The Recovery and Utilization of Space Suit Range-of-Motion Data 881091

The range of motion of space suits has traditionally been described using limited two-dimensional mapping of limb, torso, or arm movements performed in front of an orthogonal grid. This paper describes an improved technique for recovering range of motion data, and a validation of the technique performed on an Extravehicular activity space suit. The new technique uses digitized data which is automatically acquired from video images of the subject. Three-dimensional trajectories are recovered from these data, and can be displayed using three-dimensional computer graphics. Target locations are recovered using a unique video processor and close range photogrammetry. Such data can be used in a wide variety of applications, including the animation of anthropometric computer models. The applications and limitations of the new technique are discussed.