(Courtesy of Microsoft)
Microsoft is getting artsy on the race course and turning the movements of road racing cyclists into real-time motion-activated images and videos.
During last month’s AMGEN Tour of California, Microsoft utilized its Kinect technology and partnered with interactive design studio VolvoxLabs to generate visual art called THE RIDE across seven locations including Sacramento, Santa Barbara and Big Bear Lake.
Microsoft Kinect cameras and sensors, which were mounted on two custom built rigs, photographed the 3D motion of cyclists on select parts of the course. Custom micro computers were networked together while the Windows Software Development Kit for Kinect created an interface between all of the sensors, helping piece THE RIDE images into visual art. Laser scans then gave the art a finishing touch.
According to a narrated video from VolvoxLabs, the two challenges for capturing the riders in motion were the “complexity of the set up” in addition to the weather elements. As a result, designers performed extensive research and field testing to coordinate where equipment was situated prior to the race. Once completed, images of THE RIDE were available as rendered prints for fans at locations throughout the Tour.
“Being able to take the technology that we have now and using the different aspects and using it into the sport in ways that we haven’t done before is awesome,” said Travis McCabe, a road racing cyclist for the United Healthcare Pro Cycling Team.
The Ride by Microsoft – Episode 3 “The Creative” from VolvoxLabs on Vimeo.
