mccordia

We are currently looking at Sept 11 to Sept 14, for the next edition of the Artistic Wingsuit Competition (again to be held in Terni, Italy). Should these dates collide with othet events/boogies, let us know asap. so we can shift the dates back or forward a few days/week(s) to accomodate everyones agenda better. We'll be there again for sure! Teams FlyLikeBrick - The Netherlands JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

For the record, The program was offered for full use as a briefing, debriefing and/or additional judging tool for the bigway record, with Spot as the operator. He was present at the record, and eager to help/assist/show and use the software. You guys declined that offer. You guys had full knowledge of the accesability, before, during and after, and as I explained to you back then, the software was there and we just didnt want 20 different versions floating around the net, hence asking spot to be the one to assist in being there at the bigway as the operator. Im sure he has a more detailed story on how that offer was received. Its nice to try and deflect the subject with selective copy paste actions, but in the end its nothing but misleading people and quite far from what actually happened. JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

Again asking, at what point will judging standards actually be open for community input, improvements or complete revision/changes. All the nice copy/paste work aside, its still a shame to see 'lets do something quickly and later try and fix it' is seemingly favoured over refinement within the community before outside acceptance. Once certain basics are established as judging groundwork, its often hard to impossible to make radical changes. And again, just a shame the many, many comments and suggestions by the actual community cant be the first step in the timeline...rather than a last and unsure 'maybe'. JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

Angular distortion/perspective is stuff that could be setup in software form. Just like barrel/lens distortion. But at this point in time, not important. Its practical application issues, of rules (we as a community) still havent finalized into a workable standard. Which should be the first aim.. JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

Photoshop was the word used in all initial communications phil..thats all Im commenting on. 'open source image editing' might have been a better choice of words, if thats what you want to complain about. But rather than fighting over the most pointless aspect of the USPA grid, Id rather (finaly) see some open minded discussion on the actual system/method itself. As that one never got a serious reply. And sadly also now actual discussion is skipped/skimmed. I know this whole thing is now probably setting me up as a**hole number one, and the biggest god knows what in wingsuit history according to some, but I honestly dont care. A good definition/standard should be the aim. Why are there USPA standard state records, bigger than current records, that have not been submitted? Why use a system, if in the end 'does it look nice' is your true judging method. And all the other definitions mentioned? Suit definitions, minimum glide? And what happens if a 'hypothetical' messy formation by someone else surpasses your perfect looking one? How does that feel for the 'record holders' if their act of brilliance is triumphed by a clusterf*ck thats a record according to 'the standard'. Amd what does the term 'record' mean at that point. Why try for 2011 FAI acceptance (which you called me a liar for implying earlier this year), instead of finaly going for a more in depth look at how the system can be changed, improved or abandoned for a better standard? Its a shame it first needs to be a standoff, to get the train to slow down a bit.. I couldnt care less if the thing we are working on makes it to a final judging tool or not, as long as its a nudge towards everyone seeing there is so much stuff to further think about and refine.. Make it FOR the community, BY the community (or at least, agreed to by most) JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

The attached graphic does look more like a hangglider than a wingsuit. External constructions, hard parts and the body no longer forming the supporting frame for the flyer does make it harder and harder to not see it as something else than a wingsuit. Something cool and incredible, but more akin to a kite wing. Watching videos of those flying, it seems quite similar to your concept (and is already flown quite high and landed on slopes). JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

Forgive me the harsh sounding answer, but like you also state, adressing tge topic is what matters. And in trying to get people to comment or give feedback/ideas, 'all wrong' without specific descriptions as to why (and how it may be done different) is something way to common for a lot of people. I also hope we can get everyone to assist in destiling the various options into a viable system for judging. And aiming for that one to be an easy, free and workable solution thats understandable and objective in the results it produces. So all constructive (positive and negative) feedback is appreachiated and needed. For this and any system. Though the answers may sometimes not be what anyone likes hearing, its the only way forward. JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

And this is THE exact problem as wel on this subject. Many people proudly hitting their chest, pertaining to have answers, yet not giving any actual input, ideas or alternatives whatso-ever. Kallend and a few noteworhty others being the exception.. You made this exact comment a few years ago on aerobatic/artistic competitions and judging, and you promised your incredible ideas and input. The world is still waiting... Comments and critique are wonderfull, but dont pretend to have answers you dont have. As thats either arrogant or selfish (depending on your answer). But good to hear we're all doing it wrong. Im counting on you for big contributions on the subject in the months to follow..and not run of with the usual 'ill post it later..' Its not about 'WHOS' method we addopt...its about WHAT method we as a community develop. I hope Zach also emails me his ideas/concept, as Id love to be able to include that one in the discussion as well, and hopefully see if we can merge or adopt concepts to work towards a final workable solution.. JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

