HUMAsystem
Basics
Humatic has been active in the development of software and contents for interactive and reactive video installations from 1999 onwards . Our patented technology, made available through the HUMA runtime and authoring applications, can create unique new forms of interactive movies, that combine the realistic effect of real video with the real-time manipulation potential of animation. HUMA movies are constantly recreated during presentation by reassembling predefined scenes in real-time.

Accurate preparation, authoring and media design combined with vast numbers of custom real-time controllable playback and transition utilities in the runtime software can create non abruptive edits and a constant flow of imagery, that does not follow a fixed timeline. The authoring system offers a wide variety of user customisable scripts, conditional behaviours and other templates to the author, who may also make use of classical interactive media technologies like Flash or Quicklime wired actions to create highly interactive applications.

Applications
Humatic has used this technology to create human character-based interactive screens (IAS) for corporate communication and arts, has designed commercials and trade fair installations, and has also created interactive stage sets for opera, theatre and dance events. Special focus has usually been given to non standard interfacing, in particular to "soft" interfaces that generate less accurate dynamic data : Motion tracking of users through camera or sensor systems and custom haptical interfaces as for an example a motorbike or user controllable mini robots have been widely used and easy to integrate with the software.

Technological Platform
HUMA is build upon the Quicktime for Java API and supports all media formats that Quicktime makes available. It has built-in support for most standard communication protocols and can be widely controlled externally, same as it can itself control external equipment. Java technology fuels the software's network features, thus funding the system's multi screen capabilities and support for network sources. Originally started on the Macintosh, current versions are Windows only and development is lately integrating DirectShow technology to widen media support.

Software concepts
HUMA movies are in first hand thought to run in autonomous set-ups like interactive billboards or shop decorations. The architecture is split into two main parts: There is the runtime engine that provides the media sampler and sequencer functionality and brings all necessary features to operate automatically. As the running presentation is meant to act as the user interface the runtime engine lacks a control GUI. The authoring system on the other side is in first hand used to prepare the presentation, lay out paths through the assembled media, set rules etc. In certain cases it may also serve as a remote controller for the runtime.

The central logical unit in a HUMA project is the "scene". A scene defines an assembly of mediafiles that may share a common timeline or be completely independent from each other. There are no upper or lower limitations to the number of files or to the length of the scene. Besides combining media, scenes also know what playback behaviour is expected of them (in terms of pitch, looping, user controllable parameters etc.) what their follow up scenes are and which of these follow-up scenes is to be played under which condition. Link conditions may be set up in scripts, attached to playback time, hotspots in the room or on screen or to predefined timers and behaviours. The software provides a wide number of ways to change scenes, including transitions and functions that will finish playback of media pieces before switching in order to use matching frames or to ensure transport of media information.

The combination of project-oriented scripts and a growing library of interface drivers make it possible that many external and internal events can drive and modulate the media presentation in real-time. The following (sensor detected) parameters can be evaluated and used:

(external)

* position of users in a defined area
* movement intensity
* movement direction
* duration of stay /stand stills
* audio input , level & frequency


(internal and others)

* adjustable timers
* history
* variables, conditions
* random functions
* and many more...

Authoring / Access
The HUMA authoring tool is a fully GUIed, drag and drop driven application that shields most of the complexity of setting up interactive applications from the user. It is designed to enable media designers and artists without advanced programming skills to quickly put ideas into action. Simple reactive video installations including custom interfaces can be set up with a number of mouse clicks.

Connectivity
Most of the internal logic can also operate across the network to combine separate runtimes to interactive environments. In the same way or through other standard interfaces HUMA may be remote controlled from third party software or may communicate with external hard- and software to create larger presentation scenarios. HUMA supports all standard protocols as MIDI, DMX, TCP, OSC, RS232 etc. Not directly supported devices may be integrated by runtime loadable software extensions and the software also provides java based plug-in interfaces for additional image and text sources.
User extendable serial and IP driver modules allow HUMA to synchronise with a wide range of other showtech systems. Control commands for systems like Dataton WatchOut, some Kramer Matrix switchers, Sony and Epson beams are already available in the authoring tool. More commands can be added by editing external textfiles.

Alliances & Coproductions
Humatic's self-understanding is mainly that of a developer of intelligent media tools, customised applications and a vulcano for sophisticated ideas in modern media presentation and show technology. We build prototypes and sometimes handle complex productions out of one hand. In general we closely cooperate with event or marketing agencies. We are open for all kind of alliances in project- and technology development, as well as long-term partnerships.

Pricing & Availability
Companies and institutions may purchase especially configured package solutions incl. optimised computer hardware, sensor kits , tracking devices etc. We offer training, online- and long-term support agreements and configure special authoring templates for our clients. Prices for these complex services have to be agreed on individually.

Software kits for students and non-commercial art projects start at EUR 500.-

Free betaversions are available for testing

Please contact us directly for details.

Arts & Education
Humatic offers workshops and project support at universities and art / media institutes. Within 2-3 days the participants can build their own interactive or reactive media applications. Advanced workshops include theory, video shooting and post production modules.

All rights reserved: Humatic® GmbH 2010