Databases Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter XVI
Modeling Motion:
Building Blocks
of a Motion Database
Roy Gelbard, Bar Ilan University, Israel
Israel Spiegler, Tel Aviv University, Israel
ABSTRACT
The research proposes a model for the representation and storage of motion data that enables
The research proposes a model for the representation and storage of
the communication, storage, and analysis of patterns of motion, as with spoken and written
languages. The basic problem is the lack of a machine-readable motion alphabet. We thus
set out to defi ne the elemental components and building blocks of motion, coming up with
what we call the motion byte as the basis for a motion language that has words, phrases,
and sentences. The binary-based model we develop, which is signifi cantly different from
the common “key frames” approach, is also a method of storing motion data. Comparison
with a standard motion system, based on key frames, indicates a signifi cant advantage for
our binary model.
INTRODUCTION
In presenting a model for the representation of motion data, our goal is to create and
defi ne elemental motion building blocks that enable effi cient, precise, and modular repre-
sentation of the facets of motion, and also serve as a basis for the storage of raw motion data
in a way that makes them accessible for future analysis and processing. The constraint on
such a form as a channel of communication is the lack of a machine-readable alphabet for
motion. The two channels commonly used to express and represent linguistic perceptions
are the vocal channel of speech and the graphic channel of script. However, communication
by language is not restricted to these two channels, and often uses the
motion channel
, in
