Set Up & Operations
What is required to set up Stage?
Stage requires a one time, initial set up which takes approximately 4 hours depending on your mechanical ability. First you set up an easily assembled metal frame (up to 16 X 16 ft) to create the scanning space. Then you attach ten video cameras in a simple array to the frame, and a lightweight reflective cloth to three walls of the frame and the floor. Each camera is then wired to Organic Motion's Vision Processor, the computer that creates the 3D data from the ten streaming video cameras. An ethernet cable connects the Vision Processor to your workstation. You operate Stage from your workstation, using Stage software (Plug in and/or Software Development Kit) combined with Autodesk's MotionBuilder or other animation software. Stage is shipped to you with everything described above, except for MotionBuilder and your workstation.
How easy (or hard) is it to operate Stage?
Because there really is no body suit and automatic calibration, Stage really operates 'in the background' and let's people just walk in and out and be automatically scanned. There are a few simple commands of general operations such as "Scan", "Record", "Playback", which are all operated with the click of one button. There is a simple to use Manual that gives suggestions to optimize your scan depending on the type of capture you are performing, for example, to maximize accuracy on one particular body part, or to include certain props in your scan.
Is Stage portable?
The set up described above could be taken down and moved without too much difficulty. Organic Motion is considering offering a version of the metal framework that is based on telescoping poles, which could be set up faster, and would be easier to use for smaller scanning spaces. Please let us know if portability is a requirement for your application.
Can Stage be used outdoors?
Stage tracks thousands of natural contrast points of the human body, which eliminates the need for a body suit or markers. It is necessary for our cameras to be able to see those contrast points, and direct exposure to sunlight generally interferes with our cameras' ability to fully track the subject. We plan to release a new system designed for full outdoor use in mid 2008.
Functionality & Performance
What can Stage track (or not track) in the current version 1.0 release?
Single Subject: Stage does a wonderful job at instantly tracking one subject at full human speed, with high accuracy, and to generate clean real-time data output.
Two Actors: An Expansion Module to track a second subject will be released in early 2008. Currently, a second subject could be in the scanning space to influence the movement of the subject being tracked, for example to push the subject.
Multiple Actors: We expect to release an Expansion Module for multiple actors in late 2008.
Finger Tracking: Stage currently tracks the hand as if it were a 'mitten', not streaming motion data for individual fingers. Stage's architecture allows for full finger tracking, which is slated as an Expansion Module to be released in early 2008.
Facial Tracking: Stage does not provide facial motion data at this time. We do provide, however, a virtual 'face cam' video of the face even when the subject moves in any direction, which may be very useful for some animation and other projects. We are working on several facial tracking solutions. Inquire directly for most current update.
Props: The initial release of Stage will not track the motion data of props, although many props may be used without disrupting the motion capture of the subject. In such cases, the prop will be filmed in the video stream. Large or bulky props are more likely to interrupt Stage's ability to 'see' the subject, and therefore more likely to cause tracking difficulties. Stage will be able to track many types of props as part of a standard upgrade with Stage (Version 2.0) expected to be released in early 2008. Inquire about specific props.
Data Output
How accurate is Stage?
Because Stage tracks thousands of data points on each subject, it can produce highly accurate results. Stage has been bench tested by a client to verify the system's consistency and accuracy of real-time measurement of human limbs to the millimeter level based on accepted biomechanical principals. The results of this testing are available under confidentiality. Organic Motion's accuracy is being evaluated by several third parties for general publication in early 2008.
How does Stage perform such accurate capture without any markers?
That's a secret! But if you really want to know, let us know in a conversation.
What is the Software Development Kit (SDK) for?
Organic Motion's SDK enables you to take all the data from Stage, including motion data, volumetric mesh data, and surface texture, and create your own applications by mixing and matching these data formats, for example to create a photo realistic volumetric avatar, or to see the subject's skeleton under his video.
Can Stage flow data into other software besides Motion Builder and Visual3D?
The general answer is "Yes", but its best to ask about any specific software programs. In some cases, Organic Motion may be producing a plug in for that software.
Can Stage integrate with 3rd party devices?
The integration of 3rd party devices such as EMG and force plates is currently planned for release in mid 2008.