Motion Capture Explained

Motion capture, or Mocap, is a technique for digitally recording movement. Originally used as an analysis tool for biomechanics, mocap is now successfully employed in a wide variety of sectors including games development, advertising, events and education.

Movement is captured through the placement of sensors (or markers) on or near each joint of the body. As each joint moves the positions or angles between the markers are recorded. Software records the, angles, velocities, accelerations and impulses, providing an accurate digital representation of the movement.

In the field of entertainment mocap is best known as an animation tool for films, TV and games. Not only does it save time and money but it also creates more lifelike movement than manual animation. Examples of applications include Gollum in Lord of the Rings, Polar Express and Happy Feet.

Realtime data from mocap enables the diagnosis of problems or enhancement of performance in the arenas of biomechanics and sports. It can also assist in the design of products or buildings when applied to the field of engineering or ergonomics.

For an intro to the different types click on Inertial Gyro Systems, Electromechanical Systems, Optical Systems and Magnetic Systems links to the above left.