ARIEL DYNAMICS WORLDWIDE   

Products info
Gideon Ariel
Contact us
Library
Sportscience Web site
Cyberspace University
Coporation Profile
Searching the Site
Home

picture WWW:
Use this form to send us your feedback.
picture Orders:
Use this form to place your order(s).
picture Corporate Office:
Voice:(949) 858-4216
Fax:  (949) 858-5022
picture Sales and Service:
Voice:(858) 874-2547
Fax:  (858) 874-2549
picture E-Mail:
ariel1@ix.netcom.com gideon@arielnet.com
picture Corporate Office
6 Alicante Street
Trabuco Canyon, CA 92679
U.S.A.
picture Sales and Service:
4891 Ronson Court, Suite F
San Diego, CA 92111
U.S.A.
picture The Webmaster
6 Alicante
Trabuco Canyon, CA 92679
U.S.A.

 



Video Formats and Cameras

 

 


Hello Pedro,

Thank you for placing the AVI file on FTP. After looking at the data, it seems that you have incorrect settings associated with your AVI video file.
You have the APAS software set to separate the individual video fields when it appears that your camera is only recording video frames (2 fields = 1 frame). Therefore, when the software attempted to separate the video into field information, there was nothing available to work with, so it used the previous information. This means that each frame was appearing twice....
therefore doubling the number of video images as opposed to your data images. This can be verified by advancing image by image while looking at the video. With one click of the advance button, you will see movement of the video. Click another time and the video stays in the same position but the data point advances. One more click and the video will move again. The video actually advanced every other click while the data advanced on every click of the advance. This is what caused the inconsistancy between the video and data points.

Now, to fix this, you simply have to set the "Separate Fields" option to NO (see attached picture). This can be done either in the TRIM module by:
1. Open the desired AVI file in the TRIM module
2. Specify the desired Synch, Trim Start and Trim End points.
3. Select OPTIONS, VIDEO and set the Separate Fields to NO and select OK.
4. Select FILE, SAVE TRIMMING

Another option would be to change this setting directly in the DIGITIZE module. With the desired project open and the AVI file displayed in the active window perform the following.
1. Select IMAGES, VIDEO to display the Video Options menu.
2. Set the Separate Field setting to NO and select OK
3. This should correct the reported problem.

You should also check the timing values on your project. The 50 Hz is usually obtained by digitizing the field information. If your camera only produces frame information, this is probably only 25 Hz (since 2 fields is equal to 1 frame of video).

I hope this helps to answer your question. Please contact me for any additional information.

Sincerely,

John Probe
Ariel Dynamics, Inc.
Email: ARIEL1@ix.netcom.com


----- Original Message -----
From: "Pedro Gonalves" <pgoncalves@fcdef.up.pt>
To: "'Gideon Ariel '" <ariel1@ix.netcom.com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2003 12:46 PM
Subject: RE: Problems with mix of technology (MotionScope and JVC S-VHS)


> Hello
>
> Sorry by the delay, but only today it was possible to have the ftp site!
>
> The information to access the ftp site its:
>
> Username: biomecanica
> password: ariel
>
> path: ftp://www.fcdef.up.pt/ftp_public/biomecanica
>
>
> The file its HneivaA1.zip
>
> Thanks
>
> Best regards
>
> Pedro
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Gideon Ariel
> To: Pedro Gonalves
> Sent: 24-09-2003 19:23
> Subject: Re: Problems with mix of technology (MotionScope and JVC S-VHS)
>
> Hello Pedro,
>
> Thank you for your message and the related files. I have taken a look
> at
> the hneivaa.cf file and everything seems to be correct. It is hard to
> determine the exact problem you are reporting without the AVI file.
> However, it seems that the problem may simply be caused by the "synch"
> image
> when the AVI file is selected.
>
> When you open a AVI file in the DISPLAY module, you will be presented
> with a
> panel of images. The title of the menu box should state "Select Synch
> Image - *.avi" (where * is the path to the AVI file). Based on the
> digitized data, the first image is used as the Synch image, therefore,
> you
> should select the first image (Image #1) of the AVI file. The symptoms
> that
> you are reporting could be caused by selecting and image that is further
> into the AVI File (image 25 for example). This would cause the AVI file
> to
> run out of images before the data points.
>
> I hope this makes sense. Please check this situation and keep me
> informed
> with your results. If you still experience problems, maybe you could
> put
> theAVI file on an FTP site where I could retrieve it. Just let me know!
>
> I look forward to your reply,
>
> John Probe
> Ariel Dynamics, Inc.
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Pedro Gonalves" <pgoncalves@fcdef.up.pt>
> To: "'Gideon Ariel'" <ariel1@ix.netcom.com>
> Sent: Monday, September 22, 2003 2:31 PM
> Subject: RE: Problems with mix of technology (MotionScope and JVC S-VHS)
>
>
> Hello John
>
> I solved the problems with filters and i have changed the 60Hz ->
> 50Hz,but
> it seems to keep the original value!?
> In summary, i have done all, following your instructions, and in fact i
> have
> good values in Display module! (see attach last log, please)
>
> I have a "old" problem that follows the last one. Its the loss of
> correspondence between the data and frames, i.e., we have more time
> points
> digitazed than frames (see sample in file other problem.zip and the
> project
> hneivaa.cf).
>
>
> Once more, thanks for your great help! The future quality of the
> projects
> and advanced research depends of the solutions for these problems.
>
> Best regards
>
> Pedro Gonalves
> FCDEF-UP
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Gideon Ariel [mailto:ariel1@ix.netcom.com]
> Sent: domingo, 21 de Setembro de 2003 6:18
> To: Pedro Gonalves
> Cc: Gideon Ariel
> Subject: Re: Problems with mix of technology (MotionScope and JVC S-VHS)
>
>
> Hellp Pedro,
>
> Thank you for your message. After taking a look at the files, there are
> still a few small problems. First, the *.1t digitized information still
> shows 60 Hz (instead of 50 Hz). This can be viewed and changed by
> opening
> the project in the Digitize module, highlight the *.1t view window and
> then
> select View, ViewInfo from the pull down menus. Once this is changed to
> 50
> hz, you can re-transform the data.
>
> The reason that you do not see velocity and acceleration measures is
> that
> you did not run the data through the FILTER software module. There are
> only
> four data points in the sequence for each point so the smoothing will
> not
> have much affect on the data, however, the velocity and acceleration
> parameters are calculated in the FILTER module. After you smooth the
> data,
> you will be able to select Raw Position, Displacement, Velocity,
> Acceleration etc.....
>
> I hope this helps to answer your question. Please contact me for any
> additional information.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> John Probe
> Ariel Dynamics, Inc.
> Email: ARIEL1@ix.netcom.com
>
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Pedro Gonalves" <pgoncalves@fcdef.up.pt>
> To: "'Gideon Ariel'" <ariel1@ix.netcom.com>
> Sent: Friday, September 19, 2003 3:33 PM
> Subject: RE: Problems with mix of technology (MotionScope and JVC S-VHS)
>
>
> Hello John,
>
> In fact both cameras are set to 50Hz ( im sure!). If i have some
> problems
> its in some step after recording images!
> I have open two views em DIGI4, and after digitize the first one (JVC),
> i
> have done TIME MATCH of this one. Then i follow the same step for the
> second
> view (MOTIONSCOPE). After i closed all views, i have digitized the
> referencial in each view (without doing TIME MATCH)
> The TRANSFORM runs well, but the results in DISPLAY are not the expected
> ones (nothing of velocity, acceleration,).
> I tried to filter the data, but the filter module had crashed in the
> open
> file event.
> In attach i sent the new files.
>
> Thanks
>
> Best regards
>
> Pedro
>
>
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Gideon Ariel [mailto:ariel1@ix.netcom.com]
> Sent: quinta-feira, 18 de Setembro de 2003 23:06
> To: Pedro Gonalves; Gideon@Arielnet.Com (E-mail)
> Subject: Re: Problems with mix of technology (MotionScope and JVC S-VHS)
>
>
> Hello Pedro,
>
> Thank you for your message. The APAS system is completely independent
> of
> the camera type used as long as the captured video is stored in
> Microsoft
> compatible AVI format. The problem you reported is due to times that do
> not
> match between the two view files. The times associated with the files
> you
> sent are listed below:
>
> View # Start Time End Time Rate
> ====================================
> 1 1.700 1.750 60 Hz
> 2 0.000 0.600 50 Hz
>
>
> As you can see there is no common time between View #1 and View #2 .
> When
> you select the TRANSFORM option, the software has no common times to
> match
> the files and therefore, creates a problem.
>
> This appears to have happened in the TRIM module. The students most
> likely
> selected the Trim Start and Trim End times, but did not specify the
> Synch
> Image for any of the four views. I expect that if you set the first
> image
> in each file to the Synch Image and then proceeded through the analysis,
> everything will work as expected.
>
> Now for the solution, simply capture the video as usual and then use the
> TRIM module to synchronize and trim the multiple video files. You could
> open both AVI files at the same time, individually mark the Synch Image
> for
> each AVI file. (Note: the Synch Image should be between the Trim Start
> and
> Trim End images.) Then select the Trim Start and Trim End points. All
> active AVI files will be automatically trimmed. The final step would be
> to
> select the SAVE TRIMMING command. Based on the data that was sent, it
> appears that the students forgot to specify the Synch Image for each of
> the
> four AVI files.
>
> The Synch Point (or Image) could also be set in the Digitizing module by
> selecting the VIEW, SYNCH POINT menu. This would have to be performed
> for
> each image.
>
> I do have a question on the rates used. In your e-mail, you mentioned
> that
> both cameras are set to 50 Hz. As you can see from the information
> above,
> one camera is set for 50 while the other camera is set for 60 Hz.
> Please
> make certain the correct information is entered into the program,
> otherwise
> the time values will not be accurate.
>
> I hope this helps to answer your questions. Please feel free to contact
> me
> for any additional information.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> John Probe
> Ariel Dynamics, Inc.
> Email: ARIEL1@ix.netcom.com
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Pedro Gonalves" <pgoncalves@fcdef.up.pt>
> To: "Ariel1@IX.Netcom.Com (E-mail)" <ariel1@ix.netcom.com>;
> "Gideon@Arielnet.Com (E-mail)" <gideon@arielnet.com>
> Sent: Thursday, September 18, 2003 2:29 PM
> Subject: Problems with mix of technology (MotionScope and JVC S-VHS)
>
>
> Hello, John
>
> Some time ago, we wrote about the integration of files from a
> MotionScope(black and white) working only a 50 frames/s and a JVC S-VHS
> (color) (50frames/s), and in your opinion all works right, but when a
> student digitized some frames from each camera, we didnt found any
> stick-figure in Transform (no error displayed) and when we try to open
> the
> *3D file, an error occurs.
> In this master degree (and in the others coming soon) i need to decide
> if
> this camera technology mix its a solution, or instead, its a waste of
> time
> to doing it. If APAS doent work well with these files, i need rapidly
> to
> redefine the protocol!
>
> More once a time, i will be thankful for your help! <<Homem.3d>>
> <<homem.2t>> <<HOMEM.1t>> <<Homem.CF>>
> Best regards
> Pedro Gonalves
> FCDEF-UP- Portugal
>
>
>
>
 
