Analysis and modeling of the virtual human interface for the MARG body tracking system using quaternions

Abstract

Mathematicians have used quaternions for about a hundred years. Today they are an important part of computer graphics and simulation systems. This thesis takes an analytical approach to quaternions by using them in the construction of a virtual human for sourceless Magnetic Accelerometer Rate Sensor (MARG) body tracking system. Virtual citizens will be a reflection of our personalities in cyberspace. Prophecies say they may take control in the virtual world and govern themselves too. One of the objectives of this thesis is to design a seamless and realistic humanoid from laser scan data clouds. This humanoid will be compatible with motion capture systems and networked virtual environments. Second objective of this thesis is to search for the answers related to the optimal real-time representation of an articulated virtual human, maintaining a high level of visual fidelity within networked cyberspace. While visual detail and fidelity have been and will continue to be a major ongoing interest within the computer graphics community, the idea of sourceless body tracking is still in its early stages. MARG body tracking is one of the successful approaches to body tracking systems. This thesis proposes a networked quaternion based real-time virtual human interface for the MARG body tracking system.