Approaches to the representation of human movement: Notation, animation and motion capture

Abstract

There is shared interest across disciplines in the representation, analysis, composition and visualization of the movement of articulated structures in general and human bodies in particular. Approaches based on different notation systems, keyframe animation and motion capture each have unique advantages but no one offers a comprehensive approach. The unique advantages of the different approaches are discussed together with attempts to combine different approaches. We specifically describe the LabanDancer prototype designed to translate notation into animation, thus providing visualization of the notation. The potential for a truly comprehensive approach is also explored.