Hello Dr. Papadopoulos,
 
Thank you for your message.  I am not exactly certain what is happening, however, it is not likely that this is due to bad software.  I will explain below.
 
There are several methods for synchronizing multiple views when using the APAS.  Probably the easiest method is to use a synchronizing event to mark the first image of the video file.  For example, if you are performing a gait analysis, the contact of the heel on the ground could be used as the first image.  This is a distinguishable event that should be visible from all camera views.  Then determine how many images are desired for the particular analysis.  Subsequent views would then use the same foot contact as the first image and the same number of images as the first video file.  When all video files have been trimmed using these events, they will already be synchronized and of the same length before you even proceed to digitizing.
 
Another method would involve capturing videos of different lengths and then synchronizing them in the Digitize module itself during the digitizing process.  For example, you might want to use the impact of a ball on a baseball bat as the synchronizing point and most likely you would want the motion of the swing that leads up to the impact too.  In this case, the synchronizing event  is almost at the end of the desired analysis.  Obviously, the user would start digitizing from the beginning of the swing.  When the image with the impact of the ball on the bat is reached (ie the desired synchronizing image), the user would select VIEW and then SYNCH POINT from the pull-down menus.  This action would have to be repeated for all digitized views.  You will notice that the Time Field in the lower left corner of the digitizing window is set to 0.00 sec when this option is selected since the APAS designates the synchronizing point as Time = 0.00 seconds.
 
Synchronization of multiple views can also be accomplished in the Transform module using a synchronizing algorithm.  This option requires an additional point to be digitized during the sequence.  A falling object is recommended for this point.  Additional information on this option can be obtained in the TRANSFORM module by selecting HELP, INDEX SYNCHRONIZING and SYNCHRONIZING VIEWS (or SYNCHRONIZING ALGORITHM) from the pull-down menus.
 
The most expensive (and usually most inconvenient) method of synchronizing involves the use of gen-lockable cameras.  This option requires that multiple cameras are hardwired together with one camera being the "master" camera and all remaining cameras designated as "slave" cameras.  All cameras are triggered by a signal from the master camera so every connected camera records the image at the exact same point in time.  It is also common to have the time-code displayed directly on the video image.  Most genlockable cameras each require separate monitors and recorders... all of which require A/C electrical power.  While this method is fully supported by the APAS, it is seldom used due to the complexity of the setup.
 
I hope this helps to explain the different synchronizing options.  If you still experience troubles, maybe you could provide us with the data files so we can take a look.  I might also help if you provide the step-by-step process that you are using to synchronize.
 
Please contact me for any additional information.
 
Sincerely,
 
John Probe
Ariel Dynamics, Inc.
 
 
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, October 07, 2004 10:43 AM
Subject: Sport Biomechanics Laboratory Serres, Greece.

 

Dear Dr Probe

            

        The specific problem we have in the Digitizing  mode is that after all camera views (60HZ) have been digitized, we can not synchronize (*.1t) and (*.2t) views. The synchronizing point command is not working.

        Is it because we are making probably a mistake in the procedure or something else (a bad software installation)?  

 

Thank you in advance.

                                 

Sincerely

Dr Chris Papadopoulos

Associate Professor

Sport Biomechanics Laboratory

Department of Physical education and Sport Sciences, Serres, Greece.

 


 
The new MSN 8: smart spam protection and 2 months FREE*

 


 

Hi Al
Nice to speak with you.

In order to use a laptop, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Be using APAS XP (I am sure you are)
2. Have a laptop speed of over 1.0 gh (higher the better) 3. Be using Windows 2000 or XP Home (XP Professional does not work- there problem with microsoft and multiple grabbing in Professional) 4. You must have a frame grabbing card for each camera. This means two pcmcia cards (if your slots are stacked, you need one with a dongle.) You cannot plug two cameras into one card, even though it may have multiple ports. Even plugging to cameras into one card may preclude your getting a signal from the IEEE port.

The only time I had a problem was when first attempting to do capture with a laptop. It took me months of research to discover it was windows XP. They did not carry the ability to do multiple cameras. THey later fixed the problem in the home edition but to the best of my knowledge, not the Professional version. I have also had occasional problems with firewires over 15 feet in multiple camera situations (depends upon the power of the computer). However, I have used firewires up to 75 feet on a strong desktop.

I use laptop capture, three cameras every day of the week and sports at 5 cameras on the desktop (have not gone to 6 yet). All work without fail.

