In Praise of Project Planning, Pilots, Points and Processing

Knowing where to place your Markers

Marker placement is a huge subject and can be tricky to grasp if you are a newcomer to Motion Capture. Even highly qualified and experienced biomechanists can struggle when presented with a new project and a blank sheet. If your mathematical background doesn’t include a detailed knowledge of Vector Algebra where do you start?

If you can find similar studies in the published literature you may be able to use a previously developed marker-set and modeling protocol. Many lower limb studies will be based on the so-called Helen Hayes method (though it is also known by many other names). This is often regarded as the gold standard for Gait Analysis, despite being from the 1980’s. It was perfect for the camera systems of the day, using the absolute minimum number of markers to save all the post processing time. It solves problems that 21st century systems no longer have. Though take care as almost all models now are ‘modified-Helen-Hayes’ and they vary in subtle ways.

If you can’t ‘stand on the shoulders of giants’ where do you begin? 

Let’s consider Markers, Virtual Markers and Points (ie coordinates in 3d space). Each segment that you want to track will need at least three, non-linear, points to give all six degrees of freedom, XYZ and 3 Rotations. An individual marker tells you a position; singularly it can’t give you an orientation.

These can be real markers or virtual ones, which are points calculated from marker data but offset in a rigorously defined way. For example if you want to know where a Knee Joint Centre (KJC) is, you can’t place a marker inside the body but if you can place two, carefully on the surface where the knee joint axis line passes through the skin it is possible to readily define the KJC, as a Virtual Marker, halfway between them. Motion Analysis’s highly regarded Cortex software has an easy to use graphical interface that presents this and even more complex Vector Algebra with beautiful simplicity.

Three markers for every segment can soon add up, but often a single, carefully defined point (real or virtual marker) can be shared. That KJC point, or the outside knee marker can be used for the thigh and shank segments.

After you have decided on a marker set that covers the segments that you need to know the angles between, plus all the other spatial–temporal parameters which Cortex will also calculate for you, you’ll be ready to get on with the fun part: the motion capture of all your subjects. Or can you?

You may need to revise your ideal marker set due to the reality of you systems camera count and the specific move you want to analyze. For example, if your laboratory has cameras permanently fixed high on the walls and you are studying push-ups, any markers on the front of the subject will be impossible to see. For the chest you could just place three or more markers on the subject’s back and remove the front markers. Or better still leave the front markers, add additional back markers and use predefined tools to recreate the ‘lost’ markers with virtual ones calculated from the relative positions of these extras. There are gap filling interpolation tools but they are making up data, whereas these ‘virtual joins’ are using genuine information.

It’s worth consider a Pilot Study

If this is all seeming a bit difficult to grasp, then we highly recommend a Pilot Study. Often the best way to find out what snags are going to catch you out is to get in the lab and try it. Set aside time to try a couple of subjects with different marker sets. Work through this data and find out where markers need adding, or which ones are not needed. It will also help you decide which parts of the myriad results are essential for your study.

Time and effort spent on a Pilot Study early on always saves you later down the line! It can help prevent hours of clean up and post processing, and most often it highlights a tiny tweak that could have prevented you answering the actual question you set out to study.

If you don’t have a lab yet but are thinking of investing in one then please contact Motion Analysis, we’ll be happy to discuss your experiment. We’ve helped set up thousands of labs around the world and will be happy to assist.

Important considerations when purchasing a motion capture system

If you’re still in the process of deciding on the motion capture system you need, we have put together a helpful checklist to keep in mind during your decision making process.

Cortex 10 Raises the Bar for Motion Capture Excellence

Motion Analysis has built its reputation over 40 years as a pioneer of innovative motion capture technology. Our powerful Cortex software platform has become the gold standard for biomechanical researchers, animators and movement scientists around the world. Today, we are proud to announce the release of Cortex 10 – a new version with some great new capabilities.

With each new iteration, we strive to push the boundaries of what’s possible in motion tracking and analysis. This release introduces several features that will streamline workflows, unlock new research potential, and elevate the precision of motion data like never before.

Integrated Glove Tracking

One of the most significant additions in Cortex 10 is the seamless integration of MANUS Meta glove technology. We have combined the robust, marker-based motion capture core of Cortex with MANUS’s high-fidelity finger animation data stream. This yields an unprecedented level of hand tracking fidelity from a single unified data channel for biomechanics and animation.

