For many years, inexpensive video cameras
has been available to analyze human motion. Ariel Dynamics, Inc. developed this technology
since the initial introduction of video technology. In fact, the technique of digitizing
the human's movement for analyzing the performance is all based on the early work of the
Ariel Dynamics founder, Gideon Ariel.
The technology used previously was based on a expensive VCR which slows the whole process
of capturing video images and storing them on the computer's hard drive. In the search to
improvement and accelerate the process, we have developed an easy and inexpensive method
of capturing regular video directly onto a computer hard drive. Check here for detail explanation of
our video basics utilized in the Caplturing module. New technologies available
for multimedia applications provided the ability to capture a video sequences directly to
the hard drive of your computer. Until today, the speed of an off-the-shelf, commercially
available, inexpensive video camera was 30/25 frames/sec. Unfortunately, this slow
speed for capturing regular video directly to the harddrive has been a limiting
factor for use in studies of motion. In keeping with it's history of fast, innovative
work, Ariel Dynamics has found a solution to overcome this limitation. Using special field
splitting algorithms, the bandwidth for capturing regular video directly to the harddrive
is improved to 60Hz for NTSC(US) and 50Hz for PAL(European) using the largest size of
video image possible (640x480 NTSC and 720x576 PAL).FAQ about the new APAS system:
How does the new APAS technology affect
my work ?
First of all, the time from recording the video motion
until the results can be viewed has been markedly reduced. The hardware setup has been
simplified as well as the software improved to run under Windows 95. Additional
functionality and features have been added.
I was told that most of the APAS system
is based on the old DOS system, is that correct ?
No, all software in the APAS system is based on Windows
95.
How does the quality of APAS system
compare to other known motion analysis systems ?
The APAS system gives you the same accuracy compared with
other systems which cost in excess of $100,000.00 for a full system. In addition,
the APAS system has more functionality and features than any other product
for any price. Our philosophy at Ariel Dynamics is to keep it simple, accurate, and
inexpensive. Therefore, we will give you the same functionality and features at just 1/10
of other companies. Take a look at the software features and
functionality.
If other companies charge more than
$100,000.00, how can the APAS system be as good ?
The basic theories used in all motion analysis systems
are the same. All the mathematics used to transform digitized video sequences, filter,
calculate kinematics and kinetics are all based on the same high level research. The
difference between motion analysis systems is due to the interface between the user and
the software. To accommodate requests from our customers, we use their knowledge and
experience with the system to improve it. We want the user to feel like part of the APAS
system development team. We don't create software so that we can feel happy about it. We
want you, the end user, to be happy, effective, and productive using it. If you have any
suggestions, send an email and we will try to
improve the APAS system based on your request.
Does the new technology affect the price
of the APAS system ?
No! To the contrary, it allows prices to decrease.
The use of a very expensive VCR to utilize the bandwidth for existing video
technology had previously forced an increase in the price of the APAS system. The new
technology and improved software allow a reduction for the full APAS system to 1/3 of the
previous price. This means that you can have a full motion analysis system starting from
$10,000.00. At this price, a full APAS system is provided, and the price will only vary
with special user configurations (high speed video, extra hard disk, and so forth).
If the price is that low, is there
anything missing ?
No, in fact, we have improved all the software to running
under Windows 95. This includes some fantastic new features and functions that
makes the APAS system simpler and faster to analyze human motion than previously. The
bottom line is that you will be getting even more...and at a lower price. APAS system configuration and pricing.
Is 60/50 Hz video speed the limit of the
APAS system ?
No, but for the direct to hard disk video capturing, it
will be the limit because of bandwidth of regular video. For those customers who prefer
high speed video capturing, we will continue to provide high speed cameras and VCR
equipment.
How about the new digital video
technology and the APAS system?
We are currently working on the software for utilizing
digital video cameras. We know this is the future and, therefore, we will provide the
functionality. The direct to hard disk capturing will be ready during mid 1998. Keep
checking our web site and we will keep you posted on the progress.
We hope this small FAQ has answered some of your
questions. If you would like more information, please call or drop us an email.
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