I strongly suspect your version of windows. Please let me know and feel free to write me directly.
Bob

----- Original Message -----
From: "Gideon Ariel" <gideon@macrosport.com>
To: "'Alfred Finch'" <Pmfinch@isugw.indstate.edu>
Cc: "JP" <john@arielnet.com>; "Bob Wainwright" <kincon@bellatlantic.net>
Sent: Thursday, October 07, 2004 1:20 AM
Subject: RE: Trying to get multiple DV cameras capturing


> Hi Al:
> You must have the proper speed for the firewire to work on multiple
> cameras. Bob Wainwright using 3 on his laptop with no problems and 6 on
his
> desk top.
> I will let him write you the detail
> Nice for you to meet with these people. I recommended you to them as you
> know in few of the cases.
> I will let also John respond.
> Gideon
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Alfred Finch [mailto:Pmfinch@isugw.indstate.edu]
> Sent: Wednesday, October 06, 2004 8:03 AM
> To: gideon@arielnet.com
> Subject: Trying to get multiple DV cameras capturing
>
> Hi Gideon,
>
> I have been trying to get multiple DV cameras to capture on my laptop
> using the CapDV. I have used the 1394 port that is built in on my Dell
> and then I am using an Compaq firewire 2 port cardbus or a SIIG 2port
> firewire cardbus. I can get the capDV & firewire to work 1 at a time
> using either the 1394 port, SIIG cardbus or Compaq cardbus but I can't
> get 2 or more cameras to work. Is there a trick to get these all to
> work. In your website you talk about having 5-6 cameras doing captures.
>
>
> Also, how and where is the autolocate that will capture and digitze
> realtime. I have Roy Gillaspie & his wife, physiotherapist from
> Vancouver, Canada who bought an APAS this year coming in November to see
> how I use the APAS for sport analyses and I would like to be able to
> have the APAS running 3 cameras with direct capture in order to create a
> gait lab that would be similar to a Motion analysis setup.
>
> Also, Andy Dainis called me and he is still working on the calibration
> technique for the APAS using his wand technique. He is sending me a wand
> and he wants me to shoot video at 60,120,240 hz and digitize using
> semi-automatic, automatic, and autolocate and then send the digitized t
> files to him for in order to verifiy his calibration method. Is there
> anything particular you would like me to set up or demonstrate/utilize
> for his trials. To use the autolocate where or what module is it
> included. From his discussion he has done the the wand calibration for
> Vicon & motion analysis system so I thought you would want the similiar
> application in order to compete, match or beat their capabilities. I'll
> also use the red cube for calibration, do you need anything else?
>
> I need your advice, my Dell APAS laptop work station has picked up a
> bunch of viruses and spyware on the Hard drive. The system tends to use
> a very high % of the cpu and sometimes it takes 15-20 minutes to bootup.
> The computer center techs tried to remove the viruses and spyware and
> they would like to reformat the hard drive. The computer APAS still
> works but it is sluggish. should I let them reformat or is it that the
> tech isn't really good enough to solve the problems and I need to talk
> to someone else. What would you do. Several athletic training students
> used the laptop while traveling and digitizing and I think they accessed
> the internet and then picked up all the shit. Otherwise this computer
> never plays on the internet except to download the APAS and it was the
> fastest and always clean until they borrowed it.
>
> Have a great day and I am sure you and Ann are going nuts with all the
> pre-wedding arrangements.
>
> Talk to you later.
> Al
>
 

 

Hello Olivier Martin,

I will provide answers below each of your questions.  Please contact Dr.
Ariel or myself for any additional information.

Sincerely,

John Probe
Email:  ARIEL1@ix.netcom.com



At 07:16 PM 06/15/2000 +0200, you wrote:
>hi john,
>could you please answer to the following questions; it's important for us
>to kown how APAS software can be included in our movement analysis
environment;
>
>1 - we have Sony and JVC digital camcorders (2 years old) with 50Hz frames
>per seconde (format PAL for france); it seems that JVC cam for US have a
>60Hz recording frequency; the question is : does the APAS software works
>with PAL video sequences get form french/european cam at 50Hz, or does it
>disregards the number of frame and can be used with different frame
>frequency and different type of numeric camera?
>
Answer 1
The APAS is capable of supporting video recorded at almost any speed.  As
long as the time interval is known between successive images.  The APAS has
been used with video recordings up to 10,000 images per second.  The video
standard in the US is NTSC @ 60 Hz while the European PAL video standard is
50 Hz.  The APAS will support both options.


>2 - Does 50Hz JVC9800 cameras for europe can give 100Hz and 200Hz frames
>per seconde with APAS software, as 60Hz JVC9800 cameras for US give 120Hz
>and 240Hz frames?
>
In the US, JVC manufactures the camera model GR-DVL9800.  This digital
camera is capable of recording at 60, 120 and 240 Hz.  Standard video
output from the 9800 camera is 60 Hz NTSC format.

JVC manufactures a PAL video format camera also.  I believe the model
number is DVL9600.  This camera is capable of recording at 50 and 100 Hz,
however, it is not available for sale in the United States.  I am not aware
of a JVC model camera the PAL equivalent to the 9800 model that will record
at 50, 100 and 200 Hz.  It may be available but Ariel dynamics is not aware
of it, if it exists.


>3 - we want used our cameras with APAS, but we also want buy high speed
>camcorders depending on the price; so which price reduction can you apply
>to the APAS package (soft+cameras) if we buy 4 JVC 120/240Hz cameras
>instead of 2 ?
>
The prices of the Basic items are listed below.  Any discounts can only be
provided by Dr. Ariel.

Basic APAS 2D/3D software: $5000 USD
APAS Renderer software: $1500 USD
APASGait software $5000 USD
JVC 9800 Camcorder $5000 USD each
-Includes Ariel software drivers for 60, 120, & 240 Hz


>4 - what is the procedure to order your system (payment in advance or cash
>on delivery) and the delay of delivery?
>
Ariel Dynamics requires 100% payment prior to shipping.  Payment can be
sent by wire transfer using the information listed below:

*** All Banking Charges Are Customer's Responsibility

Please let us know when the payment is made so that we can coordinate this
with our bank.


>I remerber you that we have the project to equiped our lab for multi-users
>(from 2 video-analysis-sytem to 10 in the two next years); our institute
>can offert you the opportunity to sell apas system in psychological,
>biomechanical and ergonomic labs, and in the futur sport performance center;
>
One major advantage of the APAS is that the software can be loaded on any
pentium computer as an APAS workstation.  This allows each student,
clinician to operate their "own" APAS and not be limited to a single
computer.  The price for this is $500 per workstation.



>sincerely yours,
>olivier
>
>PS : autre e-mail valable partir de juin 2000 :
>olivier.martin@ujf-grenoble.fr
>_____________________________________________________
>Olivier MARTIN (omartin@u-bourgogne.fr jusqu'en septembre 2000)
>UFRAPS - Universite Joseph Fourier - BP53
>38041 GRENOBLE Cedex 09 - FRANCE
>tel. int + (0)4 76 51 41 95 / fax. int + (0)4 76 51 44 69
>
>


Hello Riku,
 
Thank you for your message.  The Ariel CAPDV software module supports simultaneous video capture from up to 5 DV cameras direct to the hard disk drive.  Synchronization can also be automatically or manually performed utilizing an "event" recorded on the audio channel of the video.  For example, a hand clap or a ball striking a raquet.  In order to use the CAPDV software module, you must first have a high powered computer using the Microsoft Windows 2000 operating system.  Additionally, each camera must have a separate IEEE 1394 FireWire frame grabber.  Ariel Dynamics Inc. does not have a video capture card of its own.  We utilize "off-the-shelf" IEEE 1394 FireWire cards.
 