Automated Marker Identification

Setting up robust marker identification can be a tedious process. With Cortex 10, we’ve dramatically simplified this workflow using new automated tools. We provide four pre-built “golden” marker templates that can auto-scale to subjects in real-time. Additionally, a new marker generation script allows users to rapidly build custom marker sets from previous capture data.

Intelligent Batch Processing

The new batch processing options in Cortex 10 add a level of intelligence and customization that will optimize post-production pipelines. Users can now selectively process and export files based on the capture status and file type using a simple selection menu or custom scripts. This makes it easy to streamline exports for analysis while excluding any unwanted capture files.

Collaborative Marker Management

To foster better teamwork, we’ve made the central system objects folder used for storing marker definitions fully editable in Cortex 10. This allows multiple users to access a shared network location for storing and managing marker object variations across consecutive projects.

Simplified Multi-Markerset Handling

Another key addition is markerset-based capture trimming using new built-in scripts. This tool is critical when dealing with complex captures involving multiple markerset objects, which can convolute the data stream. With a simple script, users can trim out individual markersets for clean, focused analysis.

HD Video Integration

Last but not least, Cortex 10 adds integration with our new Rainbow camera line. These reference video cameras can record full HD at over 80FPS or 1.1Mpxls above 100FPS while precision synchronized too the motion capture data stream. This offers vastly improved video reference capabilities for analysis.

We have worked tirelessly to pack Cortex 10 with innovations that will help our users capture more precise movement data through streamlined workflows and enhanced processing power. This release is a major step forward that reinforces why Cortex remains the most trusted and capable motion capture software platform in the world.

Cortex 10 is now available to all Motion Analysis customers with current support contracts or warranties. We encourage you to upgrade today to take advantage of these powerful new features. As always, we welcome any feedback from our user community as we continue raising the bar for motion capture excellence.

Book a demo today

Introducing our new Reference Video Camera: The Rainbow

We’re proud to introduce Rainbow – our new line of HD video reference cameras designed to bring synchronized color video seamlessly into the Motion Analysis ecosystem.

An Integrated Reference Video Solution 

We developed the Rainbow cameras to integrate with our optical motion capture workflow. At its core, Rainbow leverages IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP) technology to eenable precise  synchronization between the HD video stream and data captured from from our Thunderbird motion cameras. They will also work with Kestrel and other camera ranges.

This tight sync integration, combined with Rainbow’s impressive specs like Full-HD resolution at over 80 fps, and full vibrant color imaging, allows users to incorporate multiple HD camera views with lens-mapped video and 3D workspaces overlays. The resulting outputs are highly compressed AVI video files compatible with virtually any third-party video editing, analysis or markerless tracking tool.

Simple, Flexible Setup 

Powerful integrated video is only half of what makes Rainbow a game-changer. We’ve also ensured that these cameras are easy to incorporate into your motion capture volume or studio setup.

Rainbow uses standard C-mount lenses, putting the industry’s full range of optics at your disposal for coverage flexibility. Power over Ethernet (PoE) allows for a single ethernet cable run to each camera with 150 feet of reach, or more. A typical set up will have 6 Rainbow cameras but 8 channels or more is possible with high end PC hardware.

Whether you’re looking to add context with static wide shots or dynamic tracking cameras, configuring multi-angle video reference  is easy.

Empowering intelligent data visualization

With Rainbow’s ability to provide synchronized, high-fidelity color video streams precisely aligned to optical motion capture data, we’re empowering our users to take their movement analysis capabilities to new heights. Sports scientists can cross-reference player biomechanics to multi-angle video for deeper insights. Biomechanists can have HD video with lens mapped fidelity for vector overlays.  Animators can have multiple reference viewpoints for their shot-log.

Rainbow HD video cameras are now available to our global customer base.

Contact us for more information

10 Surprisingly cool career paths in motion analysis

You might think motion capture is all about Hollywood stars prancing around in spandex suits, but the applications of this cutting-edge technology go far beyond the silver screen. In fact, motion analysis experts are in high demand across a diverse range of sectors, each offering its own unique brand of fun and fulfillment. Let’s take a look:

1. Biomechanist barnstormers

As a motion analysis pro in the world of biomechanics, you’ll get to study the mechanics of the human body in mind-bending detail. Whether you’re helping athletes optimize their performance or assisting doctors in rehabilitation, your work will have a tangible impact on people’s lives. Plus, you get to geek out over fancy terms like “joint kinematics” and “ground reaction forces” – what’s not to love?

