Probably best recognized for bringing to life the world of Gandalf and Frodo in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy and digitizing Tom Hanks in “The Polar Express,” motion-capture technology for computer character animation involves mapping human motion onto the motion of a computer character. What these blockbuster films have in common is their creation of animation under Giant Studios’ direction using proprietary Motion Reality, Inc. (MRI) technology that Madsen helped create.

Madsen is an associate professor of mechanical engineering in Auburn’s Samuel Ginn College of Engineering. He is recognized by the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for his role in the software solution – created by MRI and licensed for entertainment to Giant Studios – that applied a unique biometric approach that has influenced the development of motion-capture technology for motion pictures.

Madsen shares the award with three former MRI colleagues – Vaughn Cato, Matthew Madden and Bill Lorton – all now at Giant Studios.

Motion capture is the recording of movement – from simple change in body position to complex contortions of the face and muscle masses – for real-time or delayed analysis. Markers placed on a subject enable multiple video cameras to monitor movement. The video images are digitized, the markers are recognized and a three-dimensional computer model of the subject is derived.

“What I believe the Academy is recognizing us for, what we do so differently than other groups in this area, and why the recognition is for software, is the utilization of marker location,” said Madsen, adding that the traditional use of markers is to construct a stick image of the subject by placing them on each joint.

“The problem with that is being required to have the markers in very specific locations,” he explained. “You can’t capture subtle movement because you get a lot of incompatibilities. The body is not connected together very well.”

So Atlanta-based MRI takes a systems approach that enables a more comprehensive capture. More markers in more places on the body are viewed simultaneously and understanding of body movement is used to deduce the most likely associated human configuration. Madsen said this approach to the body as a single integrated system as opposed to a collection of unrelated elements enhances accuracy and real-time performance. The software also allows captured human motion to be applied to an animated character that is not human, making it especially appealing in the entertainment field.

“You can use human motion to drive a model of something else,” Madsen said, “opening the door to all kinds of things you don’t get with the marker-by-marker, point-by-point approach.”

Madsen said these software features led to Giant Studios’ selection by director Peter Jackson to work on “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, which won an unprecedented three consecutive Academy Awards for Visual Effects and whose third installment, “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King,” earned the 2003 Academy Award for Best Picture.

Giant Studios, whose client list also includes Adidas, CNN and the Democratic National Convention, was established in 1999 as the entertainment licensee of MRI, formerly Biomechanics, Inc., founded in 1984 by former Auburn faculty member Tom McLaughlin.

“Our technology represents more than 20 years of research in applying sophisticated biomechanics and engineering methods to accurately analyze 3-D motion,” said McLaughlin, who in 1990 partnered with Acclaim Entertainment to make the first use of 3-D human motion in video games. That collaboration produced favorites like NFL Quarterback Club, NBA Jam, Mortal Kombat, Turok, and Big Hurt Baseball featuring Frank Thomas, an Auburn University baseball player from 1987-89 who began his all-star career with the Chicago White Sox as a first-round draft pick and was American League Most Valuable Player in 1993 and 1994.

Also in 1990 MRI developed the first real-time animation of human motion and later that decade teamed with Acclaim and Warner Bros. to bring cartoons to life in Batman Forever and Batman and Robin.

“So much of the credit for MRI’s success goes to Nels,” said McLaughlin. “The software he’s written and advancements he’s made in motion-capture technology – equivalent to dozens of papers that he hasn’t been able to write or have published because of disclosure and patent issues – are still unrivaled anywhere else. Auburn University has an invaluable asset in Nels Madsen.”

Madsen received his award in a ceremony at Pasadena’s Ritz-Carlton Huntington Hotel. He said it is an experience he will never forget.

“It was fun,” Madsen said. “About a week later I went to an awards program for engineers in Montgomery. It's pretty clear that movie stars know better how to party than engineers.”

Actress Scarlett Johansson, co-star of the 2003 blockbuster hit “Lost In Translation,” hosted the event.

“Some of the guys had talked about trying to sneak kisses, but my wife let me know well beforehand that I wouldn't be doing that,” Madsen said with a laugh. “That was fine with me. I'm very happy in my situation.”