Moven, developed by Xsens, will be used together with Eyetronics' 3D scanning services

Eyetronics, an international provider of high resolution scanning services and animation-ready 3D models for feature films, television, commercials and computer games, announced that it has entered into an agreement with Xsens to represent their Moven MoCap (motion capture) system. Under the terms of the agreement, Eyetronics will provide MoCap services via Moven and will also make the system available for purchase.
Netherlands-based Xsens introduced Moven’s cost efficient, full-body human motion capture system at SIGGRAPH and various scientific congresses last year. Based on Xsens’ miniature inertial sensor technology and wireless communication solutions, its advanced sensor fusion algorithms allow total freedom of movement. Moven’s motion capture services are used in character animation for computer games and feature films, virtual reality applications for the defense industry, and human movement analysis for rehabilitation and sports sciences.

Compared to other inertial MoCap systems, Moven is unique because it can capture any type of movement, including running, jumping, crawling, or cartwheels, in real-time. Like Eyetronics 3D scanning systems, Moven is completely portable and can be used anywhere in the world without restrictions for lighting.

Gerben Groothuis, Director of Marketing and Sales for Xsens, said, “We are excited about this deal. When 3D characters need to be brought to life, the combination of MoCap and 3D scanning is a logical one. We selected Eyetronics because of their experience and broad client base in the entertainment industry.”

Nick Tesi, Vice President of Operations for Eyetronics in the U.S. and Canada, said, “The collaboration between Eyetronics and Xsens is a perfect fit. Our 3D scanning and Moven’s MoCap are a natural complement in the production process and both services have equal mobility worldwide, on site or in a studio, day or night. Once the production companies we work with see the Moven system in action, they will want to own it themselves to further enhance the believability of their CG characters.”

Eyetronics recently provided 3D scans for the feature films IN THE NAME OF THE KING: A DUNGEON SIEGE TALE and RUSH HOUR 3, as well as Midway Games’ STRANGLEHOLD and BioWare’s MASS EFFECT.

Eyetronics, which is based in Leuven, Belgium and Los Angeles, recently expanded its 3D scanning operations to Canada with a satellite office in Montreal and plans to roll out further expansion to Toronto and Vancouver in 2008.

Eyetronics and Xsens will be exhibiting at the Game Developers Conference (GDC), which will be held February 18-22 in San Francisco.