Textbook

Biomechanics

We asked the engineers at Biomechanics, Inc. about their work in motion capture, analysis and biomechanics. Company president, Dr. Tom McLaughlin and Director of R & D, Matt Madden told us about the incredible leading-edge research and business applications the firm has conducted. Matt told us that advances in the field have been closely linked to innovations in computer technology. As computers have become more powerful, available and affordable, motion analysis capabilities which once required a room full of supercomputers can be accomplished on your desktop.

Motion capture and analysis is used for video games, in movie and television production, special effects and in sports training systems. The motions of athletes and other performers are captured and integrated into the computer software. In the video game scene, "Realism is an essential element", Matt told us. "You have to keep improving your product to stay competitive in the market. The motions have to look and transition smoothly as the person playing the video games maneuvers the character. But it's an economic compromise between the realism and functionality."

Biomechanics has come to a theater near you! "Synthetic actors" are being used in movie production! In the past animators created these motions based on their experience and interpretations of the characters. Today, directors desire more control to specify how these characters move. These virtual actors do amazing things that real stunt actors can not do. On the practical side, a director might want the virtual character's body muscles to bulge and flex just like a real persons. This is actually a real challenge!

Even theme parks are exploring an application of this technology! Soon you will be able to talk with your favorite cartoon character! It will say your name and hold a conversation with you. How is this done? The facial movements of an actual person are captured in "real time" (stored as data by a computer "right now"). You can't see this person - but he or she is the one really talking with you! Computer software combines these facial movements with an animation of your favorite character. What you, the audience appear to see and hear, is this character talking to you on a television-type screen.

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