If you plan to use the CAPDV software, we also recommend that you purchase the APAS-XP software module.  The APAS-XP provides added performance and includes the CAPDV, 3D-AutoTrak, Renderer and Gait software.  Additional information can be found at the following internet link.
 
 
 
Please review the information and feel free to contact us for any additional questions.
 
Sincerely,
 
John Probe
Ariel  Dynamics, Inc.
 
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, December 17, 2002 12:01 AM
Subject: About multiple DV capture?

Hello!
 
I would have a few questions about APAS DV capture module. If I want to capture 6 digital videos at the same time, how is the IEEE-1394 ports oraganized? I mean, APAS has some kind of video card of its own, but should I have an extra IEEE-1394 card in my computer for additional DV inputs? How is this system planned to work in real situation? With many IEEE-1394 cards or with APAS own card and one additional card with 4 ports on it?
 
Best Regards,
Riku Valleala
 
 
 
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Riku Valleala, M.Sc.
Research Institute for Olympic Sports/KIHU
Rautpohjankatu 6, 40700 Jyvskyl, Finland
ph. +35814 2603144, gsm +35850 3281174
fax +35814 2603171
------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Hello Olivier,

Thank you for your Email.  The JVC9800 camcorder obtains the high speed
recording by "splitting" the screen.  Basically, there are 4 recording
modes:  60 Hz, 120 Hz Horizontal split, 120 H Vertical split, and 240 Hz
split both horizontally and vertically. 

I will use NTSC video for the explanation
===========================================
For the 60 Hz mode starts with a frame that is 720x480.  Separating the two
fields which are 1/60th sec apart results in a whole field size of 720x240.

In the 120 Hz horizontal mode, the optimal panel size would be 720x120

In the 120 Hz Vertical mode, the optimal panel size would be 360 x 240

However, JVC does not split the panels optimally.  In reality, the panel
sizes are approximately:
120 Hz Horizontal: 720 x 120
120 Hz Vertical: 300 x 240
240 Hz: 300 x 185

We do not have any experience with the PAL format camera since JVC will not
sell this camera in the United States.  However, from the JVC website, it
appears that the DVL-9600 model is a PAL format equivalent to the DVL-9500
NTSC model.  This would mean that the DVL-9600 model is only capable of 50
Hz and 100 Hz Horizontal mode.  It would not be able to achieve 200 Hz.

The JVC cameras are great cameras.  They offer much higher than standard
image rates at a very affordable price.  This makes them a very attractive
choice for biomechanical analysis.  However, there is clearly a tradeoff
involved, higher image rate for lower resolution.  If you want both the
higher image rate and high resolution, it is available for a much higher
price.

I hope this helps to answer your questions.

Sincerely,

John Probe
Email:  ARIEL1@ix.netcom.com



At 11:10 AM 06/29/2000 +0200, you wrote:
>hi john,
>thanks a lot for your answers; so, i need further information;
>
>one of my previous questions was :
>
>> >2 - Does 50Hz JVC9800 cameras for europe can give 100Hz and 200Hz frames
>> >per seconde with APAS software, as 60Hz JVC9800 cameras for US give 120Hz
>> >and 240Hz frames?
>
>and your answer was :
>
>>JVC manufactures a PAL video format camera also.  I believe the model
>>number is DVL9600.  This camera is capable of recording at 50 and 100 Hz,
>>however, it is not available for sale in the United States.  I am not aware
>>of a JVC model camera the PAL equivalent to the 9800 model) that will record
>>at 50, 100 and 200 Hz.  It may be available but Ariel dynamics is not aware
>>of it, if it exists.
>
>as you say that JVC manufactures a PAL video format camera capable of
>recording at 50 and 100 Hz, my questions is :
>
>1 - does the SPECIAL ARIEL SOFTWARE and DRIVERS developed to extract 240Hz
>video images from 60-120 Hz NTSC camcorder, allows the extraction of 200 Hz
>video images from the 50-100Hz PAL camcorders too ?
>2 - thanks to send me any information on the HIGH SPEED EXTRACTION SOFTWARE
>BORDERLINE in relation to PAL 50-100Hz video format;
>
>
>sincerely yours!
>olivier
>
>
>
>
>PS : autre e-mail valable partir de juin 2000 :
>olivier.martin@ujf-grenoble.fr
>_____________________________________________________
>Olivier MARTIN (omartin@u-bourgogne.fr jusqu'en septembre 2000)
>UFRAPS - Universite Joseph Fourier - BP53
>38041 GRENOBLE Cedex 09 - FRANCE
>tel. int + (0)4 76 51 41 95 / fax. int + (0)4 76 51 44 69


Hello Francis Forde,

Thank you for your message.  Please describe in detail (exact steps perfomed
and results) the problems you are reporting so we can attempt to duplicate
them and/or understand what is happening.  It might also help if you list
the hardware you are using (computer, frame grabber etc).

The step capture should only be used with a computer controlled VCR.  The
only VCRs that will work in this mode (and are compatible with APAS) are the
Panasonic AG-5700 and Panasonic AG-7350 (with Serial Interface option).  If
you are not using one of these two VCRs, you should probably be using the
streaming capture mode (depending on the capture hardware).

The delay you are reporting is most likely due to the VCR setting.  You
probably have the software set to find the VCR on one of the serial ports
(COM1 or COM2).  The computer is looking for the VCR and cannot find it,
thus causing the delay.  You can check this by opening the CAPTURE module
and selecting VCR, OPTIONS menu.  Make certain that the VCR Interface is set
to NONE (assuming you are not using one of the serial controlled VCRs
mentioned above).  This should eliminate the reported delay.

I hope this answers your questions.  Please feel free to contact us for any
additional information.

Sincerely,

John Probe
Ariel Dynamics, Inc.
Email:  ARIEL1@ix.netcom.com



----- Original Message -----
From: <fforde@ufl.edu>
To: <ariel1@ix.netcom.com>
Sent: Monday, April 02, 2001 10:04 AM


> John:
>
> We have experienced just a few problems with the APAS system thus far. For
some
> reason there is some difficulty switching between streaming capture and
step
> capture. There is also a delayed response by the menu bar when doing video
> capture. I will email you with the specifications of our operating
equipment.
> Hopefully we can fix these problems. Thank you for your help.
>
> Francis Forde
> Graduate Student UF


Hello Slobodan Jaric,

I will provide answers below each of your questions.



At 11:38 AM 07/31/2000 +0200, you wrote:
>Dear Dr. Ariel,
>We are about to start our first, full-size experiment with our APAS system.
>However, we have several minor problems. So, if you could provide
>answers/suggestion to the following questions, it would be of particular
>importance for us:
>
>1). What to do with the Ulead program that sometims works, but sometimes
>not, requiring eitherrestarting the program or rebooting the computer? The
>standard problem is that the program does not recognize camera already
>recognized by the computer.
>
Please make certain that you are using Ulead Version 3.0 software (not
Version 4).  Make certain that the camera is connected to the SIIG board
and turned on prior to opening the Ulead program.  We also have
step-by-step instructions for capturing video using the Ulead software on
the Ariel internet site.  The direct address is:

/topics/DV_Card/dv_capture.htm

You can also review the "on-line" tutorial.  The address for this is:

http://24.16.71.95/topics/Tutorials/capturing_with_dv/index.htm



>2). In the movements we are testing now we use the reflexive markers you
>provided from the distance of approx. 2.5 m having two sources of light
>from the direction of each camera and almost absolutely black background.
>Despite that, automatic marking does not work perfectly, sometimes failing
>to recognize very prominent markers (i.e., the markers with an
>exceptionally high contrast). Should we rather play with the 'zone for
>searching for another position of the same marker' or with the size of the
>marker? Should we care more about the minimal or the maximal size of the
>same marker seen within the same recording sequence?
>
There are many factors that affect the autodigitizing process.  Significant
factors could include lighting, window size, contrast thresholds etc.  You
should experiment with these settings to determine the "optimal" settings
for your application.  Perhaps you could also attach a small video clip to
an Email message so we could look at it and provide additional information.
 We would only require an AVI file with 5 or 10 images.


