Product category:
Vision and Colour Sensors
News Release from: Newall Measurement Systems | Subject: MCG linear encoder reader heads
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 19 June 2006
Linear encoders get cameras ready for
action
A set of ultracompact MCG linear encoder reader heads has recently helped Sussex-based Mark Roberts Motion Control to produce the controlgear for a 6DOF platform for use on feature film productions.
A set of Newall's ultracompact MCG linear encoder reader heads has recently helped Sussex-based Mark Roberts Motion Control (MRMC), a supplier of motion control equipment to the film and television industry, to produce the controlgear for a six-degrees-of-freedom platform for use on feature film productions VFX, a special effects company based in London, recently approached MRMC with a requirement for equipment needed on a feature film
The task involved creating the controls for a six-degrees-of-freedom platform, such as those used underneath flight simulators at amusement parks and fun fairs, providing pitch, yaw, roll, vertical, axial and horizontal motions.
"A few months previous to this enquiry we had delivered an interface to VFX Co to provide them with a six-degrees-of-freedom model mover system for special effects", says Assaff Rawner, Managing Director.
"The motion base platform is capable of moving a one ton load in any direction or rotation".
"Now VFX wanted us to design and supply a maquette or one-sixth scale model of the model mover, which could be moved by hand to record and control the motions of the full size model mover".
To achieve this MRMC needed to source linear encoders with a number of specific requirements.
"The encoder system had to be cost effective and reliable, however, shape and size was also crucial", explains Rawner.
"We investigated several options but none measured up; most couldn't cope with any twisting motion around the shaft, they always had to be aligned with any magnetic/encoder tape used".
"We had seen Newall several times at various exhibitions so we gave them a call".
Although the MCG has still not been launched, the tiny linear encoder reader head fitted MRMC's requirements perfectly.
Its cylindrical body enables the MCG to be incorporated into OEM machinery and equipment designs with minimal alignment and assembly requirements.
It is also easier to mount than conventional linear encoder reader heads and provides an integrated solution to acquiring and analysing positional data on modern automation systems.
"When we saw the MCG we knew it was what we needed", says Rawner.
"It allows us to rotate the readerhead around the scales without any detrimental effects".
"Although it wasn't quite ready to be sold, Newall made an exception for us - hence we have become the UK's first user".
Available in four signal configurations: TTL, 11mA, and two 1V peak to peak (SCC100 and SCC200), the MCG has been designed to suit the majority of automation and process control uses.
The finished maquette was supplied by MRMC to VFX in April 2006.
The film in question was a fantasy adventure that necessitated a flying dragon mounted on the full sise six-degrees-of-freedom model mover.
The user was able to move the scale models on the maquette by hand and thereby control the full sise rig containing the flying dragon.
Six MCGs were mounted on the individually controlled legs of the maquette to record their positions and relay the information.
"Unfortunately the maquette was never used for this particular film as a result of internal 'political' decisions within the production company", says Rawner.
"However, VFX is very pleased with the equipment and it will undoubtedly get used in the near future on a number of forthcoming productions".
Formed 40 years ago, Mark Roberts Motion Control rigs have become the de-facto systems used around the world for feature films, music videos and commercials.
The company says its goal is to broaden the horizons of film and television production by supplying motion control equipment that enables creative moves to be entered quickly and easily, thus greatly increasing creative potential and realisation.
MRMC's products continually earn praise.
Recent success was gained via Aardman Animations' success with the latest Wallace and Gromit movie "The curse of the Were-Rabbit".
The Oscar winning feature used three of MRMC's Milo Motion control rigs and eight steppers units. Request a free brochure from Newall Measurement Systems ...
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