Rörelsefångst

Rörelsefångst, also known as motion capture or mo-cap, is a technique used to record the movement of objects or people for analysis or animation. The method involves attaching tracking markers to a subject or using optical, inertial, or magnetic sensors to capture positional data over time. The recorded data can then be translated into digital representations for use in film, video games, simulation, biomechanics research, and virtual reality systems.

The origins of rörelsefångst date back to the 1940s when motion picture cinematographers began using strobe lights to freeze action. Modern systems emerged in the 1970s, with the development of video-based tracking and later the introduction of inertial measurement units. Optical marker systems gained popularity in the 1990s, allowing for high-fidelity capture in studios and on set. Advances in processing power and machine learning have expanded the technique to markerless capture, enabling more natural and portable setups.

Key applications include character animation in Hollywood productions, where motion data is applied to digital rigs to create realistic performances; sports science, where athletes’ biomechanics are analyzed to improve technique; and robotics, where captured human motion informs the programming of humanoid and prosthetic devices. In virtual and augmented reality, rörelsefångst provides precise user interaction, enhancing immersion and control.

Despite its benefits, the technology has limitations such as line‑of‑sight requirements for optical systems and the need for calibration. Nonetheless, rörelsefångst continues to evolve, driving innovation across entertainment, medicine, and engineering fields.