Toronto-based software developer, Cast, has won the Gold Innovation award at the PLASA awards for its BlackTrax 6D tracking system. The award, which must demonstrate a new style of thinking, improve technical practice, aid safety, or help with sustainability, was presented by PLASA Chairman Ed Pagett (pictured centre) to Cast Chairman Bruce Freeman (pictured right) and CEO Gil Densham (pictured left) at Earls Court on 10 September. CAST BlackTrax is an Ethernet-based, motion-based solution that tracks objects or people in a defined 3D “Space” and delivers the dynamic positional data in realtime in up to 6 Degrees of Freedom – the usual x, y, z, plus roll, pitch & yaw – to 3D audio, moving lights, robotic cameras, and media technologies. The technology uses a BlackTrax Beacon, which emits a virtually invisible infra, red light via the LED that is seen by BT’s proprietary, custom designed camera system which delivers the positional data to the BTServer. A tiny wireless radio in the BTBeacon streams the additional data for 6D — roll, pitch, and yaw — as well as redundant 3D backup. Meanwhile, the onboard gyroscope communicates the orientation of a moving piece or performer at over 250 frames per second. Control can be located up to 100ft (30m) away with one quarter tracking accuracy. “This is an incredible honour to be recognised by PLASA, “ said Freeman, “We’ve worked so hard to make BlackTrax revolutionary, and consistent with what we predicted it’s wonderful that our peers agree: BlackTrax will revolutionize our industry!” Griffiths commented on BlackTrax: “The level of integration with other tools and potential for applications across the industry is incredible.”
www.cast-soft.com
