Abstract
We present a methodology that enables dance tempo estimation through the acquisition of 3D accelerometer signals using a single wearable inertial device positioned on the dancer’s leg. Our tempo estimation method is based on enhanced multiple resonators, implemented with comb feedback filters. To validate the methodology, we focus on the versatile solo jazz dance style. Including a variety of dance moves, with different leg activation patterns and rhythmical variations, solo jazz provides for a highly critical validation environment. We consider 15 different solo jazz dance moves, with different leg activation patterns, assembled in a sequence of 5 repetitions of each, giving 65 moves altogether. A professional and a recreational dancer performed this assembly in a controlled environment, following eight dancing tempos, dictated by a metronome, and ranging from 80 bpm to 220 bpm with 20 bpm increment steps. We show that with appropriate enhancements and using single leg signals, the comb filter bank provides for accurate dance tempo estimates for all moves and rhythmical variations considered. Dance tempo estimates for the overall assembles match strongly the dictated tempo—the difference being at most 1 bpm for all measurement instances is within the limits of the established beat onset stability of the used metronome. Results further show that this accuracy is achievable for shorter dancing excerpts, comprising four dance moves, corresponding to one music phrase, and as such enables real-time feedback. By providing for a dancer’s tempo quality and consistency assessment, the presented methodology has the potential of supporting the learning process, classifying individual level of experience, and assessing overall performance. It is extendable to other dance styles and sport motion in general where cyclical patterns occur.
Highlights
Dancing requires high levels of physical skills and body motion control
Keeping in mind that a dance assistive solution has to be practical and should not interfere with the dance performance itself, we present a robust methodology for dance tempo estimation that resides on a single 3D accelerometer sensor
For solo jazz dance moves with a leg change occurring every four beats, the comb filters tend to resonate stronger for fstep /4 than for fstep, leading again to an underestimate of the dance tempo if fstep /4 falls into the considered comb filter frequency range
Summary
Dancing requires high levels of physical skills and body motion control. It has already been reported that dancers strongly benefit from various assistive technologies [1,2,3,4,5]. The problem of feature extraction in the time-domain is that it is prone to noise and fails for dancing styles that include other dance motion elements besides steps and are not represented by nearly periodic acceleration signals maximums. An example of such a dance style is solo jazz—a rhythmical and playful solo dance in which the dancer uses his movement to depict jazz music. Aiming to provide easiness of use, with the smallest amount of sensing equipment, we rely on a dancer’s leg, we provide for further possibilities of leg motion an single wearable unit In such a setup, the optimal position for estimating the dance tempo. A software metronome was used to dictate the dance tempo and simulate a steady quarter note music tempo
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