Motion Analysis Corporation

Motion Analysis Corporation is the world's largest manufacturer of high performance optical instrumentation systems that test and measure the movement of objects. Our systems combine proprietary hardware, software and electro-optical techniques with standard computer and video hardware. These systems evaluate motion in a wide variety of applications: Animation Production, Movement Analysis, and Industrial Measurement & Control.

We work closely with renowned specialists and third-party software developers to create value-added application software targeted at very specific vertical markets. Motion Analysis Corporation then licenses, maintains, and markets the software with its hardware systems.

Eagle Digital System
Calibration: The Key to Real Time

Motion Analysis uses a dynamic linearization technique which is the only technique currently available capable of producing precise and accurate calibration. First, a small four-point calibration device is used for defining the XYZ axes. A 500mm wand (for large capture volumes) or a 150mm wand (for small capture volumes) is then used for establishing camera linearization parameters. If the camera lenses are changed, recalibration takes mere moments as compared to the cumbersome, time consuming grid technique used by other motion capture systems.

EagleHub

The EagleHub consists of multi-port Ethernet switch (100 Mbps) and provides power for the cameras. A single Ethernet Cat 5 Cable is used for all signals and power between the camera and the EagleHub.

Integration

• Fully compatible with EvaRT software
• Standard TCP/IP protocol
• 128 channels of synchronized 16-bit analog data acquisition (forceplate and EMG data)
• Exportable to all major animation software packages

EvaRT

EV a Real-Time Software (EVaRT) provides a user with a simple and powerful interface. Under a single software environment you can set up, calibrate, capture motion in real-time, capture motion for post processing, edit and save data in the format of your choice.

A dual monitor option provides the motion capture technician with a full view of the active capture display and graphic panels on one monitor while viewing application forms and panels on another monitor.

Simultaneous Display of Graphical Panels

The Eagle Digital System provides simultaneous viewing of up to four different panels:

• 3D display – different views and angles are possible
• 2D display – digital grayscale and threshold images
• Color Video Display (avi)
• XYZ Graphs
• Analog Graphs
• HTR Graphs

Simple and Customizable User Interface

• Post processing provides one stroke hot keys for power users
• “Hot keys” are customizable – define your own system for processing actions
• Preferences for features such as initial monitor display, init poses, etc., can be named to an .ini file so that multiple system users are always assured of their customized configurations at login

Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality pioneers are using MAC RealTime systems for populating VR environments and for telepresence applications. Military and Industrial trainers are also embracing RealTime in order to create virtual reality situations, including simulations of dangerous environments.

One or two characters captured by a MAC system in RealTime can be fully represented as computer graphic characters interacting in virtual environments.

Television

Motion Analysis Corporation systems slash the costs and time of producing TV episodes, while increasing their realism and drama. MAC systems are now being used for single-person capture, simultaneous multi-person capture, and 3D face capture for episodics.

The MAC systems are also used in television for RealTime "Virtual Hosts" including virtual anchormen, sportscasters, and comedians. The system allows the simultaneous capture of face, body, and hands (integrating gloves) movement for streaming to television or Web broadcasts.

Video Games

Over 150 of the world's finest video games have been captured on Motion Analysis Corporation equipment, including those produced by Electronic Arts, Gremlin, RARE, Square, Konami, and Namco.The real-time motion capture systems by Motion Analysis have changed the game. Data is now produced three to five times faster than with "post-process mocap". The use of Calcium software for scaling actor data to character data by creating a re-usable mathematical equation has cut the need for hand-tweaking even the most complex files.

Film & The Arts

Filmmakers have pioneered the use of digital characters using Motion Analysis Corporation systems. In 2001, "Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within", an "all motion captured" movie, was released. A 16-camera Motion Analysis system at Square USA in Honolulu was used for the motion capture.

With the advent of real-time motion capture, directors get realtime feedback on character performance. This is invaluable when working with CG characters which are not the same proportions as the actors (for example, having huge feet, short legs, long arms, rabbit ears, etc.). Both the actors and directors can watch the performance of the character on a monitor and make subtle adjustments to the actor's performance to assure delivery of a perfect motion capture.

Film & The Arts Projects Using A Motion Analysis System

Over 80% of Animation Production studios worldwide using optical motion capture have chosen the Motion Analysis system.