Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

An optical motion capture system consists of an array of cameras with high spatial and temporal resolution, as well as hardware and software to process the resulting video data. The system can track a number of small reflective markers attached to the body of a moving human or animal and outputs the three-dimensional trajectories of the markers. Motion capture technology is crucial to my research. We use it to investigate the movements of humans and animals, to understand how the human visual system retrieves information about an agent's actions and identity, and eventually to also understand the severe consequences of failures of the underlying perceptual mechanisms. In the current proposal we apply for funds to upgrade our current facility. The new system will have a number of properties which are essential to continue with our research program:1. A threefold increase in spatial resolution will allow us to capture facial motion along with full body motion - a prerequisite to investigate the correlations between gestural and facial motion.2. The lag between the motion of a marker and its rendition on a graphical output device is greatly reduced in the new system. This will allow us to study social interaction in virtual reality.3. The new system provides the ability to record high speed video together with the motion capture data - a feature that we need to train algorithms for video analysis.So far, my lab has been a leading facility in the area of biological motion research. Over the last few years, we contributed concepts and methods that had a massive impact on the field. The new equipment is required to maintain this position and to further our knowledge about one of the most fascinating aspect of the human visual system. Furthermore, trainees in my own lab and visitors from collaborating labs will have the opportunity to learn about methods that prepare them for a career in a technologically challenging, innovative field of research.