On least-cost path for realistic simulation of human motion

We are interested in "human-like" automatic motion simulation with applications in ergonomics. The apparent redundancy of the humanoid wrt its explicit tasks leads to the problem of choosing a plausible movement in the framework of redundant kinematics. Some results have been obtained in the human motion literature for reach motion that involves the position of the hands. We discuss these results and a motion generation scheme associated. When orientation is also explicitly required, very few works are available and even the methods for analysis are not defined. We discuss the choice for metrics adapted to the orientation, and also the problems encountered in defining a proper metric in both position and orientation. Motion capture and simulations are provided in both cases. The main goals of this paper are: to provide a survey on human motion features at task level for both position and orientation, to propose a kinematic control scheme based on these features, to define properly the error between motion capture and automatic motion simulation

On geodesic paths and least-cost motions for human-like tasks

We are interested in ”human-like” automatic mo- tion generation. The apparent redundancy of the humanoid wrt its explicit tasks lead to the problem of choosing a plausible movement in the framework of redundant kinematics. Some results have been obtained in the human motion literature for reach motion that involves the position of the hands. We discuss these results and a motion generation scheme associated. When orientation is also explicitly required, very few works are available and even the methods for analysis are not defined. We discuss the choice for metrics adapted to the orientation, and also the problems encountered in defining a proper metric in both position and orientation. Motion capture and simulations are provided in both cases. The main goals of this paper are : - to provide a survey on human motion features at task level for both position and orientation, - to propose a kinematic control scheme based on these features - to define properly the error between motion capture and automatic motion simulation

An SVD approach to reaching tasks based on cartesian geodesics

We are interested in human motion characterization and automatic motion simulation. The apparent redundancy of the humanoid w.r.t its explicit tasks lead to the problem of choosing a plausible movement in the framework of redundant kinematics. This work explores the intrinsic relationships between singular value decomposition at kinematic level and optimization principles at task level and joint level. The ideas are tested on sitting reach motions, for both translations and rotations task components

On singular values decomposition and patterns for human motion analysis and simulation

We are interested in human motion characterization and automatic motion simulation. The apparent redun- dancy of the humanoid w.r.t its explicit tasks lead to the problem of choosing a plausible movement in the framework of redun- dant kinematics. This work explores the intrinsic relationships between singular value decomposition at kinematic level and optimization principles at task level and joint level. Two task- based schemes devoted to simulation of human motion are then proposed and analyzed. These results are illustrated by motion captures, analyses and task-based simulations. Pattern of singular values serve as a basis for a discussion concerning the similarity of simulated and real motions

Analyse et simulation de mouvements d'atteinte contraints en position et orientation pour un humanoïde de synthèse

La simulation du geste humain est une thématique de recherche importante et trouve notamment une application dans l'analyse ergonomique pour l'aide à la conception de postes de travail. Le sujet de cette thèse concerne la génération automatique de tâches d'atteinte dans le plan horizontal pour un humanoïde. Ces dernières, à partir d'un objectif exprimé dans l'espace de la tâche, requièrent une coordination de l'ensemble des liaisons. L'une des principales difficultés rencontrées lors de la simulation de gestes réalistes est liée à la redondance naturelle de l'humain. Notre démarche est focalisée principalement sur deux aspects : - le mouvement de la main dans l'espace opérationnel (trajectoire spatiale et profil temporel), - la coordination des différentes sous-chaînes cinématiques. Afin de caractériser le mouvement humain, nous avons mené une campagne de capture de mouvements pour des gestes d'atteinte contraignant la position et l'orientation de la main dans le plan horizontal. Ces acquisitions nous ont permis de connaître l'évolution spatiale et temporelle de la main dans l'espace de la tâche, en translation et en rotation. Ces données acquises couplées à une méthode de rejeu ont également permis d'analyser les relations intrinsèques qui lient l'espace de la tâche à l'espace articulaire du mannequin. Le schéma de génération automatique de mouvements réalistes est basé sur une pile de tâche avec une approche cinématique. L'hypothèse retenue pour simuler le geste est de suivre le chemin le plus court dans l'espace de la tâche tout en bornant le coût dans l'espace articulaire. Un ensemble de paramètres permet de régler le schéma. Il en résulte une cartographie de réglages qui permet de simuler une classe de mouvements réalistes. Enfin, ce schéma de génération automatique de mouvements réalistes est validé par une comparaison quantitative et qualitative entre la simulation et le geste humain. ABSTRACT : The simulation of human movement is an active theme of research, particularly in ergonomic analysis to aid in the design of workstations. The aim of this thesis concerns the automatic generation of reaching tasks in the horizontal plane for a virtual humanoid. An objective expressed in the task space, requires coordination of all joints of the mannequin. The main difficulties encountered in the simulation of realistic movements is related to the natural redundancy of the human. Our approach is focused mainly on two aspects: - Motion of the hand's operator in the task space (spatial and temporal aspect), - Coordination of all kinematic chains. To characterize human movement, we conducted a set of motion capture with position and orientation constraints of the hand in the horizontal plane. These acquisitions allowed to know the spatial and temporal evolution of the hand in the task space, for translation and rotation aspects. These acquired data were coupled with a playback method to analyze the intrinsic relations that link the task space to joint space of the model. The automatic generation scheme of realistic motion is based on a stack of task with a kinematic approach. The assumption used to simulate the action is to follow the shortest path in the task space while limiting the cost in the joint space. The scheme is characterized by a set of parameters. A global map of parameter adjustment enables the simulation of a class of realistic movements. Finally, this scheme is validated quantitatively and qualitatively with comparison between the simulation and the human gesture

