Motion Capture
Target3D is the home of motion capture, this technology has always been at the heart of what we do.
While there are many high profile uses such as performance capture for films this is just the tip of the iceberg for a versatile, tactile measurement device.
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The ability to accurately measure motion in 3d space is almost universally beneficial. Take for example the control of robotics, performance sport analysis, Ai control systems for driverless vehicles or understanding human interaction, we have implemented this technology for a huge range of projects.
Track Anything
Factors that need to be considered when tracking include :
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Use - Realtime or post produced
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Quantity - Number of objects/people
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Accuracy - Fine detail or broad motion
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Complexity - How many unique moving parts
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Environment - Indoor, outdoor & potential interference
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Tracking Volume - Size of the total area to be tracked
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Identifying the factors above will help determine the types of tracking that can be used, the number of components required and ultimately the cost of potential solutions. We will guide you through this exploratory process to ensure you have options with increasing capability and understand the limitations of each. From this you can manage your return on investment, maximising potential and determine the correct entry point for your project.
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Tracking - The Basics
MAGNETIC
Tracking that provides absolute position (XYZ) and rotation (pitch/yaw/roll) of components in respect to each other. Receivers measure their spatial relationship to a nearby electromagnetic field transmitter via an ECU.
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Advantages
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Instantaneous feedback for real-time application.
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Data available without post-processing.
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Comparatively affordable
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Sensors never occlude
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Multiple simultaneous objects/performers
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Small sensor sizes.
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Disadvantages
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Sensitivity to metal can result in irregular output.
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Cable constraints in some cases.
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lower sampling rate than some alternatives
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Small Capture Volume
OPTICAL TRACKING
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Monitoring of reflective (passive) or Infrared (active) markers in a defined area, using two or more cameras.
Triangulation of the marker based on the multiple viewpoints allows positioning in 3D space. Identifying individual objects is possible by creating unique groupings of markers.
Advantages
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Less susceptible to environment
interference -
Does not suffer from drift
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Multiple simultaneous objects/performers
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Lightweight, wireless and comfortable
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volume size expandable
Disadvantages
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Potential for light interference
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Occlusion of markers can occur .
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Setup required, suit/markers must be worn
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Positions are relative not absolute
MECHANICAL
A physical frame that measures relative movement at the joints. In a performer context this is an exoskeleton with sensors in each joint measuring the rotations. Gloves, arms and articulated models also common to this technology.
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Advantages
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No interference
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Relatively inexpensive
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Sensors never occlude
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Large volume as operates independently
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Potential for haptic feedback
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Disadvantages
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Can be uncomfortable
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No relative position to surrounding environment
INERTIAL
Multiple worn sensors that include a combination of gyroscope, magnetometer, and accelerometer, to measure rotational rates. These rotations are translated to a skeleton.
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Advantages
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Large volumes as operates independently
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Real time 6DOF capture
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Affordable
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Sensors never occlude
Disadvantages
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Sensors can drift
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No relative position to surrounding environment
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comparatively
inaccurate
What you need to know in very simple and very high level terminology
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TYPE
Several technologies are used in tracking , each serves a purpose and many times we will utilise more than one in a hybrid solution.
Maker Tech
Our category for products that cross the boundary between physical and digital.
Technologies like 3d scanning and printing have revolutionised our creative process, allowing not just the professional but the hobbyist access to photorealistic tools and manufacturing capability.
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With an eye to the future we keep exploring the potential of maker tech for interactive, realtime and other applications less typical than their primary purpose.
Visualisation
The way we see and interact with information can dramatically improve our understanding and ability to problem solve. It is with this in mind that we choose our visualisation technologies.
We will identify the tools that can advance your project, improve interactivity or immerse you in your task.
360 Filming
Life is all around us so why only capture what is in front of you.
Check out our range of capture equipment suitable for applications like virtual reality, 360 filming or live broadcast.
Haptic Devices
Gain greater understanding of what you are creating or interacting with by enabling the sense of touch to improve accuracy, test collision data or interact with robotics.
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With our haptics devices the virtual world is at your fingertips.
Virtual & Augmented Reality
If you are interested in technology its likely you have considered the future of virtual and augmented reality. Here we have the cutting edge, the technology that takes reality to the next level and expands the possibilities we can create.