Computer Graphics World

6 January 2009 PRODUCT: MOCAP PRODUCT: PROCESSING Xsens Releases the Successor to Moven Xsens Technologies has unveiled the next generation of its Moven inertial motion-capture system. The new release features higher-quality motion tracking, multi-actor record- ing, an optimized suit design, more intuitive interfaces, and an improved plug-in to Autodesk's MotionBuilder for one-click setup and improved data transfer. The offering enables higher-quality tracking through more accurate gyroscopes and an enhanced accelerometer range (up to 18 G). A new suit design features improved sensor-posi- tion stability, while an additional motion tracker on the ster- num refi nes the granularity of the motion-capture data of the torso, shoulders, and spine. And now, users can easily transfer motion trackers from one suit to another; they also can capture two actors simultaneously, and because the recordings are synchronized, they can be viewed and edited in one viewport. This new version of Moven is now available for approxi- mately $55,000. AMD Shows Shanghai AMD recently announced the widespread availability of its 45nm quad-core AMD Opteron processor, which is said to deliver up to 35 percent more performance with up to a 35 percent decrease in power consumption at idle. As a result of the release, global OEMs have begun offering systems based on the new processor, code-named Shanghai, including HP in its xw9400 workstation. This processor represents the most dramatic performance and performance-per-watt increases for AMD products since the introduction of the fi rst x86 dual-core processors by AMD nearly four years ago. The processor touts a 200 percent increase in Level 3 cache size to 6 MB, helping to speed memory-intensive applications such as virtualization, database, and Java. With DDR2-800 memory support, it delivers greater memory bandwidth than current AMD Opteron processors. The latest quad-core AMD Opteron processors at the 75- watt ACP ranging from 2.3 to 2.7 GHz are available immediately, with enhanced quad-core AMD Opteron HE (55-watt) and SE (105-watt) processors to follow in the fi rst quarter. PRODUCT: MOCAP PRODUCT: VR Vicon Unveils the T10 Entry-Level Mocap Camera Vicon introduced the T10 camera, which extends the benefi ts of the company's T-Series at a reduce price point. The newly designed T10 replaces the MX3+ as Vicon's entry-level camera, offering three times the resolution along with faster perfor- mance, 3D onboard tracking, backward compatibility, and new high-powered strobes that increase camera range and detail. With a new camera design, the T10 camera can be fi tted with a range of lenses—including 8.5 mm, 9 mm, and 12.5 mm sizes. A one-megapixel camera, the T10 captures 250 frames per second and enables users to capture fi ner details in larger volumes. The camera, like all those in the T-Series, use a newly designed LED matrix available as either visible red or near- infrared LEDs. Using super sampling, the offering reduces the work needed to fi x misidentifi ed markers resulting from fast movement, while onboard tracking enables the camera hard- ware to process 2D tracking from marker trajectories, ensur- ing better reconstruction data in real time. And with GigE Ethernet, data streaming is 10 times faster, at 1000 Mb/sec, than with the previous MX3 system. The T10 works with previous model MX cameras. Pricing was unavailable. Organic Motion Launches LitePod Simulation Platform Organic Motion debuted LitePod, a next-generation 3D immersive simulation platform. Optimized for training and simulation education technology, LitePod allows trainees to interact directly with virtual environments, without the use of body suits or tracking devices. As such, LitePod makes it possible for people to interact, evaluate, and learn how to act and react in new immersive environments in a natural way. The stand-alone systems are capable of capturing and digitiz- ing a subject's complete range of motion, and can be upgrad- ed to include movements in the hand and fi ngers, multiple subjects, the positioning of props or inanimate objects used by the trainees, and facial movements. Additionally, LitePod seamlessly integrates with the latest 3D engines to display live motion data in any virtual environment. With those features and functions, the platform is geared for any type of realistic training, particularly for armed services, industry, academia, and various government agencies. Additionally, the advanced real-time display allows for multiple units to be simultaneously connected, for instance, giving an entire regiment the ability to train together, even from different locations. LitePod is avail- able now; pricing for a single unit starts at $125,000.

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