>Regards
>****************************************
>Slobodan Jaric
>Centre for Musculo-Skeletal Research
>National Institute for Working Life
>Box.7654
>S-907 13 Umea
>Sweden
>
>Tel: /46-90-176121
>Fax: /46-90-176116
>****************************************
>


Hello Ethan Gahtan,

Thank you for your message.  We incorporate a IEEE 1394 JVC Digital
Camcorder in our Ariel Movement Analysis System.  This color camera is
capable of 60, 120 and 240 Hz recording capabilities.  The higher speeds
are acheived by "splitting" the full screen into either halves (120 Hz) or
quarters (240 Hz).  I am not certain if there is an adapter to fit this to
a microscope. 

Based on the information you listed below, it sound like you would require
the following components:

Basic 2D/3D APAS Software $5000 USD
Digital Camera w/ Ariel Software Drivers $5000 USD
DV Frame Grabbing Board $ 450 USD
Microscope Adapter $????


Please contact us if you feel that this system might meet your needs.

Sincerely,

John Probe


At 06:27 PM 08/01/2000 -0400, you wrote:
>Dear Sirs,
>I am interested in purchasing a high speed digital camera system for
>applications in biology research, and would appreciate advise about your
>products.  I would like to find a monochromatic system capable of capturing
>video at 250 - 500 fps and that can be fitted to a microscope camera port.
>The system should be controllable by software run on a standard PC computer
>(e.g., SCSI interface). We currently use an EG&G reticon camera that
>captures up to 1,000 fps. We need an additional camera for high speed
>imaging but 250 fps is adequate for our purpose.  Cost is quite important,
>and we'd like to find a system for <$4,000 if possible (I know that our
>needs are modest compared to the capabilities of state of the art high
>speed imaging systems). We do not require a computer or a multi-camera
>system-- just the camera, capture board, and necessary software. I would be
>interested in purchasing demo equipment as well as new equipment. Thank you
>in advance for your reply,
>>Ethan Gahtan
>
>
>. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
>Ethan Gahtan, PhD
>Northeastern University, Dept. Biology
>414 Mugar Hall, Boston, MA 02115
> Email: egahtan@lynx.neu.edu
> Phone: 617-373-4034
> Fax:  617-373-3724>
>


Hello Yung-Shen,

The error that you are reporting "problem connecting to video driver"
indicates that something has been changed in the software.  This problem
can be corrected by re-installing the Intel frame grabber software.

You should have a CD-ROM labeled Intel Smart Video III that was delivered
with your APAS system.  If you cannot find this CD, you can download the
software from the Ariel FTP site.  The directions are listed at the
following address:

/topics/FAQ/anonymous_ftp.htm

1.  Look for the directory named ISVR_PRO and open it.

2.  Look for the sub-directory named ISVR3_CD and open it.

3.  The file you require is named ISVR3.ZIP

This file has been put into a ZIP format to minimize the download time.
Unzip this software and run the installation program on the APAS computer.
Then re-boot the computer and test the Capture module for correct operation.

Sincerely,

John Probe
Email:  ARIEL1@ix.netcom.com


Hello Kieran Moran,

Thank you for your message. Answers are listed below each question.

NOTE: There are two models of the JVC 9800 high-speed camcorder. One is PAL and the other is NTSC format. The PAL version of the camera records at 50 Hz, 100 Hz or 200 Hz. The NTSC version of the camera records at 60 Hz, 120 Hz, and 240 Hz. All cameras purchased from Ariel Dynamics are NTSC version (60/120/240 Hz).


At 02:49 PM 08/16/2000 +0100, you wrote:
>Hi
>
>Thank you for your prompt reply. I find the possibility of purchasing a
>system at such a price as yours thrilling, however I have just a few
>questions which will help me in my selection process at this stage:
>
>1. How many cameras can the APAS system support? Does this differ if the
>high rate of sampling cameras are used?
>
ADI: The APAS system can support any number of cameras regardless of the sampling rate that is used. Most Ariel users utilize 2 or 3 cameras for their analysis. The Gait programs require 5 cameras.


>2. If the high rate of sampling is used, can the pictures/frames be
>stored directly to the system?
>
ADI: Unfortunately, the current IEEE-1394 Firewire technology only supports capturing 1 camera directly to the hard drive. Each camera is capable of recording to a mini-DV cassette. Each camera view is then played back and captured to the hard drive independently.


>3. When you refer to automatic digitisation (with reflective markers
>being used), do you mean
>(a) the software will determine APPROXIMATELY where the marker will
>appear in the next frame and make it easier for the user to digitise
>that point MANUALLY. or
>
ADI: This is what happens when markers are not used. Ariel Dynamics refers to this as "manual" or "semi-automatic" digitizing.

>(b)the software will determine where the marker is in the next frame and
>AUTOMATICALLY digitise it without ANY NEED for manual input (unless the
>user requests the option for manual input).
>
ADI: When using the Automatic-digitizing option, the software will determine the centroid of the detected marker and digitize it without manual input (unless there is a conflict with another marker etc). The user has the option to pause at the end of every image or "auto-advance" to the next image.

>4. If a 5 camera system is used to analyse gait (looking at 3-D motion
>of the lower extremities, pelvis and trunk), and say 2 seconds of
>filming is gathered, how long would the digitising process take
>approximately?
>How long would the report generation take if using the APAS-GAIT system?
>
ADI: The following response is from an APAS user that consistantly utilizes 5 cameras for Gait Analysis.
A. Speed of camera: I have not used hi speed camera for gait analysis. I
didn't need it. I think 60Hz is enough for gait analysis even for a person
walking faster. If he would like to deal with patients who always walk
slower, 30 Hz would be enough. We always use 60Hz.

B. Duration: One and half stride (one stride = two steps, is from foot-on to
the second foot-on the same leg) or one stride is needed for gait analysis
at minimum. Normally we take 65 to 70 strides per minute. So, 2 seconds are
enough for one and half stride. But because we have many slower walking
subjects, we usually take 3 seconds and sometimes more.

C. Digitizing time: It totally depends on the quality of video. If the
filming status would be optimal, it will take less than 5 min. for each
view(camera) by adequately set auto-digi parameters. But if filming status
would be bad, more than 20 min for a view. We usually take around 5 min for
a view. It is very important to make every effort to improve something to reduce
digitizing time up to 5 min. Documentation about optimum condition for
filming and digitization can be found on my site,

http://plaza.snu.ac.kr/~suncg/residents/tipsautodigi.htm



>5. If the JVC cameras are bought and operated at 200/240 Hz (as
>available with utilisation of APAS software), is their any reduction in
>horizontal or vertical resolution? This could be easily checked using
>the same footage taken with these cameras, since the higher frequency
>(as I understand it) is achieved post filming. Have any tests been done?
>Is their any way of viewing the raw data?
>
ADI: The JVC camera achieves the faster frame rates by reducing the resolution. At 60 Hz, the image is full screen. At 120 Hz, the full screen image is split either horizontally or vertically (user specified). At 240 Hz, the full screen image is split into quarters. For NTSC, the panel sizes are approximately

60 Hz 720 x 480
120 Hz Horiz 720 x 240
120 Hz Vert 300 x 480
240 Hz 300 x 185

The JVC cameras are great cameras that offer much higher than standard image rates at an affordable price. This makes them an attractive choice for biomechanical analysis.
<?fontfamily><?param Arial><?color><?param 7070,6c6c,7979><?bigger>
<?/bigger><?/color><?/fontfamily>
>Also, is there ANY difference in accuracy in using the JVC cameras and
>APAS software for getting the data at 200/240 Hz, in comparison to using
>a specific high speed camera?
>
ADI: We have not noticed any difference in accuracy when using the JVC cameras.


