Body Motion Vector Visualization
The ARK tool dynamically tracks and displays a wide range of human motion.Copyright 2017 Jackson Reimers, Vanderbilt REHSS, Vanderbilt University
Students learn how engineers gather data and model motion using vectors. They learn about using motion-tracking tools to observe, record, and analyze vectors associated with the motion of their own bodies. They do this qualitatively and quantitatively by analyzing several examples of their own body motion. As a final presentation, student teams act as engineering consultants and propose the use of (free) ARK Mirror technology to help sports teams evaluate body mechanics. A pre/post quiz is provided.
Engineers of all types use vectors to model motion, force and other physical quantities in the course of analyzing problems and designing solutions. One example comes from the field of video game design in which programmers work with vectors to describe the motion of the game characters and objects. In the physical world, engineers use vectors to analyze forces on objects and describe their movements. For example, aerospace engineers analyze vectors that represent thrust, lift, velocity, drag, and other forces acting on aircraft and spacecraft in order to design safe, swift, and responsive machines. Some of this modeling is done using video analysis and motion tracking technology, which enables engineers to visualize otherwise invisible or abstract concepts.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Use the ARK Mirror to record their own body motion.
- Create graphs of position, velocity, and acceleration data from the ARK Mirror.
- Analyze data to recognize differences between individuals who are performing the same motions.