Wearable motion capture for 3D games

Abstract

The usage of technology to provide platforms for fitness and rehabilitation for the elderly is a field that can have a great impact on society in the future. Motivation for self-care and regular use of such a platform has been shown to be possible through the use of exergaming, that is, using the body as an input device for playing virtual games on a computer.

In this thesis, I want to look into how a system of Inertial Motion Units (IMUs) can be used to capture the orientation of the users body and be used as an input device for games. Especially, I want to look into systems that are tailored for exergaming for the elderly, and how they support the developers of the exergames.

After reviewing the currently available products for such a system, I found that none existed that were made with much effort for support of exergaming or developers. The requirements for a software and hardware solution was therefore made, which lead to a prototype of a full-body IMU system. The experience from realizing such as system was then documented.