>6. You provided me with a list of users in the UK and one in Dublin. Are
>any of these actually gathering 3-D data using 5, 6 or more cameras? Are
>any using the high speed camera option?
>
ADI: I am not aware of any of these users using 5 or 6 cameras for data collection. Sheffield Hallum University and University of Edinburgh are both using the High Speed options. Two Ariel users that do use 5 or 6 cameras for gait analysis are listed below:

Eric Simonsen, Ph.D.
University of Copenhagen, Denmark
Email: E.Simonsen@forum.dk

Sun G. Chung, M.D., Ph.D.
Seoul National University, Korea
Email: suncg@medicine.snu.ac.kr

>
>Many thanks for taking the time for this correspondance.
>
>
>Kieran
>
>
>Ariel wrote:
>>
>> Hello Kieran Moran,
>>
>> Thank you for considering Ariel Dynamics Inc. (ADI) in your call for tender. We have provided a description below each of your listed items.
>>
>> Please feel free to contact us for any additional information.
>>
>> At 06:16 PM 08/14/2000 +0100, you wrote:
>> >The newly formed centre for Sport Science and Health is establishing a
>> >full 3-D analysis laboratory in its new building in the next few months.
>> >This is a call for tender to manufacturers of 3-D motion analysis
>> >systems. The finances for the system have not been finalised yet, but
>> >will be in the region of 100,000. The systems will be judged on the
>> >following criteria and requirements of the laboratory users. Addition
>> >features identified by manufacturers will also be taken into account. If
>> >manufacturers suggest a different system for inside and outside use, or
>> >for laboratory and roving use (e.g. a hospital setting one day, a
>> >factory another day), please provide full details and costing for both
>> >systems.
>> >
>> >1. Cost for full 3-D analysis system
>> >
>> ADI: Please refer to attached international price list.
>>
>> >2. Linear accuracy of the system: (a) a simple test of rotating a rod
>> >(1m long) in the field of analysis, and (b) a performer strapping 0.2m
>> >long rods (with markers attached to its ends) and performing turning
>> >motions. In condition b, the rods will be attached to the upper and
>> >lower aspects of the upper and lower extremities. Rods will also be
>> >attached to the chest and back.
>> >
>> ADI: Please refer to a 3rd party study presented at the International 3D conference in Tennessee. The report is listed on the Ariel internet site. The direct address is:
>>
>> /topics/comparison/default.htm
>>
>> >3. Angular accuracy of the system: as for liner accuracy, but two
>> >attached rods and three markers (of known relative orientation) will be
>> >used.
>> >
>> ADI: Please refer to the study mentioned in item 2 above.
>>
>> >4. The ability of the system to automatically track the markers motions.
>> >
>> ADI: Though markers are not required, the APAS supports the ability to automatically track markers from up to 4 views simultaneously. An important advantage of the APAS is the fact that markers are not required to perform an analysis. For example, if you wish to analyze an event in the Olympics, you would not be allowed to place markers on the athletes. With the APAS, you would just video the activity, capture the video to the computer and manually select the desired joints for the first image. In the following images, the APAS software will predict the location of the next joint, however, it will wait for user confirmation to digitize the point. This feature allows "real-world" analysis to take place. Many times, the subject does not even realize that they have been analyzed.
>>
>> >5. The ability of the system to allow manual marker identification when
>> >markers are hidden.
>> >
>> ADI: When markers are hidden or conflict with other markers, the APAS software pauses the automatic digitizing process and waits for user input to distinguish the correct marker locations.
>>
>> >6. The ability of the system to interpolate (and the selection of
>> >interpolation algorithms offered to the user) for lost markers.
>> >
>> ADI: When markers are defined as "missing" the APAS software performs a linear interpolation between the "known" points.
>>
>> >7. The ability of the system's software to determine joint centres when
>> >markers are placed on the body segment (and not when placed on a single
>> >anatomical site representing the joint centre). For example the shoulder
>> >joint.
>> >
>>
>> >8. Rate of sampling: 50, 100, 250 Hz etc. Where higher frequency of
>> >sampling results in a reduction in the number of markers that can be
>> >used, this should be indicated.
>> >
>> ADI: The APAS supports video of any frame rate. The standard rates are 50 Hz PAL and 60 Hz NTSC. Higher rates of 100/120 and 200/240 Hz are supported for high speed digital camcorders. The APAS also allows the ability to use multiple frame rates within the same sequence.
>>
>> >9. Is there any limitation on the number of markers that can be used?
>> >
>> ADI: The current limit is set to 50, however this can be increased if required.
>>
>> >10. Software that will allow calculation of joint kinetics when a force
>> >plate (and force plates) is added.
>> >
>> ADI: The APAS-Gait program is designed to calculate joint kinetics using a force platform and 5 cameras. This program supports the industry standard marker sets (Helen Hayes and Kit Vaughn). Please refer to the following internet address for additional information.
>>
>> /Gait/index.html
>>
>> >11. Software for easy production of patient reports.
>> >
>> ADI: All APAS software is Windows compatible so patient reports are easliy generated.
>>
>> >12. Software to allow exportation of data.
>> >
>> ADI: The APAS allows data (raw and filtered) to be exported in ASCII or worksheet format.
>>
>> >13. Software (either of the companies or a linked function to other
>> >software) for producing high quality, full body animated (rendered)
>> >figures, which ACCURATELY depict the movement of the subject wearing the
>> >markers. The software should allow the user to design different full
>> >body figures.
>> >
>> ADI: The APAS 3D-Renderer program is used to render any activity analyzed using the APAS. Please refer to the following internet address for additional information.
>>
>> /Renderer/index.html
>>
>> >14. The ability of the systems to incorporate synchronous data from
>> >other devices (force plate, emg, ecg, eeg etc)
>> >
>> ADI: The APAS Analog module is required for collecting analog data. This module supports all commercially made force platforms, EMG and other analog signals.
>>
>> >15. Support and training
>> >
>> ADI: The APAS system consists of "off-the-shelf" hardware items with specialized software. The majority of our support is conducted using Email and FTP capabilities of the internet. APAS software upgrades are provided free of charge (as long as your hardware supports the software) and can be downloaded directly from the Ariel internet site at your convenience.
>>
>> Training can be conducted at the Ariel office or "on-site" at the customer facility. Costs will vary depending on locations, lenght of training etc. An approximate cost would be $1,500 USD per day, plus expenses.
>>
>> >16. Servicing contract
>> >
>> ADI: Service contracts for the APAS can be purchased at a cost of 10% of the original system cost per year.
>>
>> >17. Extra cost for allowing multiple computer usage of software for
>> >teaching purposes.
>> >
>> ADI: With the purchase of the "master" APAS system, the same customer can purchase additional workstation software licenses at a cost of $575 USD per computer. The APAS-Workstation allows full data analysis capabilites but does not support data collection.
>>
>> >The system will be used for sports as well as athletic, hospital and
>> >factory (ergonomics) based studies.
>> >
>> >While I am sure that manufacturers have recorded data regarding the
>> >accuracy of their system and the degree to which many of the above
>> >system factors are addressed, I would like to have at least one day
>> >examining these issues in our laboratory. Therefore, an open invitation
>> >will be extended to all interested parties.
>> >
>> >Finally, examples in the UK where your system is being employed for
>> >similar usage would be advantageous.
>> >
>> ADI: Select APAS users in the UK include
>>
>> Manchester Metropolitan University
>> Sheffield Hallam University
>> Canterbury Christ Church University College
>> Glasgow University Veterinary Hospital
>> St. Martin's College
>> University College Salford
>> University of Edinburgh
>> Keele University Bionic Gait Laboratory
>> University of Sunderland
>> Total Fitness Limited, Dublin
>>
>> >If you have any questions, please do not hesitate in contacting me.
>> >
>> >Yours Sincerely
>> >
>> >Kieran