Using virtual reality and 3D industrial numerical models for immersive interactive checklists

At the different stages of the PLM, companies develop numerous checklist-based procedures involving prototype inspection and testing. Besides, techniques from CAD, 3D imaging, animation and virtual reality now form a mature set of tools for industrial applications. The work presented in this article develops a unique framework for immersive checklist-based project reviews that applies to all steps of the PLM. It combines immersive navigation in the checklist, virtual experiments when needed and multimedia update of the checklist. It provides a generic tool, independent of the considered checklist, relies on the integration of various VR tools and concepts, in a modular way, and uses an original gesture recognition. Feasibility experiments are presented, validating the benefits of the approach

Analysis and simulation of human reaching motion with position and rotation constraints for humanoid synthesis

La simulation du geste humain est une thématique de recherche importante et trouve notamment une application dans l'analyse ergonomique pour l'aide à la conception de postes de travail. Le sujet de cette thèse concerne la génération automatique de tâches d'atteinte dans le plan horizontal pour un humanoïde. Ces dernières, à partir d'un objectif exprimé dans l'espace de la tâche, requièrent une coordination de l'ensemble des liaisons. L'une des principales difficultés rencontrées lors de la simulation de gestes réalistes est liée à la redondance naturelle de l'humain. Notre démarche est focalisée principalement sur deux aspects : - le mouvement de la main dans l'espace opérationnel (trajectoire spatiale et profil temporel), - la coordination des différentes sous-chaînes cinématiques. Afin de caractériser le mouvement humain, nous avons mené une campagne de capture de mouvements pour des gestes d'atteinte contraignant la position et l'orientation de la main dans le plan horizontal. Ces acquisitions nous ont permis de connaître l'évolution spatiale et temporelle de la main dans l'espace de la tâche, en translation et en rotation. Ces données acquises couplées à une méthode de rejeu ont également permis d'analyser les relations intrinsèques qui lient l'espace de la tâche à l'espace articulaire du mannequin. Le schéma de génération automatique de mouvements réalistes est basé sur une pile de tâche avec une approche cinématique. L'hypothèse retenue pour simuler le geste est de suivre le chemin le plus court dans l'espace de la tâche tout en bornant le coût dans l'espace articulaire. Un ensemble de paramètres permet de régler le schéma. Il en résulte une cartographie de réglages qui permet de simuler une classe de mouvements réalistes. Enfin, ce schéma de génération automatique de mouvements réalistes est validé par une comparaison quantitative et qualitative entre la simulation et le geste humain.The simulation of human movement is an active theme of research, particularly in ergonomic analysis to aid in the design of workstations. The aim of this thesis concerns the automatic generation of reaching tasks in the horizontal plane for a virtual humanoid. An objective expressed in the task space, requires coordination of all joints of the mannequin. The main difficulties encountered in the simulation of realistic movements is related to the natural redundancy of the human. Our approach is focused mainly on two aspects: - Motion of the hand's operator in the task space (spatial and temporal aspect), - Coordination of all kinematic chains. To characterize human movement, we conducted a set of motion capture with position and orientation constraints of the hand in the horizontal plane. These acquisitions allowed to know the spatial and temporal evolution of the hand in the task space, for translation and rotation aspects. These acquired data were coupled with a playback method to analyze the intrinsic relations that link the task space to joint space of the model. The automatic generation scheme of realistic motion is based on a stack of task with a kinematic approach. The assumption used to simulate the action is to follow the shortest path in the task space while limiting the cost in the joint space. The scheme is characterized by a set of parameters. A global map of parameter adjustment enables the simulation of a class of realistic movements. Finally, this scheme is validated quantitatively and qualitatively with comparison between the simulation and the human gesture

A singular value approach for humanoid motion analysis and simulation

We are interested in human motion characterization and automatic motion simulation. The apparent redundancy of the humanoid w.r.t its explicit tasks lead to the problem of choosing a plausible movement in the framework of redundant kinematics. This work explores the intrinsic relationships between singular value decomposition at kinematic level and optimization principles at task level and joint level. Two task-based schemes devoted to simulation of human motion are then proposed and analyzed. These results are illustrated by motion captures, analyses and task-based simulations. Pattern of singular values serve as a basis for a discussion concerning the similarity of simulated and real motions