2. Virtual virtuoso

Love the idea of creating immersive virtual worlds? Motion analysis is the key to unlocking the next generation of gaming, VR, and animation. Become a motion-capturing maverick, and you could be the mastermind behind the captivating movements of your favorite video game characters or the lifelike animations that wow audiences.

3. Robotic rockstar

Ever dreamed of programming robots to move with the grace and dexterity of a human? Motion analysis is your ticket to the cutting edge of robotics and automation. Analyze movement patterns, optimize trajectories, and bring a touch of humanity to the machines of the future.

4. Sports sensation

For the athletically inclined, motion analysis offers a front-row seat to the inner workings of elite sports. Whether you’re helping coaches fine-tune training regimes or identifying injury risk factors, your work will give you an insider’s view of the high-stakes world of professional athletics.

5. Dance dynamo

Who says motion analysis is all about crunching numbers? If you’ve got a passion for the performing arts, you can put your movement expertise to work choreographing captivating dance routines or analyzing the technique of prima ballerinas. Get ready to pirouette your way into an exciting new career.

6. Accident investigator

When things go wrong, motion analysis can be a game-changer. From reconstructing car crashes to analyzing workplace incidents, your ability to break down complex movements can help uncover the truth and prevent future accidents.

7. Fashion forward

Haute couture may seem like an unlikely destination for a motion analysis pro, but the industry is actually teeming with opportunities. Leverage your movement expertise to design ergonomic clothing, optimize garment fit, and even enhance the runway experience with cutting-edge motion capture.

8. Medical maverick

In the world of healthcare, motion analysis is revolutionizing the way we diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate patients. From analyzing gait patterns to monitoring neurological conditions, your skills can make a real difference in people’s lives.

9. Industrial innovator

Motion analysis isn’t just for the glitz and glamor – it’s also transforming the way we approach industrial processes. Optimize manufacturing workflows, improve product design, and even enhance workplace safety through the power of movement data.

10. Wildlife wizard

For the nature enthusiasts out there, motion analysis can open the door to a career studying the remarkable movements of the animal kingdom. From tracking the migratory patterns of majestic creatures to analyzing the biomechanics of our furry, feathered, and finned friends, the possibilities are endless.

So, there you have it – ten surprisingly awesome career paths in the world of motion analysis. Whether you’re a data-crunching dynamo or a movement-loving maverick, the opportunities are endless. So why not strap on your motion capture suit and get ready to shake up the world?

11. Mocap manufacturer

If you’re technically-inclined, why not consider a role in the motion capture manufacturing industry? We employee all of the above, as well as high-end hardware and superb software engineers, marketing maestros, sales specialists, admirable administrators, terrific technicians and many more.

7 Ways movement tracking enhances sports performance

Movement tracking technologies, such as motion capture systems, have long been recognized for their valuable applications in sports performance analysis. However, beyond the obvious uses, these advanced tools can unlock a wealth of unexpected insights that can truly transform an athlete’s training and competitive edge.

1. Injury prevention and rehabilitation

By capturing detailed movement data, sports scientists can identify subtle biomechanical imbalances or movement patterns that predispose athletes to certain injuries. This allows for targeted interventions and adjustments to training regimes to mitigate injury risk. Similarly, motion tracking is invaluable in monitoring an athlete’s progress during rehabilitation, ensuring a safe and effective return to play.

2. Technique refinement

The granular data provided by movement tracking enables coaches and athletes to scrutinize technique with unprecedented precision. This allows for the identification of minute flaws or inefficiencies that may be hampering performance, leading to tailored technique adjustments that can unlock new levels of skill and efficiency.

3. Talent identification

Analyzing the movement signatures of elite athletes can provide a blueprint for the key physical attributes and motor control patterns that underpin success in a given sport. By applying this knowledge to the movement data of aspiring athletes, coaches can identify promising talent with greater accuracy, ensuring they nurture the right individuals for long-term development.

