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1994-07-11
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From ascen@world.std.com Mon Jul 11 10:01:30 1994
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Newsgroups: comp.graphics.animation,rec.arts.animation,alt.3d,comp.human-factors,sci.virtual-worlds,sci.virtual-worlds.apps,alt.uu.virtual-worlds.misc
Path: ascen
From: ascen@world.std.com (Ascension Technology)
Subject: SIGGRAPH: Ascension's Flock of Birds 6D Tracking system
Message-Id: <Css7nF.5K4@world.std.com>
Summary: Animation and Virtual Reality applications at SIGGRAPH
Keywords: Animation VR Virtual SIGGRAPH 3D 6D Tracking
Organization: The World Public Access UNIX, Brookline, MA
X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2]
Date: Mon, 11 Jul 1994 15:14:02 GMT
Lines: 102
Apparently-To: uunet!sci-virtual-worlds@uunet.uu.net
Status: OR
PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TITLE: ASCENSION'S FLOCK OF BIRDS CHOSEN FOR MOTION CAPTURE IN
MAJOR EXHIBITS AT SIGGRAPH '94
SUBTITLE: ALIAS, WAVEFRONT, AND AUTODESK TO HIGHLIGHT PERFORMANCE
ANIMATION WITH FLOCK MOTION CAPTURE
South Burlington, VT, July 8, 1994 -- Motion-capture for
performance/animation will be prominently exhibited at this
year's annual SIGGRAPH Exposition in Orlando, starting on July
26, 1994. The exposition runs through July 28th at the Orange
County Convention Center.
Animation software leaders Alias, Autodesk, and WAVEFRONT will
each feature Ascension's Flock of BirdsTM motion-capture
equipment in their booths. Autodesk's latest 3D Studio release
brings motion-capture down to the PC platform.
After evaluating alternative techniques for tracking motions, all
three -- as well as Softimage -- recommend the Flock as the
preferred method of capturing the motions of live actors in
creating computer animations.
Performance animation integrates computer-generated characters
with realistic, fluid human motions. The process starts when an
actor is typically hooked up with 10-15 Flock receivers (sensors)
to accurately record his movements in real time. This information
is then used to control a computer-generated character.
The resulting computer characters display natural, accurate
movements that are difficult and costly to produce with
traditional keyframe techniques. The process allows production
companies to quickly produce large amounts of 3D animations.
Some recent prominent examples of animations created with the
Flock include: R/Greenberg's Shell Oil ad campaign, Lamb and
Company's Donnie Domino ads, Windlight's Weldon Pond pilot for
CBS television, Mr. Film's Fantastic Four feature film based on
Marvel comics, and Universal Studio's Jurassic Park tour.
"Motion capture is the future," says Alias's product manager for
entertainment, Gary Mundell.
Last year, Softimage and Alias led the pack in developing Flock
drivers for motion-capture equipment. This year at SIGGRAPH, they
will be joined by Wavefront and Autodesk. Wavefront's Kinemation
and Autodesk's 3D Studio software packages will be seen for the
first time operating with the Flock.
An eleven-receiver Flock will also be exhibited in Ascension's
booth (# 1552). Here a mime will be used to interact with
visitors while demonstrating the capability of the Flock to
quickly capture full body motions. A wireframe image of the
mime's likeness will follow his motions in real time.
"At the Ascension booth, we will concentrate on helping people
understand the hardware requirements for motion capture, "said
Ascension vice president, Jack Scully. "Alias, Wavefront and
Autodesk will emphasize the benefits of using their animation
software packages with the Flock," he continued.
The Flock itself is an easy-to-use motion-capture product,
enabling a user to simultaneously track up to 29 receivers
(sensors) referenced to a transmitter emitting pulsed DC
magnetic fields.
Magnetic fields are used because they overcome some of the vexing
problems of earlier optical and vide-based trackers -- non-real
time tracking, blocking/occlusion and extremely high cost.
The Flock transmitter provides ample coverage for a person to
move about a 16-foot diameter. Receivers send their sensed
signals back to a central bank of electronics for processing and
output to a host computer. For ease of movement, receiver cables
are often bundled and suspended via a bungee-type cord from an
overhang on the work stage.
Ascension, based in South Burlington, VT, has extensive
experience in developing, manufacturing and marketing multi
degrees-of-freedom tracking devices for various markets.
Give us a call, or email for more information. Or come and see us
at SIGGAPH.