of visual feedback to the user via a webcam yet these allow the player to deviate from the desired exercise sequence without direct warning or feedback. This can be solved by tracking body movements using orientation sensors. However, tracking and providing real time feedback for whole body movements for exercise therapies such as Yoga can prove very complex and require the use of a large number of sensors on body segments. In this paper we describe a methodological approach that can facilitate the development of a body movement driven Yoga exercise computer game that can discriminate player performance level with the use of minimum instrumentation

A Real Time Motion Capture System, Using USB Based Tri-Axis Magnetic and Inertial Sensors for Movement Based Relaxation

scalable motion capture system based on multiple orientation sensors, each consisting of tri-axis magnetic and gravitational field transducers, for use in kinematic studies; is presented. Outlined is a novel system capable of accessing real time data from multiple sensors, via one universal serial bus host, using a dynamic link library. In addition, design considerations; implementation and performance of the system are analysed and discussed