4. Psychomotor skills assessment

Movement tracking can reveal insights into an athlete’s cognitive and decision-making abilities, not just their physical skills. By studying how athletes respond to dynamic, game-like scenarios, researchers can assess psychomotor skills such as reaction time, spatial awareness, and anticipation – critical factors in many sports.

5. Fatigue monitoring

Continuous monitoring of an athlete’s movement patterns can provide early warning signs of neuromuscular fatigue, allowing coaches to optimize training loads and recovery periods. This helps prevent overtraining and ensures athletes reach competition day in peak condition.

6. Quantifying the effects of equipment and apparel

Motion capture allows sports scientists to precisely measure the impact of equipment, apparel, and even environmental factors on an athlete’s biomechanics and movement efficiency. This data can drive evidence-based decisions on the most performance-enhancing gear and playing surfaces.

7. Enhancing coaching effectiveness

Beyond the athlete, motion tracking technologies can enhance the effectiveness of coaches themselves. By providing objective, data-driven insights, coaches can make more informed decisions, refine their training methodologies, and better communicate with athletes to drive continuous improvement.

These are just a few of the unexpected ways that movement tracking is transforming the world of sports performance. As these technologies continue to evolve, the opportunities to gain a competitive edge will only expand, making them an increasingly indispensable tool for any serious athlete or coach.

Motion capture systems for animal studies

What is motion capture for animal studies?

A motion capture system is a mix of hardware and software that records the movement and positioning of objects or animals in three-dimensional space. It is used in fields such as animal behavior, biomechanics, and zoology to accurately analyze and study the movement and dynamics of various species.

How can a motion capture system enhance the work of an animal researcher?

Motion tracking systems provide animal researchers with valuable data and insights that can enhance their understanding of animal behavior, locomotion, and biomechanics. By capturing precise, three-dimensional movement data, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of factors such as gait patterns, joint kinematics, and the biomechanics of specific animal species.

What does a motion capture system consist of?

A typical motion capture system for animal studies includes the following key components:

Important considerations when purchasing a motion capture system for animal studies

When evaluating and purchasing a motion capture system for animal research, consider the following factors:

Conclusion

Selecting the right motion capture system is crucial for animal researchers to effectively conduct studies, assess animal behavior and biomechanics, and gain valuable insights. By considering the key factors outlined in this checklist, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your specific animal research needs and enhances the quality and impact of your work.

The biomechanist’s motion capture purchasing checklist

What is a motion capture system?

A motion capture system is a technology that records the movement and positioning of objects or individuals in three-dimensional space. It is widely used in fields such as biomechanics, movement science, and animation to accurately analyze and study human or object motion.

How can a motion capture system enhance the work of a biomechanist?

Motion capture systems provide biomechanists and movement scientists with valuable data and insights that can enhance research, clinical assessments, and the development of interventions. By capturing precise, three-dimensional movement data, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of factors such as joint kinematics, muscle activation patterns, and overall movement efficiency.

What does a motion capture system consist of?

A typical motion capture system includes the following key components:

Important considerations when purchasing a motion capture system

When evaluating and purchasing a motion capture system, consider the following factors:

Conclusion

Selecting the right motion capture system is crucial for biomechanists and movement scientists to effectively conduct research, assess clinical interventions, and gain valuable insights. By considering the key factors outlined in this checklist, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your specific needs and enhances the quality and impact of your work.

Meet the Thunderbird

We’re pleased to announce the release of the Thunderbird motion capture camera range. These state-of-the-art cameras are designed to provide unparalleled precision and versatility for motion capture professionals in a range of applications.

The Thunderbird range consists of five state-of-the-art cameras that support both active and passive markers, offering unparalleled versatility for a cohesive motion capture experience.

Precision and versatility

The Thunderbird range consists of five advanced cameras compatible with both active and passive markers.

Higher resolutions

Featuring resolutions of up to 12MP, Thunderbird ensures clarity and precision in every frame. Ideal for various environments, these cameras guarantee exceptional detail capture, whether in a lab, studio, or other confined space.

A range of lenses

Understanding the need for customization, Thunderbird offers a diverse range of lenses, allowing users to choose the perfect lens to meet their creative vision and specific requirements.

