The Juilliard School

TECHNOLOGY PROPOSAL
The Power of Motion Capture

Motion capture (or mocap)

is the process of recording
the movement of objects or
people.
 Potential for The Juilliard School

Unparalleled accuracy in communicating dancing

technique
Meant as a supplement, not a replacement
Could be used to identify specific techniques and
diagnose particular issues
Creates a tangible recording of Juilliard’s high
quality technique, opening possibilities of alternate
teaching methods (including web)
Displays a commitment to cutting edge technology
 Advantages & Disadvantages
Rapid, real time results Specific hardware and
The suit is easy to use software requirements
Complex movement is Moderate cost of entry
accurately captured into the medium
Varying levels of focus May require additional
depending on the training of some
purpose personnel
 Hardware

 18 s250e Camera’s
 18 Camera Cables(CAT 6)
 4 Uplink Cables (CAT 6)
 3 PoE Switches
 1 Uplink Switch
 1 Network Card
 1 Arena License
 1 Hardware Key
 1 Optiwand Kit
 1 Calibration Square
 Camera trusse
 Hardware Cont’d

Server Computer Requirements

 Windows 7
 i7 Processor
 2GB of Ram
 USB2.0 Port
 Gigabit Ethernet Port
Motion Capture Suit
5/8” Semi-Soft Market Set
 Software

Arena
“ARENA incorporates camera calibration, easy
skeleton creation, multiple actor & prop tracking, real
time solving & streaming, editing tools, and flexible
data export options for full body motion capture. ”
 Software Features

3D Marker Tracking

Skeleton solver
Multiple dancer support
User friendly
Live 3D Previews
Cleanup and edit tools
Standard Data Export
Real Time Plugin Support
 Data

The information sent from the Mocap suit to the

software
Body metrics
Calibration data
Recording output of the motion capture software
 Procedures

Setup the studio

This setup supports a volume of 24’ x 24’ x 8’. The
cameras will be setup on trusses, as shown.
 Procedures Cont’d

Application of markers to the motion capture suit

 This process is easy to do and there are many instructional
videos and pictures included along with software and website.
Calibration
 Blocking bad sectors
 Wanding & Solving
 Setting the ground plane
 Procedures Cont’d

Installation of the software

Use of software
Training of staff
Output and organization of dance motion capture
Upload to an internet library
 People

Dance instructor
Dance students (Our setup supports up to 3 actors)
Local Information Technology team
 Cost

OptiTrack Arena Bundle: $38,404

3 Mocap Suits: $279 each
3 Marker Set: $249
Starlight Entertainment Square Truss: $4,300
Server Computer: ~$700
IT Personnel consideration: ~$1000

Total: $45,490
 Implementation

OptiTrack system is very user

friendly
 Software tutorials
 Software wizards
 Online Videos
Local IT Professional should
experiment with the technology,
then impart that upon interested
teachers.
Create an online repository
 Aids students at home
 Creates an exact and powerful dance
technique library
 Conclusion

Motion capture is a powerful tool that can support a

higher quality level of education. Art is subjective and
built on spontaneity – but let the techniques become
clear, and creativity will thrive.
 Text references

Optitrack. (2012). Retrieved from

http://www.naturalpoint.com/optitrack/
Vincs, K. (2011, September 21). Motion capture and
dance: What it can do, what it can’t do, and what it
should never attempt. Retrieved from
http://isea2011.sabanciuniv.edu/panel/motion- capture-
and-dance
Furniss, M. (1999). Mit communications forum.
Retrieved from http://web.mit.edu/comm-
forum/papers/furniss.html
Starlight Entertainment LLC. (n.d.). Sc1-20x20. Retrieved
from http://www.starlight-online.com/sc1- 20x20.html