Measurement Systems

Our unique technology platform combines some of the latest-and-greatest human measurement systems currently available.  The following is a list of some of the different systems we use:


Optical Motion Capture

Optical Motion Capture O-H-I-O

Optical motion capture systems use a series of cameras and markers to track how people or objects move with sub-millimeter accuracy.  At the SRI, we have one of the largest biomechanics motion capture systems in the world.  

What we have:

  • OptiTrack Prime 41 Cameras (x42)
  • OptiTrack Prime 17W Cameras (x30)
  • OptiTrack Prime 13 Cameras (x20)
  • OptiTrack Flex 3 Cameras (x24)
  • OptiTrack V120:Trio

Electromyography (EMG)

Electromyography

Electromyography (EMG) devices record the electricity that muscles give off when they are flexed.  We use this information to calculate dynamic muscle forces with our computational models

What we have:

  • 16 channel Delsys Trigno (x2)
  • 16 channel MLS MA300-XVI (x2)
  • 16 channel Grass-Telefactor
  • 16 channel Delsys Bagnoli
  • 16 channel Delsys Legacy Wireless
  • Custom 10 channel system (x2)

Lumbar Motion Monitor (LMM)

Lumbar Motion Monitor (LMM)

The Lumbar Motion Monitor (LMM) is a system invented at the SRI that can be used to monitor the motion of a person's lower back.  Measured motions are compared to large normative databases in order to assess injury risk in the workplace or to quantify a patient's level of impairment. 

What we have:

  • Lumbar Motion Monitor (x20)

Force Sensors

Force Plate

Force sensors are used to measure the external loads that an individual is exposed to.  This information is used to understand exposure risk, weight distribution, balance, or to validate internal load predictions.

What we have:

  • Bertec Custom Portable FP6090 (x4)
  • Bertec Custom Portable FP4060 (x2)
  • Bertec Custom Hand Transducer (x4)
  • Bertec FP4060A (x3)
  • Bertex PY6 (x2)
  • Handheld force gauge (x3)

Push-Pull Measurement System

Push-Pull Measurement System

Pushing and pulling in the workplace has become a big concern for many occupational safety professionals.  To investigate these types of exertions, we built a one-of-a-kind measurement system to facilitate our research.

What we have:

  • Custom overhead railing system equipped with two force sensors for measuring forces in the hands and three magnetic particle brakes to control resistance applied based on tracked location in motion capture volume

Biomedical Imaging

Lumbar Spine MRI

Biomedical imaging technologies are used to help understand a patient's unique internal geometry.  We use this data to measure muscle sizes and locations, create 3D models of internal body parts such as vertebrae and discs, and understand relationships between internal components and external landmarks.

What we have:

  • Access to CT, MRI, X-Ray, Ultrasound

Inertial Motion Tracking

Inertial Motion Tracking

Our inertial motion tracking systems use accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers to track how people or objects move.  They are especially useful when optical camera systems are not viable due to significant occlusion challenges or when a more mobile solution is required.

What we have:

  • Xsens MTw2 Sensors (x12)
  • Xsens Wired Sensors (x8)
  • InSport Magnetic Senors (x12)

Structured-Light 3D Scanning

Structured-Light 3D Scanning

Structured-light 3D scanners use light projection and sophisticated cameras to create CAD models of nearly any surface with sub-millimeter accuracy.  We use this technology to create full-body three-dimensional models, perform virtual dissections, and validate models that we create from CT and MRI.

What we have:

  • Artec Eva
  • 3D3 HDI

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS)

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS)

In biomechanics, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) can be used to detect changes in muscle oxygenation that have been linked to muscle fatigue.  

What we have:

  • Artenis Portalite (x7)
  • 4 channel Moxy system
  • Custom 16 channel system
  • 2 channel Somanetics INVOS 4100

Functional MRI (fMRI)

Functional MRI (fMRI)

Functional MRI (fMRI) measures brain activity by detecting associated changes in blood flow.  We use this technology to understand how mechanical loading and pain affect the brain.

What we have:

  • Access to state-of-the art fMRI facilities

Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS)

Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS)

Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) systems measure changes in near-infrared light to monitor blood oxygenation in different parts of the brain.

What we have:

  • Access to Aurora NIRSport 2 System

Electroencephalography (EEG)

Electroencephalography (EEG)

Electroencephalography (EEG) systems measure electrical activity from the brain. We use this technology to quantify alertness, drowsiness, and cognitive workload.

What we have:

  • Advanced Brain Monitoring B-Alert

Pressure Mapping

Pressure Mapping

Pressure maps use a series of individual force sensors with known areas and locations to understand pressure distributions.

What we have:

  • XSENSOR pressure mat (x2)

Goniometry

Goniometry

Goniometers are used to measure joint angles. 

What we have:

  • Biometrics Ltd. Twin Axis Goniometers (x8)
  • Finger goniometers (x6)

3D Coordinate Measurement

3D Coordinate Measurement

3D coordinate measurement systems can accurately quantify locations in space via a point-and-click method.  We use this technology to calibrate laboratory equipment, take accurate measurements during experimentation, and for reverse engineering.  

What we have:

  • MicroScribe G2 3D coordinate measurment system

Ultrasonic Motion Tracking

Ultrasonic Motion Tracking

Ultrasonic motion tracking systems use ultrasonic transmitters and receivers to measure 3D motion.  We use this technology as a low profile substitute for other motion capture solutions when necessary.

What we have:

  • sonoSens