A flash-based multimedia whiteboard for clinical motion analysis

Abstract

Due to persistent shortages of rehabilitation resources and services, collaboration tools for motion analysis have received great attention. High quality Internet connectivity and rich-content Web application platforms - Adobe Media Server and Flash Player, have created opportunities for integrating motion analysis into Flash based whiteboard and video conference applications to enhance rehabilitation services. For this thesis, clinical motion analysis software was created using Flash. The Motion Analysis Tools runs directly from a URL with a Web browser. The video synchronization procedure was supported by shared objects on a Flash Media Server. Program evaluation was conducted from accessibility and quality perspectives. Video synchronization error evaluation, angle and distance measurements, whiteboard functional, network latency impact, and ease of access were discussed during the evaluation phase. The Motion Analysis program can be access via Real-time Media Protocol (RTMP). A single TCP port was used for both signaling and media to maximize the chance of establishing a connection. Synchronization error was maintained at an acceptable level (maximum 160ms, average 49.3 ms, standard deviation 0.21). Average root mean square errors were 2.7 degrees for angle measures and 1.95 cm for length measures. The test results were consistent with video motion analysis results and within an acceptable range for rehabilitation motion analysis. This Web-based motion analysis approach provided an enhanced tool for quantitative motion analysis.