Today’s the day for the big InterSense announcement: On the show floor of SIGGRAPH they’ll be demonstrating a proof-of-concept new product called the “VCam Lite”.
The VCam Lite will combine the same patented motion tracking technology and powerful virtual production software that made the original VCam so distinctive, creating a precision, inertial-ultrasonic system with an intuitive user interface. An alternate version of the VCam Lite will be available with InterSense’s InertiaCube technology which, when combined with optical motion capture position tracking systems, will enable its use on large optical mocap stages.
Definitely great stuff, and the new smaller form factor with InertiaCube integration makes it perfect for use at sites that already have big motion-capture stages onsite.
Read the full anouncement after the break.
InterSense Inc. Unveils Proof-of-Concept VCam Lite Handheld Virtual Camera System at SIGGRAPH 2009
Adding to the VCam line and addressing a broader range of virtual production needs, InterSense also updates original VCam system with improved features
SIGGRAPH – New Orleans — Aug. 4, 2009 — InterSense Inc., a market leader in precision motion technology, today announced significant enhancements to its offering of 3-D motion tracking virtual camera systems against the backdrop of theSIGGRAPH 2009 Conference and Exhibition in New Orleans. Among the enhancements is a handheld, high-definition tracked display for the company’s flagship VCam system, accentuating cinematic realism for game developers and film, episodic and commercial production professionals. The proof-of-concept VCam Lite, a cost-effective alternative to the original VCam system that can be easily integrated into optical motion capture environments, will be on display at InterSense’s SIGGRAPH booth, #2023.
The VCam Lite will combine the same patented motion tracking technology and powerful virtual production software that made the original VCam so distinctive, creating a precision, inertial-ultrasonic system with an intuitive user interface. An alternate version of the VCam Lite will be available with InterSense’s InertiaCube technology which, when combined with optical motion capture position tracking systems, will enable its use on large optical mocap stages.
In addition, the original VCam, formally launched in March of this year, has been updated with improved software, providing greater flexibility and interface options in support of Autodesk®’s MotionBuilder® 2009 and 2010 versions.
“Both VCam models offer industry-proven inertial sensing technology that precisely captures orientation in handheld motion for virtual cinematography,” said Dean Wormell, director of applications marketing for InterSense. “Whether deployed with a precision position tracking system from InterSense or the position tracking of an optical mocap stage, the VCam Lite provides a smooth motion interface to generate realistic human handheld “look and feel” in virtual productions with little to no clean up for pre and post visualization. With the VCam technology, directors get incredibly realistic shots and virtual cinematics that look like they’ve been shot with a real camera.”
With the addition of the VCam Lite, InterSense’s offering of 3-D motion tracking virtual camera systems can address the disparate needs of production houses large and small. Featuring an 8-inch, 720p HD display, the VCam Lite will deploy a simplified set of digital button and analog joystick interfaces compared to the original VCam, providing a solution for both camera operators and VFX directors.
“The VCam Lite allows us to address a broader range of production environments looking for virtual cinematography solutions,” added Wormell. “The new system offers many of the benefits of the original VCam, such as precision inertial tracking with smooth orientation tracking, in an alternative form that equips the user with a larger HD display with which to view the content. Both versions of the VCam can be mounted on standard camera support equipment, giving directors the flexibility to shoot with their own cinematic style.” In addition to demonstrating the products at SIGGRAPH, the InterSense team will also present the systems with Autodesk in Hall 04.2, Booth G020/F021 at the gamescom business trade fair, held in conjunction with GDC Europeat the Koelnmesse GmbH in Cologne, Germany.
About the InterSense VCam
The VCam features InterSense’s MicroTrax 6-DOF motion tracking sensors directly integrated into a production camera body with Autodesk® MotionBuilder® functions mapped to the camera’s interface controls. A 3-axis analog joystick added to the VCam allows translation, rotation and scaling of the virtual environment in MotionBuilder to help set-up or scout a virtual shot. In addition, buttons on the camera for zoom, play, record and jog transfer total production control to the camera operator. Remote video to the VCam is standard and wireless options are also available, adding further creative freedom and flexibility.
About InterSense
InterSense Incorporated is a market leader in precision motion technology. Its patented Hybrid Technology tracks motion with an unmatched combination of real-time positioning, tracking and alignment capabilities, bringing higher speed and quality to visual simulation, enhanced vision and navigation applications. InterSense’s premier motion tracking products enable real-time, realistic interaction with computer graphics to enhance technical applications in training and simulation, robotics, augmented reality, 3-D virtual displays, video/film/game development and production, oil and gas exploration and medical imaging.
In addition to a marquis global customer base spanning the military, industrial, entertainment, research, engineering and life sciences industries, InterSense also works with a network of software solution partners, systems integrators, value added resellers and OEM hardware partners. For more information, visitwww.intersense.com.
