Character animations produced with motion capture data have many of the stylistic details seen in human motion while those generated with simulation are physically realistic for the dynamic parameters of the character. We combine these two approaches by tracking and modifying human motion capture data using dynamic simulation and constraints. The tracking system generates motion that is appropr...

We present a new motion estimation framework and apply it to omni-directional imagery. Our method estimates motions incrementally using an Implicit Extended Kalman Filter (IEKF). Each individual feature provides partial information about the camera motion. The motion estimate is incrementally improved as each feature is processed, similar to the SCAAT approach. The SCAAT method was developed fo...

We present a novel technique for utilizing the Gaussian curvature information in 3D nonrigid motion estimation in the absence of known correspondence. Differential-geometric constraints derived in the paper allow one to estimate parameters of the local affine motion model given the values of Gaussian curvature before and after motion. These constraints can be further combined with the previousl...

In this paper we develop a general minimum principle of analytical dynamics that is applicable to nonideal constraints. The new principle encompasses Gauss’s Principle of Least Constraint. We use this principle to obtain the general, explicit, equations of motion for holonomically and/or nonholonomically constrained systems with non-ideal constraints. Examples of a nonholonomically constrained ...

We address the problem of motion planning for nonholonomic cooperating mobile robots manipulating and transporting objects while holding them in a stable grasp. We present a general approach based on the calculus of variations that allows us to obtain optimal trajectories and actuator forces/torques for any maneuver in the presence of obstacles. In addition, geometric constraints such as joint ...

Typical formulations of the forward and inverse velocity kinematics of wheeled mobile robots assume flat terrain, consistent constraints, and no slip at the wheels. Such assumptions can sometimes permit the wheel constraints to be substituted into the differential equation to produce a compact, apparently unconstrained result. However, in the general case, the terrain is not flat, the wheel con...

We present a global motion planner for tracing curves in three dimensions with robot manipulator tool frames. This planner generates an efficient motion satisfying three types of constraints: constraints on the tool tip for curve tracing, robot kinematic constraints and robotlink collision constraints. Motions are planned using a global search algorithm and a local planner based on a potential-...

This paper proposes a gait planning approach to reduce the required friction for a biped robot walking on various surfaces. To this end, a humanoid robot with 18 DOF is considered to develop a dynamics model for studying various 3D manoeuvres. Then, feasible trajectories are developed to alleviate the fluctuations on the upper body to resemble human-like walking. In order to generate feasible w...

This project explores the use of motion graphs as a means of qualitative 3D reconstruction of football players, based on video footage from real games. A motion graph was built from clips of recorded motion capture data, featuring a professional football player, and synthesises motion by stitching these clips together in various combinations. A scenario is assumed where the motion of the player...

An accurate estimate of the epipole (direction of camera translation) is necessary if image motion is to be decomposed into ro-tational and translational components, which give the camera rotation and feature depths respectively. In this paper we introduce the Linearised Subspace Method to nd direct constraints on the epipole which are independent of camera rotation and scene structure. We pres...