SGER: Real-Time Spatio-Temporal Databases in Support of Human Motor Skills

University Of Southern California, Los Angeles CA

Investigators

Abstract

The goal of this research project is to investigate human motor skills and their representation in a spatio-temporal database management system. The challenges involved are multi-faceted. First, the captured data is continuous media and must be rendered in a timely manner in order to simulate a movement. If a system delivers the data at a slower rate than its pre-specified rate without special precautions (e.g., prefetching), the user might observe logical errors that result in undesirable behavior, e.g., with chop-sticks, either one or both sticks might fall out of place. Second, the movement of a limb -- say a hand -- when performing the same activity is slightly different across multiple repetitions of that activity. The approach to the first challenge is to explore design and implementation of real-time spatio-temporal database management systems that represent an activity as a multi-level presentation. The approach to the second problem is to investigate "Envelope of Limits" (EoL) to capture the essence of a movement. In addition, this research strives to develop a framework that detects spatio-temporal patterns that represent hypotheses about the physical constraints that govern movements. The results of this project will advance real-time spatio-temporal databases in support of haptic devices. This is a high-risk research, because it spans multiple fields, with a potential to emerge as a new discipline. If successful, a high payoff can be expected, as the results will have an impact on applications in broad areas such as health-care, education, and entertainment.