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The Videomex-X is a new product intended for use in biomechanical measurement. It tracks up to six points at 60 frames per second using colored markers placed on the subject. The system can be used for applications such as gait analysis, studying facial movements, or tracking the pattern of movements of individuals in a group. The Videomex-X is comprised of a high speed color image analyzer, an RBG color video camera, an IBM AT compatible computer and motion analysis software. The markers are made from brightly colored plastic disks and each marker is a different color. Since the markers are unique, the problem of misidentification of markers does not occur. The Videomex-X performs realtime analysis so that the researcher can get immediate feedback on the subject's performance. High speed operation is possible because the system uses distributed processing. The image analyzer is a hardwired parallel image processor which identifies the markers within the video picture and computes their x-y locations. The image analyzer sends the x-y coordinates to the AT computer which performs additional analysis and presents the result. The x-y coordinate data acquired during the experiment may be streamed to the computer's hard disk. This allows the data to be re-analyzed repeatedly using different analysis criteria. The original Videomex-X tracked in two dimensions. However, a 3-D system has recently been completed. The algorithm used by the system to derive performance results from the x-y coordinates is contained in a separate ASCII file. These files can be modified by the operator to produce the required type of data reduction.
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