lens distortion can be implemented in the software fairly easy, though at this time we choose not to (yet) to prevent clouding the subject even more. Though it is high on our list of thibgs to adres. With regards to the time it takes placing dots(flyers) Judging a virtual formation of 100 people takes me about 3 minutes. Its not that bad. With regards to dot placement. We now use centered head placement (semi transparant dots) but anything is possible. Helmet or rig stickers with a trackingpoint would even be possible for a more automated approach. Rigs, complete bodies in a bounding box and using that center...its just a matter of trying.. Anyone wanting any picture tested on...just mail it to info@flylikebrick or DSE and we'll gladly give it a go.. That aside, in terms of perfection, the avatar 25 way USPA state record pic/formation Kallend has is the most precise 'bigger' formation to date in terms of accuracy (I get % vallues on each judged pic) JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

First of, appologies for the bad typos..using my Iphone and not that big of a star at typing yet. Secondly, anyone in the USA wanting more info and a hands on look, give DSE a shout, he has the latest version. Because we needed to adres the reason why there was a need for a more refined/different judging method/development. If we dont think there is stuff that needs further development, we wouldnt bother commenting and putting the work in. A bit the opposite of you and kallend choosing to comment loosely on the shortcomings of the USPA grid, yet not dare stick your neck out and ask why the input and ideas you indoubtebly have on improvements. As those are no longer possible in the plan submitted for 2011 acceptance reg. the USPA grid. The critique on the grid is why we choose to try and initiate a COMMUNITY DEVELOPED method. For which we just hope to receive the time and room from the FAI, before an obviously flawwed method in dire need of further development is accepted and pushed (for luck of a better alternative). The judging method and software we use are two seperate things. The software used is merely a practical implementation of a proposed judging method. If and when it seems there is a concept worth further persueing, there will of course be some small price involved. One we will try to keep low and acceptable/accesable to everyone. Maybe use advertising to assist. We will see. Money isnt what we currently have on our mind. Look at all other stuff we've done to see if our intent is money making or further developmemt of the dicipline. That aside, why ask this question like a few bucks would be an evil thing for our proposal, when the USPA accepted method demands a $699,- dollar piece of software (photoshop). Where was this question asked by you when that one got accepted? Unless illegal use of software is what you want to advocate (everyone is using photoshop so far). Again, the software and method implemented within are separate things. And where is that statement regarding the required purchase of photoshop for the other method? You often refer to your own book when it comes to safety. Can I than conclude your intentent is book sales over publicly accesable information? Of course not. Same here. But cost if any, will be based on accesability, not profit. Just call me when your x-ray judging system is complete and operational. As 3d, radar, lidar etc systems wouldnt even be able to handle that one. . Not really. Maybe attend the presentation or wait till we show more online later to better understand. 'Slinky grid' implicates there is only a maximum distance. A wooden dowel with small elastic bits on the end in between each flyer would be a better (simplified) explanation. 100% agreed, and one of the points I have listed in terms of things we need to work out. And severly disappointed (again) our proposal for development gets a lot of biased critique while the other method aimed at locking us down to a standard containing these same (and more) flaws goes by unnoticed and without comments. Hoping this makes you and others realise quick acceptance of systems in their infancy is something we shouldnt do, and community wide development and input is what we need. After the FAI meet, I will try and get everything online and see where we can take this. Worst case scenario, we THINK about judging, rather than accepting a flawed system without doing so... When I asked about the USPA grid and posdible FAI submittion half a year ago, I was an a##hole and needed to show an alternative.. Now it was appearantly not that weird a suggestion.. I hope you (everyone) is eager to think about this subject more. Dont critisize my means of presenting, think about the actual subject (judging). Think solutions... JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

There are also points in our own system that need testing, improvements and commenting, which we will. Much like I hope the USPA grid will also not candy-coat their proposal and just highlight the things they like... JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

Why would I balance things? Pointing out true and valid points of critique on things that dont work, and offering ideas on future development is all that matters. Its funny how I got 'submit your own proposal or shut up' as an answer to input and critique previously, and now that we (as a group) did, it seems to be an issue we actually did.. DSE has a nice video in the works which shows more on our initial proposal and how it works. After the FAI proposal, we'll open it up for input and further development as a formation planning, briefing, debrief and possible judging method... JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

The documents posted here are what we needed to submit as to WHY and roughly about what we will present. The actual presentation is something we are still currently shaping/writing, and will focus mostly on what we want to show. Showing whats not working in the current system and how we believe to improve on that is part of that. Showing points for improvement there is also what will be highlighted. That aside...Id rather see you comment on the system when the complete details are out, instead of the tone and feeling the method lf presenting gives you.. JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

I dont claim to be as a person. But Im trying to make a case for a judging method that is or should/will be. If proposing a seperate/different idea is also not deemed correct, Im curious at which point anyone IS allowed input or comments on the system. After the presentation in two weeks, we will open a public forum/blog where all development will be shown, monitored and open to input and ideas. Its just a presentation to advocate a developmentplan. Not a ball and chain we want to put on anyones leg. JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

