Analog Devices, Xsens and 'Iron Man'

BANGALORE, INDIA: Analog Devices Inc., which makes high-performance semiconductors for signal-processing applications, and Xsens Technologies B.V., a supplier of 3D motion tracking products, said they have collaborated to develop real-time motion capture technology that is being used for character animation in major motion pictures, including the 2010 releases of “Alice in Wonderland” and the recently released No. 1 box office hit “Iron Man 2”.

Incorporated in a lightweight body suit used to record physical movement, the technology is enabling real-time, interactive special effects environments and breakthrough workflows that are transforming the way filmmakers and production teams plan and create movies, said a press release. Leading video game developers also have adopted the motion capture technology for use in computer-generated character development.

By modifying the motion sensing technology ADI developed for video game play in several major game controllers, Analog Devices tailored a motion sensing solution for Xsens for its Xsens MVN motion capture suit, the release added. The lightweight, lycra MVN suit is equipped with 17 motion trackers containing more than 80 high-performance ADI iMEMS motion sensors and 17 ADI Blackfin DSPs (digital signal processors).

iMEMS motion sensors integrate ADI’s proprietary MEMS sensor designs with its signal processing technology to provide unmatched motion sensing performance. Xsens’ proprietary sensor fusion algorithms combine the motion sensor data with advanced biomechanical models to provide the system’s high-fidelity full-body motion capture output.

The suit is enabling film production and pre-visualization companies to bring their creative ideas to the big screen in new, more intuitive and visually compelling ways by providing an easy-to use, cost-efficient system for full-body human motion capture.

“Analog Devices’ iMEMS motion sensing technology provided the right level of performance for our MVN suit design objectives,” says Casper Peeters, CEO of Xsens. “It’s very exciting to see the game developers and special effects studios not only recognize the flexibility, quality and ease of use that Xsens MVN brings, but also its cost efficiency, bringing positive bottom line results.”

According to Mark Martin, vice president, MEMS and Sensor Group, Analog Devices the company is seeing the next wave of adoption driven by the heightened awareness of MEMS motion sensor capabilities.

“The first wave was driven by auto safety systems in the 1990s; the second wave by consumer products in the 2000s. During the next decade, a third wave will see the adoption of MEMS sensors in many medical, industrial instrumentation, and other innovative applications,” Martin added.

The Xsens MVN suit was used recently by pre-visualization studio The Third Floor, for animation work on “Alice In Wonderland” and “Iron Man 2”. Other Hollywood visual effects studios that have adopted the MVN suit include Industrial Light & Magic, Sony Pictures Imageworks and Double Negative, which is known for its work on the films “Angels & Demons” and “Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince”.

The MVN suit also was adopted by Electronic Arts and Gearbox Software, which used the system for character animation in the “Borderlands” video game, and by Sony Computer Entertainment/Guerilla Games for “Killzone 2”.