Analog Devices Inc. and Xsens Technologies B.V., a leading supplier of 3D motion tracking products, 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. Leading video game developers also have adopted the motion capture technology for use in computer-generated character development.

By modifying the motion sensing technology Analog Devices developed for video game play in several major game controllers, the company tailored a motion sensing solution for Xsens for its Xsens MVN motion capture suit. 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 industry-leading, high-performance 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. Unlike previous CGI (computer-generated imagery) techniques, the Xsens MVN suit is more accurate and requires no external cameras, emitters, markers or special lighting. The wireless suit is also easily used in outdoor locations that require extensive freedom of movement – from climbing and jumping to complex fight scenes.

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.”