Motion Tracking and Its Applications in Sports
Motion tracking technology, similar to motion capture, is widely used in various sports applications. However, it is important to note that there are some key differences between the two. Optical motion tracking, for instance, is primarily used outdoors and requires specific lens and camera configurations.
POLHEMUS:
One prominent player in the motion tracking industry is Polhemus. Since 1970, Polhemus has been providing cutting-edge tracking motion technology to the commercial market. Their systems have been utilized in a wide range of applications, including measuring golf swings, tracking the fingers of piano players, monitoring the motion of Olympic weightlifters, and enhancing virtual reality experiences. Polhemus has consistently worked with partners and customers to integrate their tracking systems into various applications, offering the most advanced real-time motion capture capabilities, the fastest update rates, the lowest latency, and the highest accuracy specifications in the industry.
Polhemus systems have also been seamlessly integrated into a variety of sports application software. These systems provide real-time relative data, allowing for the measurement of physical limitations and movement optimization. With a full range of motion tracking systems that can be tailored to accommodate any application, Polhemus offers scalability in terms of accuracy, range, number of sensors, and sensor types.
TYPES OF MOTION TRACKING SYSTEMS:
a. LIBERTY LATUS:
One notable motion tracking system offered by Polhemus is the Liberty Latus. This wireless, all-attitude 6 Degree Of Freedom (6DOF) tracking system utilizes wireless markers to track the position and orientation of individuals or objects. The Liberty Latus system stands out for its speed, ease of use, and intuitive Graphical User Interface (GUI). It is capable of tracking up to 12 independent markers over thousands of square feet, and multiple systems can be combined for even larger area coverage.
The United States Olympic Committee has recognized the value of the Liberty system and utilizes it as a tool for bio-feedback in weightlifting, studying the effects of acute stretching on joint position of the upper extremity, shooting skills, behaviour of gymnastic equipment, such as vault board.
FASTRAK, PATRIOT, AND LIBERTY:
These motion tracking products are designed to cater to a wide range of training applications, particularly in the areas of head and body tracking. The choice of the optimal system for any given application will depend on specific requirements, such as the number of sensors needed, the desired level of accuracy, and the required update rate.
b. FASTRAK:
FASTRAK is an award-winning tracking system that has established itself as a reliable and indispensable tool in the tracking industry. With lightning-fast update rates of up to 120Hz, pinpoint accuracies within 0.03 inches and 0.15 degrees, and the remarkable ability to detect even the finest human hair, FASTRAK stands out as a top-tier solution.
c. PATRIOT:
PATRIOT offers a cost-effective solution for 6DOF tracking, utilizing two sensors with an update rate of 60Hz per sensor. This system is particularly suitable for applications that require only one or two sensors, where cost considerations take precedence. PATRIOT provides an efficient and affordable answer to such requirements.
d. LIBERTY:
LIBERTY offers unparalleled scalability, supporting up to 16 sensors simultaneously for complete 6DOF tracking. With an impressive update rate of 240Hz per sensor, LIBERTY ensures real-time and accurate tracking across a wide range of applications.
APPLICATIONS IN SPORTS:
1. Tracking the location and movement of the ball during specific moments in time.
2. Measuring the velocity and spin rate of incoming pitches, as well as the exit velocity and trajectory of hits in baseball.
3. Enabling local positioning and optical tracking in soccer.
4. Assessing the movement and alignment of the hips and legs during running.
5. Evaluating the lower back during lifting activities.
6. Analyzing vertical jumping and assessing jump landing techniques.
In summary, these cutting-edge motion tracking solutions offer a diverse range of applications.