Moving forward.(editor's note)

In the 1980s, researchers began using a burgeoning technology called "motion capture" for biomechanics analysis. The technology was extremely complex, and the uses (as well as the users) scientific in orientation. Eventually, the technology found its way into other areas, from education to sports, thanks to the patience and persistence of the early mocap manufacturers and adopters.

Today, mocap is used for a wide range of cutting-edge applications. To highlight these achievements--and this vital technology--Computer Graphics World last month began a two-part series dedicated to motion capture. In Part 1, we focused on uses outside the realm of entertainment: industrial, educational, manufacturing/design, biomedical, biomechanical, engineering, and more. For instance, Ford Motor Company is using motion capture during its vehicle design process. On the cover last month, we featured a 3D image of the Ford Flex, which will be introduced next summer. Motion capture was used to view, record, and analyze three-dimensional movements of a person and apply them to a virtual human in a simulated driving environment. This evaluation helped determine placement of controls and displays within the vehicle.

This month, we are examining the technology from a Hollywood perspective. While the CG community has been using this tool for more than a decade, most of the general public first heard the words "motion capture" about three years ago when Robert Zemeckis and Sony Pictures Imageworks applied mocap data to an all-CG cast in The Polar Express. In this groundbreaking movie, motion capture took center stage. Since then, mocap has gained momentum, and moviegoers have seen the technology advance through toe-tapping penguins, a crew of gnarly pirates, a "scary" house that comes to life, a king-size gorilla, and more.

And it is not by happenstance ...