Cutting-edge core technology

Underpinning Thunderbird’s performance is the latest core technology, including GigE camera standard communication, advanced field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and built-in PTP-based output synchronization for immediate success and long-term innovation.

Precise timing with PTP

Eliminating the need for timing “windows,”  PTP technology ensures seamless integration with your other devices, setting a new standard for precision timing in motion capture.

Built for durability and reliability

Thunderbird’s robust housing, passive cooling, and sealed sensor/FPGA unit are designed to withstand challenging environments, ensuring reliability in any condition. They offer enhanced features such as improved robustness, environmental protection, new firmware, and a state-of-the-art ring-light design.

Explore the full range here

How to develop a marker set that meets your needs

A marker set is far more than the floating points recorded in a capture space. Curating a full marker set in Cortex is an integral stage to define the markers’ properties, and their relation to each other, in order to develop a model that can be used for a range of motion capture studies. Marker sets need to be identified to drive underlying skeletons that can be reused or modified in live mode or during post-processing. 

We run through the various components of a Cortex “MarkerSet” and how to construct them to best suit your motion capture research and project needs for biomechanics, clinical trials, gait analysis, and character animation.  

What makes up a MarkerSet?

MarkerSet components can be found and edited in the right-hand panel of the Cortex platform, titled Properties, before being saved and exported in a comprehensive marker set file. The listed MarkerSet properties are as follows:

Markers are small points attached to a test subject and tracked by cameras to capture movement. When displayed as raw data in Cortex, these markers are unnamed, but you can name them based on their positions on the body to identify them easily. 

Virtual markers define central locations where ‘real’ markers cannot be placed—the middle of a joint, for example. Virtual markers can calculate a location relative to up to three ‘real’ markers or other virtual markers, which is very useful when needing to define the endpoints of a segment.  

Segments represent different portions of the body. Each segment’s movement is driven by the positions of identified markers, which can calculate its rotation across three axes. Segments can be automatically adjusted, or you can manipulate segments saved in the MarkerSet to fit various motion capture subjects.

Links “connect the dots” between markers to map their relative distance. Each link has an allowable distance (how close or far the markers can be to each other) where markers outside of this range cannot be identified. Links are critical to the real-time identification process, where you can elongate or shorten links to fit different test subjects, and they allow you to identify markers during the post-processing stage using templating tools.

Rigid Subsets can be created using markers that do not move relative to each other, such as those on a rigid plate attached to a test subject. When a subject is first in the capture space, Cortex first tries to identify the rigid subsets in the MarkerSet before the other markers. This adds another layer of accuracy for identification either during live mode or post-process.

The Template allows you to automatically assign the identified markers from one MarkerSet to the raw data’s unnamed points in one go. This part of a MarkerSet also allows you to select a repeatable Model Pose—a “standard position” that can be chosen from a single captured frame that visualizes identified markers.

Considerations for biomechanics

For biomechanics motion capture research or clinical analysis, more detailed markers are needed to drag the underlying skeleton and gain precise data to construct the MarkerSet.

Markers should be placed on accurate anatomical locations throughout the body based on which physical activity is being evaluated. Studying baseball pitching would require detailed markers on the upper extremities, whereas running or jumping activities may require more markers on the lower extremities. Either way, the marker positions drive the movement of the segments. Without identifying these markers, it’s impossible to work out joint kinematics and the subsequent kinetics for the skeleton. 

Biomechanical work utilizes the Skeleton Builder engine (SkB) to accurately define the movement of every segment. You need at least three markers on a segment (real, virtual, or combinations of both) in order to calculate rotation using a three-point axis. This 3D coordinate system helps to assess limb movements including joint flexion/extension, abduction/adduction, and internal/external rotations.

Considerations for animators 

Animation generally relies on the same anatomical marker locations as above, but accuracy is not as crucial. For character animators, it is important that the resulting skeleton mimics the actor’s movements as best as possible, and every segment identified in Cortex’s MarkerSet has to match the animated character it is driving. 

Animators use the Calcium Solver in Cortex, which defines segments differently and more flexibly. This software uses a globally optimized solution to drive an underlying skeleton rather than using three fixed marker points, and utilizes joint types and limitations to constrain the skeleton movement. Each segment is attached to a marker with an attachment. These attachments act like springs, telling the software which markers are driving the motion so that related segments can move in a similar way. This solution allows you to control the full skeleton according to these segment preferences determined in the MarkerSets.