>> >Dr Kieran Moran
>> >Director
>> >Biomechanics Research Group
>> >Centre for Sport Science and Health
>> >Dublin City University
>> >Dublin 9
>> >Ireland
>> >
>> >tel: 00353 - 1 - 7008011
>> >fax: 00353 - 1 - 7008888
>> >
>> >e-mail: kieran.moran@dcu.ie
>> >
>>
>> Name: Price_Int.doc
>> Price_Int.doc Type: Winword File (application/msword)
>> Encoding: base64


 To:       "Saiwei Yang"
<swyang@bme.ym.edu.tw> Subject:    Re: the APAS system Cc:    
  john@arielnet.com Date:      Wed, 30 Aug 2000 16:19:24 -0500

Dear Saiwei,
Your JVC 9800 and the Sony HI8 video cameras will be more than
adequate to film treadmill gait.Your could position 1 camera at a
saggital position, a camera in a right or left front position and the
third camera either directly in front or behind the person depending
on the gait variables or movement you desire to examine.
The APAS2000 software has the capture software and you have to buy
either an digital capture card or an analog capture card. I have
both a Iomega Buz director analog capture card and a Pinnacle Digital
Studio digital capture card in my APAS system at home.You'll will
have to check with Ariel concerning the price of the software
necessary to extract the 240 fields per seconds from the JVC 9800.
This is special software written just for this camera and this high
speed collection purpose.The standard software does digitizing.
kinematic,kinetic analysis, graphical and numerical display in the
APASview. The Renderer software is an extra charge but it is very
useful in provide visual analysis tools.I believe the software for
EMG,force plate/ analog collection is extra but again check their web
page and then contact John Probe in the San Diego office.John also
could tell you if the DAQ pcmcia is compatible
Your question about the 1 firewire port versus 3 port card probabily
is dependent on your computer processing speed and hard drive speed.
Because you could have 3 ports but you may not have enough processing
speed to handle the digital input data. The SIIG has 3 ports and I
think the Digital Studio Producer has 1 or 2 (i think).
To calibrate the APAS you normally need to have a cube or something
with  some reference markers that may be filmed before or after the
trial or it could even be it the field of view during the trial.
Otherwise you could use the subject or some know object to calibrate
the system.
The captured file for digitizing can be avi, a series of pcx pictures
or mjpeg which requires the Morgan driver. If you have markers,
light, dark , or reflective the APAS can automatically digitize the
trial provided you have good contrast otherwise you can manually
digitize it, but the computer will estimate where the next point
should be and then the user just adjusts the position.
If you have any further compatibility Jquestions ohn Probe  at
john@arielnet.com
should  have the answers about equipment and pricing.
You'll find that trying to use all different types/brand  of boards
rather than the hardware that Ariel Dynamics has tested for
performance and compatibility and also recommended can be problemsome
and you save little money.  The complete APAS systems are only a
fraction of the other systems you are considering and they don't
offer the additional APAS workstations.
I would highly recommend the APAS system for the applications that
you suggest.
Sincerely,
Al Finch


Hello Eric Cheng,

I will provide answers below each of your questions.


At 02:19 AM 11/18/2000 +0800, you wrote:
>Hello,
>I am a graduated student in Taiwan. I want to use the APAS system to analyze the rearfoot motion.
>But I have some problems when I use the APAS system and need your help.
>
>1. I can't open the *.avi file in Digitize, RealCap and Capture, but I can open the *.avi file in the Trimmer. Something wrong ?
>
ADI: Have you purchased the software license for the APAS? Or have you obtained the SITE KEY for the 30-Day trial? If not, you will not be able to perform analysis using the APAS.

If you have obtained either the 30-Day Site Key or purchased the APAS software license then follow these steps. When you open the AVI file in the TRIM module, you must specify the folloiwng points: Start of trimming, End of trimming and the Synchronizing point. After these points have been specified, you should select the "SAVE TRIMMING" option. Then you should be able to open the "new" file in other modules.

>2. When I open the Capture, It told me " Failure to open Comm Connection". After I press "Enter", It told me "Problem connecting to VCR". I am sure that I have opened the JVC-9800 Digital Video power and it works very well. I can see the image on the computer when I use the Ulead VideoStudio 4.0.
>
ADI: This is correct! This means that the computer is not connected to the Panasonic computer controlled VCR. This is not a problem. The software is just notifying the user that the hardware is not connected.

If you are using the JVC-9800 camera, then you should be using an IEEE 1394 FireWire capture card and program. You should not use the Capture program. The Capture program is designed to work with Analog frame grabbers. The JVC 9800 is a Digital camera so you should use a Digital frame grabber.

>3. where can I transfer the *.avi to *.cf? what is the next step shoud I do defore Digitizing Module after I finished trimming the Video Sequences. I can't find the answer in the web site.
>
ADI: The logical order of the APAS modules is as follows:

Digital Video Capture Program (using FireWire capture card and software)
Trim Module (used to "clip" desired video for analysis)
Digitize Module (used to digitize individual camera views)
Transform Module (used to transform individual views into 2D or 3D image)
Filter Module (used to remove random digitizing errors)
Display Module (used to present the results of the analysis)

The Digital Video Capture program is usually supplied with the DV frame grabbing hardware and should include an operating manual. All other modules are written by Ariel programmers. Each module has a pull-down help screen that provides step-by-step instructions for performing the required tasks. For a condensed version of the steps required, you can refer to the "Quick Reference" section of each module.

I hope this answers your questions. Please contact us for any additional information.

>Could you give me the answers?
>Thanks a lot.
>
>Eric Cheng


Hello James,
 
The first thing you will need is a frame grabber in your computer that can capture the video from a VCR or camcorder and save to a computer file.  Then using PowerPoint, you can use the steps listed below.
 
To Insert A Video On A PowerPoint Slide
  1. Display the slide you want to add the video to.

  2. On the Insert menu, point to Movies and Sounds.

  3. Do one of the following:

    To insert a video from the Clip Gallery, click Movie from Gallery, and then locate and insert the video you want.

    To insert a video from another location, click Movie from File, locate the folder that contains the video, and then double-click the video you want.

  4. A message is displayed. If you want the movie to play automatically when you move to the slide, click Yes; if you want the movie to play only when you click the movie during a slide show, click No.

  5. To preview the movie in normal view, double-click the movie.                     

    ----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, March 06, 2001 4:52 PM
Subject: Converting VCR tape to Digital

   Your web page is very informative about what I am trying to do but I'm still not sure what software or hardware that I need to take a VCR tape and convert clips out of that tape so they can be used in a power point presentation.  I am trying to put together this presentation for a high school basketball banquet and use some of the game videos to pull out a 15 or 30 sec. section to run it through power point along with some photos.
   I would appreciate any help you could give me.
 
                   James G. Henley  
                   jhenley@terranova.net

 


Hello Jiji,
 
Dr. Ariel has forwarded your message to me for a response.  It appears that you have a Sony camera (PAL format).  Once you capture the video to a Microsoft compatible AVI file. the next step is to open the APAS TRIMMER module.  Then follow the steps listed below.
 
1.  Select FILE, OPEN AVI (or select the AVI icon).
2.  Select OPTIONS, VIDEO to open the Video Options menu.  This menu is used to specify several options.
 
Field Order - used to specify the order for the video fields to be displayed.  When the video frame is separated into the odd and even field, some computers play the even field first, while others play the odd field first.  This option is used to set the correct order for your computer.  This is a one-time setting for each computer. 
 
Separate Fields - This option is used to indicate whether the fields need to be separated or not.  When using the computer controlled VCR option for video capture, the individual fields are captured separately and this option should be set to NO (since the fields are already separated).  When capturing in real-time, this option is usually set to YES since the entire video frame (consisting of two fields) is captured.
 
