Scale research lab, University of Edinburgh Bio-mechanics lab, August 2008

Motion sensing technologies are well developed at the bio-mechanical (motion capture) and geo-locative (GPS) scales. However, there are many degrees of scale between these extremes. Scale studies how multiple sensing and tracking systems can permit the mapping of the human body at multiple simultaneous scales. We employ data acquisition of the inter-actors using motion tracking technologies which we use to generate diagramatic representations which are displayed co-located with the inter-actors. Different display strategies are studied, from the objective (projected away from the inter-actors) to the subjective (projected onto the inter-actors), to allow observation of how these techniques affect inter-actor experience, behaviour and interaction.

Technologies developed and applied during this research lab include Qualsys optical infra-red Motion Tracking system, Myron video tracking system (Josh Nimoy and Simon Biggs), Max MSP/Jitter based applications by Henrik Ekeus, multi-channel video projection and geo-positioning systems employing Google's G-Maps with software written by Henrik Ekeus and Simon Biggs.

The outcomes of this project include:

An analysis of the data across the disciplines of visual art, performance, sound art, sports science and human computer interaction.

A prototype workshop laboratory for a larger scale interdisciplinary research project studying appropriate discipline based methodologies that are likely to add value to each of the disciplines concerned.

Artistic outcomes include the scaleable representation of the human body in contexts ranging from subjective proprioception through to location specific human interaction and larger topographic environments, including interactive environments, sound environments and performances.