Dr. Joseph M. Mahoney. 1. 1 Division of Engineering, Penn State University, Berks College. 2 Department of Engineering Science & Mechanics, Penn State ...
Virtual Air Hockey Table as Motor Control Analysis Research Platform Michael
1 Bianco ,
Dr. Joseph P.
2 Cusumano ,
Berks
Dr. Joseph M.
1 Mahoney
1
Division of Engineering, Penn State University, Berks College 2 Department of Engineering Science & Mechanics, Penn State University
Introduction Analysis of variation in repeated task performance provides insight into motor control system and may aid early detection of neurological conditions (e.g. Parkinson’s Disease) [1]. Prior studies with virtual shuffleboard setup used goal function with initial puck position and velocity as variables [2]. Problem: Many experimental setups expensive, lack versatility Goal: Develop low-cost, versatile motor control research platform
Design
3. Graphics displayed on table by projector
projector
Fig. 2
dy2
dx1
dx2 Fig. 1b centroid
Fig. 1a
Fig. 1a: mallet and local coordinates Fig. 1b: game to be projected on table
2. Input/Output handled by two simultaneously running Python scripts User Input Script
Graphical Output Script
Render Panda3D environment Read raw mice data Calculate mallet position by UDP dead reckoning Animate mallet
projector table connecting brace
dy1
hockey table 1. User moves mallet composed of two optical mice on table
Detect mallet-puck collision Calculate puck initial velocity UDP vector from mallet’s Write data to CSV file
Accept user input after mallet UDP Reset initial game conditions returned to home position
Fig. 3b
Results Basic software architecture, physical construction complete, but work on dead reckoning of mallet is ongoing. Developed user input script (sampling rate: 200 Hz), graphical output scripts (refresh rate: 60 Hz) which communicate via UDP Successfully implemented collision detection, puck motion Built hockey table with 40.5” x 72” playable area, adjustable projector table and connecting brace Determination of conversion factors for coordinate transformation from optical mice to table space by use of MATLAB is still ongoing
Calculate, animate puck motion using Euler method
custom-built vise
adjustable feet Fig. 3a Fig. 3c Fig. 3a: Construction of projector table, installation of adjustable feet Fig. 3b: Construction of hockey table, gluing of bounding walls Fig. 3c: Installation of projector mount to projector table
Future Work
Works Cited & Acknowledgements
Future work includes further software/hardware development and use in experiments. Improve code, add sensors for improved dead reckoning Create toolkit for easy addition/customization of game elements (e.g. moving obstacles, slick areas, etc.) Perform motor control experiments with healthy control subjects and neuropathological and at-risk patients
[1] [2]
Dingwell et al, “Nonlinear Time Series Analysis of Normal and Pathological Human Walking,” 2000. Mahoney, “Inter-Trial Dynamics in Goal-Oriented Tasks with Asymmetric Error and Reduced Precision,” 2013.
Special thanks to Penn State MCREU program, Pfreimer Engineering Project Endowment, Prof. Nicholas Saluzzi, and William Bianco
