Evaluating Input Devices for Dance Research

Abstract

Recording music-related motions in ecological valid situa- tions can be challenging. We investigate the performance of three devices providing 3D acceleration data, namely Axivity AX3, iPhone 4s and a Wii controller tracking rhythmic motions. The devices are benchmarked against an infrared motion capture system. The devices tracked simple and complex rhythmic motions to pre-recorded music and were evalu- ated both based on the data quality and also in terms of how suitable the systems seem for tracking music-related motions in real-world situa- tions. The various systems represent different trade offs with respect to timing, accuracy and precision.