Speed - This option is used to specify the video speed of the captured video.  Unless you are using the JVC High Speed camcorder, this option is usually set to 60/50 Hz.
 
 
Additional information on these items can be found in the Trimmer Module pull-down help menu.  Select OPTIONS, and then VIDEO OPTIONS.
 
Please feel free to contact us for any additional information.
 
Sincerely,
 
John Probe
Ariel Dynamics, Inc.
 
 
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Saturday, May 26, 2001 2:24 PM
Subject: Jiji

Hello Gideon

My problem at home with my Sony camera , which is doing only 25 frames
second, is that when I want to trim :
- I 've in the option / video of the trimer "separate fields" yes or no
If I put yes , between two image, I've the a little come back
If I put no , I'll have the 2 image both together .
How can I correct that , and if its'nt possible, what protocole of trim do
you propose me.
How do you functionne when you have not the JVC highspeed camecorder ?.

Have a good night

Jiji

Hello Barry,

Thank you for your message.  There was no video attached to your E-mail,
however, there are several things you might check.

1.  The Ulead software should be used ONLY for capturing the video.  You
should NOT select the "Make Movie" option.  Once the video is captured, you
simply exit the program.  Then open the AVI file in the Trim module.

2.  Make certain you set the "key frames" to every frame in the Ulead
software.  I do not have a copy of ULEAD to look at but I believe this is
set on the same menu as the video codec selection.

3.  Make certain the "Image Order" is set correctly.  This is set by
selecting OPTIONS, VIDEO in the Trim module.

4.  Make certain you are using the latest APAS software.  You can upgrade
the APAS software by following the step-by-step directions listed at the
following address:

   /topics/FAQ/APAS_upgrading_instructions.htm

Please keep us informed with your progress.

Sincerely,

John Probe
Ariel Dynamics, Inc.
Email:  ARIEL1@ix.netcom.com


----- Original Message -----
From: "barry wilson" <barrydwilson@hotmail.com>
To: <ariel1@ix.netcom.com>
Sent: Thursday, June 14, 2001 9:50 PM
Subject: APAS -DV problems


> Hi Gideon
>
> I am at the Biomechanics Lab at ISN Malaysia again before coming over to
> ISBS in San Francisco.
>
> We have been using the DFW-500 capture card and U-Lead  Video Studio
version
> 4.0 SE BAsic to capture Digital video from three JVC 9800 cameras at 25Hz.
> Capture settings are AVI:720v576,25fps, DV PAL
>
> The APAS trimmer appears to trim correctly but sometimes the trimmed files
> are of uneven lengths and do not reopen with the synch frame in the
correct
> place.
>
> When we are able to digitise views for the three cameras and of the
> calibration frame and we try to get 3D data using the Transform module we
> get an error
> "Error reading UV file"
>
> I am attaching 20 frames from a piece of the video in case this helps!!
>
> _________________________________________________________________________
> Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com.
>


Hello Daniel,

This sounds like it might be a problem with the "Image Order" setting.  You
can access this setting in the Trim module by selecting the pull-down Help
menu.  Then select OPTIONS, VIDEO OPTIONS

A brief explaination of this setting (copied from the help file) is listed
below:

===============
FIELD ORDER

A standard video picture is made up of odd and even lines across the screen.
Television standards require these lines to be interlaced.  This means only
half of the lines are displayed in one field.  The first (odd) set of lines
is displayed in the first field while the second (even) set of lines is
displayed in the second field.  These two fields comprise a frame, which is
a complete picture.
Depending on the hardware and software combinations used for recording and
displaying the AVI files, it is possible for the order of the displayed
fields to be reversed.  For this reason, the Ariel TRIM program provides the
option to specify the order for displaying the AVI files.

If it appears that the images are "jerky" or are being displayed in a
"zigzag" manner, the field order probably needs to be reversed.  The field
order is specified using the following steps.

1.  Select the OPTIONS menu to display the list of video options.
Left-click either Normal or Reverse in the FIELD ORDER section.  The current
selection is indicated by the black dot to the left of the option.  NOTE:
When this option is changed, it affects all other APAS software modules
where the AVI file can be displayed (Capture, Digitize, Display, Vectors
etc.)
2.  Select OK to proceed and save changes or CANCEL to abort.
======================

I hope this helps to answer your questions.  Please contact us for any
additional information.

Sincerely,

John Probe
Ariel Dynamics, Inc.
Email:  ARIEL1@ix.netcom.com





----- Original Message -----
From: "D Benoit" <dbenoit@magma.ca>
To: <john@arielnet.com>
Sent: Monday, June 25, 2001 8:08 AM
Subject: noise problem


> Hi John,
>
> I am attempting to combine a 100hz camera view with 3 50hz views.  When I
> loook at the raw data, and when I a digitising also, it seems that the
> images hoping back and forth.
>
> ie: the movement is going one frame forward, one frame back so that after
> analysis, the movement seems to have a consistant noise pattern.
>
> I am pretty sure it has to do with the frame rate-field rate relationship.
> I am capturing using studio-DV at 25 fps and then digitising at 50.  When
i
> go to the trim module, it reads as 50 and 100hz respectively, which I
think
> is correct.
>
> any suggestions?
>
> Daniel Benoit
> Direttore Ricerca Scientifica               /\
> Laboratorio di Biomeccanica            |\/  \/|
> Let People Move                   __|\ |     | /|__
> via GB Pontani-9                   \
/
> Perugia, Italy
<---------------->
> 06128                                 #
> Ph. +39 (0)75 500 3956                  #
> Fax +39 (0)75 501 0921
> dbenoit@magma.ca
>                           'Integrity is our
> greatest asset'
>


Hello Meghan Spyres,
 
Thank you for your message.  I have checked the software and everything seems to operate as it should.  If you have 60 Hz video and wish to digitize every tenth image, there there are two settings to be aware of.  The first is in the View Information Menu.  You will see the option for "Frame Rate"  This should be set as follows:
 
   Frame Rate = 60 Hz / (1 + Skip Value)
 
In your case, you would like to digitize every 10th image.  In other words, you wish to digitize one image, skip 9 images and digitize another, skip another 9 etc..... 
 
   Frame Rate = 60 Hz / (1+9) = 60/10 = 6
 
The next point you will see when you open the AVI file in the Digitizing Module.  You will notice a value for "SKIP"
In your situation, this should be set to 9.
 
Now you digitize normally, however, when you select the Advance command, you will notice that the AVI file will advance by 10 images.  You can also notice the time value in the lower left corner of the digitizing window.  This value will advance by:
 
   Time Increment =  0.017 seconds/image  x  10 images  =  0.17 seconds
 
The value of 0.017 seconds represents the time value between images at 60 Hz. 
 
   1/60 = 0.017
 
I hope this makes sense and corrects the problem you are reporting.  Please refer to the attached file for pictures of the menus mentioned above.  Feel free to contact us for any additional information.
 
Also, note that the address to our San Diego office changed effective October 5th, 2001. The new address is listed below.  E-mail, telephone and fax information remains unchanged.
 
Sincerely,
 
John Probe
Ariel Dynamics, Inc.
4885 Ronson Court, Suite A
San Diego, CA 92111
Internet:  /
 
 
>
>I am having trouble with the digitization portion of the APAS system.  I would like it to digitize only every 10th frame so I set the frame rate to 6 (true rate/skip rate +1) and the skip rate shows to be 9 as expected.  When it digitizes the data, however, it fails to skip any frames.
Please call at 617 627 5347 or email mspyre01@tufts.edu
 
>Thank you,
>Meghan Spyres
>(Trimmer Lab Tufts University)

 


 

 

 

backIndexnext

Top TOP APASAPAS ACESACES

Copyright MCMXCVI by Ariel Dynamics
Web Site Design by Gideon Ariel