Video and Motion Analysis Laboratory

Department of Computer Science
University of Calgary
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, Alberta
Canada T2N 1N4

 

 

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Video and Motion Analysis Laboratory

Director: Jeffrey E Boyd

In the Video and Motion Analysis Laboratory we explore science and technology related to perceiving and understanding motion as captured through video cameras using computers. Our explorations follow several diverse directions.

Perception of Human Motion

The motion and activity of other humans is an important stimulus in our environment. Much of our work is related to machine perception of human motion. Specifically, we work on Gait Recognition: We have done significant work on methods for recognizing individuals by the way they walk. The primary application of this work has been biometrics, but we are working towards clinical gait analysis.

  • Athletic Performance: Coaches seem to know when a person is a good athlete or has athletic potential. We are investigating how, and to what extent coaches can do this, and how we can make the same determination using a computer.

  • Passive Dynamic Walkers: New models for production of human gaits are emerging in the form of passive dynamic walkers. Given the apparent connections in humans between production and perception of gait, we are exploring ways to use passive dynamic gait models in computer perception of gaits.

Interactive Cameras for Surveillance

The potential for embedded processors in cameras is about to revolutionize how we use cameras. Our group has developed an interactive camera that we communicate with via network using our XML-derived Camera Markup Language (CaML). We currently have several of these camera systems in operation and are exploring a variety of applications including:

  • Traffic Analysis: We have used the camera to analyze patterns of vehicle traffic in intersections and over larger areas.

  • Sports: We have two cameras installed in the Olympic Oval and are embarking on a project to analyze the activity observed in hockey games and speed skating events.

  • Interactive Art: Working with Christian Jacob and Gerry Hushlak (Art) we have used our cameras to provide a human interface for interactive art. To date, our cameras have appeared in several SwarmArt exhibits.

Surveillance from Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV)

UAV technology is exploding, and with this new technology comes an abundance of video data from cameras mounted on these aircraft.  In the video and motion analysis laboratory, in conjunction with Joerg Denzinger, we are working on systems to exploit this new technology. This work includes:

  • UAV Fleet Control: we are developing a system to control a large fleet of UAVs to collect data from remote areas in a coordinated manner, without being in communication with a ground station.

  • Object Tracking: we are working on methods to track objects that are visible from UAV-mounted cameras.