The hybrid skeleton builder is also useful for creating a MarkerSet in that it combines the functionality of the two engines listed above. For the initial stage, it offers the scalability options offered by the SkB engine, but completes the remainder of the process using Calcium’s globally optimized solution to define a subject’s dynamic movements.

All set for future capture

Cortex displays all the MarkerSet information upfront, allowing you define its properties as you see fit, with file names, marker names and even links colors being fully customizable. 

Once all of a MarkerSet’s components are saved, the resulting template can be viewed during post-processing or be loaded into a live capture and tweaked accordingly to fit different motion capture subjects. Using a defined marker set as the first port of call, motion capture research and analysis can be conducted faster, with marker sets fully adaptable for your specific industry use case.

If you’re inspired to collate your own marker set for a particular motion capture project or if you’d like more info, feel free to reach out to our team today.

Motion Analysis Corporation Unveils Cortex 9.5 Software Upgrade

November 8 2023, California – Motion Analysis Corporation is excited to announce the highly-anticipated release of Cortex 9.5, the latest edition of its cutting-edge motion capture software. This update is now available for download and is accessible to all customers with active warranties or current software maintenance contracts.

Cortex 9.5 introduces a range of exceptional features and improvements that elevate the motion capture experience to new heights, providing users with greater flexibility, efficiency, and accuracy. Here are the key highlights of this remarkable update:

Quick Files Capture Status: Cortex 9.5 introduces Quick Files Capture Status indicators, simplifying the assessment of dataset status. Users can easily classify captures as “Unedited,” “In Progress,” or “Complete.” Customization options are also available, allowing users to create their own status names and icons, providing a user-friendly experience.

Kestrel Plus Cameras: With Cortex 9.5, Motion Analysis Corporation introduces the Kestrel Plus camera line, featuring the Kestrel Plus 3, Kestrel Plus 22, and Kestrel Plus 42. These new cameras seamlessly integrate with Cortex 9, expanding your capture capabilities and delivering high-quality results.

Trim Capture Modifications: Cortex 9.5 enhances the Trim Capture feature, enabling users to modify names, generate captures on a per-markerset basis, and add timecode support. This streamlined process facilitates the extraction of relevant data from capture files and offers improved post-processing options.

Workflow Improvements: Cortex 9.5 enhances the Workflow feature, making task execution even more efficient. Users can now utilize a search tool and a workflow repository, enabling easy access and management of workflows, optimizing productivity.

Live Detailed Hand Identification: Advanced hand tracking techniques have been integrated into Cortex 9.5, reducing marker swapping during live collection and post-processing of intricate finger movements. Users can contact the support team for a sample markerset to enable this feature.

Automatic Wand Identification for Reference Video Overlay Calibration: In a significant time-saving move, Cortex 9.5 automates the marker selection process for reference video overlay calibration, eliminating manual marker selection and potential user errors. This feature can be applied in both Live Mode and Post Process.

Bertec Digital Integration: Cortex 9.5 now offers support for Bertec AM6800 digital amplifiers, simplifying setup and reducing the number of required components, thus enhancing the overall user experience.

National Instruments New Device Compatibility: Cortex 9.5 continues its support for National Instruments A/D board data collection and expands compatibility to their next generation of DAQs, maintaining flexibility and ensuring compatibility with previously supported devices.

Additional Updates and Features: Several additional updates and features, such as the renaming of the Post Process X panel to Tracks, improved contrast in Dark Mode, and an increased marker slot limit, are included in this feature-rich update.

Cortex 9.5 marks a significant milestone in the field of motion capture, empowering users with advanced tools, enhanced workflows, and improved performance.

To learn more about Cortex 9.5 and take advantage of these exciting new features, download the full release notes here, or contact our sales and support teams for further information and assistance.

Motion Analysis Corporation continues to lead the way in motion capture technology, and Cortex 9.5 is a testament to our commitment to delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers.

About Motion Analysis Corporation

Motion Analysis Corporation is a leading provider of motion capture technology solutions for various industries, including entertainment, sports, healthcare, and research. With a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, Motion Analysis Corporation strives to make motion capture more accessible and versatile.