Introduction

This article aims to demonstrate the new force vectors feature in Swing Catalyst 10.0. Force Vectors are available to those with Motion Plates (dual or single) or force plates (dual or single).

Force vectors are shown in real time over the video image when streaming video or during capture, and are also visible during playback.

By representing ground reaction forces as vectors (arrows) that are rendered on top of the video image, we hope to make movement easier to understand.

Supported hardware:

Dual Motion Plate
Motion Plate 6, and 5.
Dual Force Plates.
Single Force Plates

Note: It's possible to view recordings with force vectors in any Swing Catalyst software without any additional hardware.

Force Vectors - Introduction

Force vectors show ground reaction forces on top of the video image, both live in real time in capture mode, or during playback. In the bottom right corner of the each video image (camera angle) there is a graphic showing the coordinates of the vectors in 3D space.

Depending on the camera angle this representation differents.

The coordinate graphic that the Z axis is vertical, and Y and X are horizontal, using the same colors as our force graphs.

The magnitude of the force vectors are accurate respective to the real world, meaning that (if calibrated correctly), a vector 1 meter hight equals 1000 newtons.

Force Vectors - Calibration

A calibration is necessary to use force vectors, this is to identify where the plate is located in the video image. Calibration needs to be done only once for each camera angle. If the camera(s) or plate(s) change physical location a new calibration is required.

Please note that for old recordings it's necessary to calibrate each recording, it's not retroactive as we have no way of knowing where the plate is in the video image. It's important to do the calibration in capture mode so that it's stored automatically with each new recording.