WEST PLAINS, Mo. – The Computer Graphics and Programming (CGP) Department at Missouri State University-West Plains recently acquired an exciting new tool to enhance the student learning experience, the Perception Neuron Motion Capture System.
CGP Instructor Tera Smith, who requested the equipment, said the system, which is used to give computer-generated objects for games and video production movement, was selected for its ease of use, cost and portability.
“It’s a pretty straightforward system as far as getting the suit on, and the program itself is very user-friendly,” Smith said. “It’s also one of the lowest costs we’ve seen for a mo-cap system that has individual limb tracking. One of the problems with a camera type setup was the loss of tracking if an arm moved behind the body. Because each node tracks its own limb, we’ve been able to circumvent that.
“It also can be used on a wifi setup, which means there’s no wires attached,” she continued. “We’ve even tracked a student around the building and watched him wave and shake hands with other students. It was really amazing to see it track so far and keep those smaller details. Perception also has SD card storage directly in the suit for times when there’s no wifi capabilities but you need to work cordless for certain movements. That part is still in testing though.”
The Perception Neuron Motion Capture System comes with 32 sensors that can be placed anywhere on the body, as well as sensor-capable straps and gloves to capture the smaller finger motions. In her request for funds, Smith wrote, “Using it in conjunction with the Oculus Rifts (virtual reality system) we currently have will completely redefine how the students develop games and put them closer to what the industry is currently doing with virtual reality.”
“So far, we’ve used it for multiple types of animations: swimming, jogging, blacksmithing,” Smith said. “We’d really like to get some dancers, basketball players or other athletes in so that we can start an animation library. There are going to be certain days during the semester set-aside just for this. Anyone is welcome to come in and watch the animations being captured, as well. We just can’t promise you’ll leave without a stitch in your side. It gets pretty funny watching someone swim on a table reenacting a shark attack. There are also capabilities for virtual reality controls with it which I’m hoping to incorporate in classes this coming year.”
Student Michael Scheidt, West Plains, has used the system to record animation. “It was a little awkward at first, but after wearing it for 15 minutes, I forgot it was even on. It just became acting,” he explained.
The system cost a total of $1,239, half of which was paid for with dedicated CGP funds and half from Missouri State-West Plains’ Annual Fund.
“We’re really thankful for the Annual Fund committee and its donors for helping us with the purchase of the suit,” Smith said. “Something like this, even though it’s one of the lowest costing mo-cap suits out there, can be a big hit for one department to cover the cost, especially for one as tech-heavy as ours. We couldn’t have done it without their help, and we can’t thank them enough.”
THE ANNUAL FUND
Begun in 2007, the Missouri State-West Plains Annual Fund is different from those found at other universities, according to Director of Development Joe Kammerer. While many universities have nondiscretionary annual funds, Missouri State-West Plains’ fund is used to serve five very specific categories of need – scholarships; emergency grants; educational initiatives; campus technology, labs and facilities, which the motion capture system falls under; and University/Community Programs.
“Our goal is to be good stewards of our supporters’ money,” Kammerer said. “We want to have a level of transparency and make people feel welcoming toward the fund. These categories let us show our supporters where the funds are going.”
Kammerer said the fund helps bridge the financial gap when needed projects or programs go over-budget or obtain something necessary to reach the next level of enhancing the educational experience.
Any amount donated to the fund, big or small, makes a difference, Kammerer said, and it’s a great opportunity for those who aren’t in a position to donate on a large scale to show their support for the university.
“Every gift is the right size, and it’s a great place to start,” he said.
For more information on the Annual Fund and how to give, visit the development website or call the office of development at 417-255-7240. For more information on the CGP program and courses offered, visit the career and technical programs’ website.