Luis Rene Montana Gonzalez MSc Dissertation 2015/16

Using human motion capture to control an anglepoise lamp

Supervised by S.Maddock

Abstract

Traditionally, video games use devices such as mouse and keyboard to control objects or characters.  Recent advancements in computer technology and motion capture systems enabled the use of real world motion to animate virtual characters.

The aim of this project is to investigate how to use human movement to control a character in a game.  Microsoft Kinect  will be used to track the human movement and the data will be mapped to anglepoise  lamp model.

The virtual lamp character was effectively controlled by the use of direct mapping to transfer the human movement.  An obstacle course game was created in Unity game engine.  Participants were asked to test the game and complete a questionnaire.  The feedback provided by the participants showed that the anglepoise  lamp effectively responded to the movements of the user.