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GenLaban: A tool for generating Labanotation from motion capture data

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Abstract

This paper presents a computer-aided tool for automatically generating Labanotation scores from motion capture data named GenLaban. GenLaban can be implemented with a low-cost equipment but an efficient method that allows users converting body motions to scores. The key components of GenLaban are the analysis of body motions, the quantization of body postures and the determination of body parts carrying the body weight. All the processes are under supervision of a Labanotation expert to ensure the notation meaning correctly as the use for the dance composition. The experiments showed that for dancers, dance instructors and choreographers, GenLaban is a potential tool for notating dance movements into Labanotation scores enabling them to be accurately interpreted. At present the system can handle a subset of Labanotation covering many of the fundamental movements. However, Labanotation is rich in symbols and new symbols are continually being introduced and will be incorporated in the GenLaban tool as time permits.

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Acknowledgments

This work is supported in part by the Institute of Research Promotion and Innovation Development at Bangkok University and the Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B) No. 22300039 from MEXT Japan.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Science and Technology, Bangkok University, Bangkok, Thailand

    Worawat Choensawat

  2. Graduate School of Humanities and Sciences, Ochanomizu University, Tokyo, Japan

    Minako Nakamura

  3. College of Information Science and Engineering, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Shiga, Japan

    Kozaburo Hachimura

Authors
  1. Worawat Choensawat
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  2. Minako Nakamura
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  3. Kozaburo Hachimura
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Correspondence to Worawat Choensawat.

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Choensawat, W., Nakamura, M. & Hachimura, K. GenLaban: A tool for generating Labanotation from motion capture data. Multimed Tools Appl 74, 10823–10846 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11042-014-2209-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11042-014-2209-6

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