The system we are working on uses input from comments/ideas you posted on dz.com in the past as well. And we hope to further refine/update it as a community. The structure is also quite open, and we will be able to include any addition or complete revision, should new/better ideas come up, or flaws exposed demand so.. The biggest key IMHO is testing on real and virtual formation pictures, and seeing if the 100% clear, repeatable and always identical (when different people judge the same formation) results the software gives/scores, visualy match the score we all (looking at that picture) would logicaly expect. A completed record should be a quick, simple matter of objective measuring of parameters. Not creative rotating, scaling and moving. If 10 people judge a formation, 10 people should have similar results instantly. Regarding acceptance of a FINALIZED proposal by the FAI, its a one year process. We dont want to lock anyone in the community to a set of rules, by now (prematurely) submitting a set of rules, that isnt yet finalised, to rush for 2011 implementation. I hope thats something everyone submitting a FAI proposal sees. If you want to create a set of binding rules for the community, dont rush things, but take a step back to listen to critique and being open to improvements. Personaly I would have prefered one system the whole community worked on, instead of several ideas seperately developed/pushed because input/critique isnt accepted.. JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

The Dutch prrsentation isnt about acceptence of any system. Its a presentation showing the positive AND negative aspecs of all current judging systems, and proposing a plan for further cummunity-wide development, testing and input. Instead of rushing an incomplete system/method into a trial year for immidiate 2011 acceptance. And there is no real 'netherlands' system. The people involved with the development of what we are showing/proposing are spread throughout the community and include many big names in wingsuitflying throughout the world. Wanting to show a proposed method and suggesting a road/goal for a future final proposal for an actual trial year and future acceptance is our goal. More detailed information soon.. JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

Be glad its not being awarded post-mortem And it is nice to see programs become more and more accesable/less complex for everyone. Finaly letting creativity take a driver seat, instead of technical prowes and nerdyness.. JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

There are roughly 3 kinds of goggles/glasses Anaglyph 3D Coloured lens, usualy red/green (EU) or cyan/red (USA). These videos tend to have little to no colour (depending on choice of seperation colours by the creator). Works with one projector/TV. Having the wrong colour glasses (or bad compression) shows 'ghosting'. Mixing left/right together a bit. Ruining the 3d Effect. Sadly DV colourspace (4:1:1 or 4:2:0) isnt our friend here. But lets not go there. But HD is your friend. Keep thing sharp en highres. This is the most accesable and common used system. Polaroid glasses Works by un-even allignment of left/right polaroid filters (grab a pair of expensive polaroid sunglasses, look at the cheapo 3d specs you stole from the cinema and rotate those 90 degrees...you'll see the glasses 'switch' due to allignment matching of polaroid 'shuts') This technique uses 2 projectors and each lens had a left/right polaroid filter. Broadcasting at a vertical and horizontal wavelength so to speak. Which your glasses filter. If you hate 3d, watch with normal polaroid sunnies to see only1 eye/frame :p This system is most common in the newer 3d cinemas. Shutter glasses Film rolls at 50 fps. Showing left on even frames. Right on uneven ones. A bit like interlacing, but different left/right (full) frames. The glasses have a battery, and switch left/right on/of at 50hertz. So each eye sees 25 frames. Works with 1 screen/projector. There are even some solutions for 'pro-sumers' in this field (storing l/r in the even/uneven field, with shutters synced to camera. Some videogames also use this feature (cheaper than full VR goggles). There are a ton of other variations (tvs that dont use/need glasses even), but these are the main 3. Using cinema (polaroid or shutter) glasses at home is 99,9% useless (unless you have specialized playback equipment). Anaglyph is what you want. Quite often kids magazines running 3d features inude a pair.. As to shooting, make sure your subject is where camera allignment converges (otherwise you get headaches watching, as people are outside your focal plane). So vary subject/focal distance per shot you make. And Cato...great stuff (still). You inspired us to do a 3d wingsuit video 3 years ago. Ill also dig, to see if I can find an old vetsion to also upload. JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

People coming to the United Kingdom BPA AGM might get a sneak-peak at some of the footage. The web-dwellers will have to wait a few weeks longer (till the whole thing is finished) JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

I dont mind semi rigid parts. Its still a flying human. Heck, even jetboots or reversed rocket engines. But name it for what it is. Aerated water (throw some skydivers in a pool after hot taco night) or building a gazillion dollar slip and slide/themepark ride that (as Matt also says) could safely bring ANY skydiver in freefall down alive....its a cool stunt. But its a contraption landing someone. Just like a parachute. The wingsuit is only an aiming device in those ideas/plans. If you want to land a wingsuit. Than land a wingsuit. Though many talk about level flight in flyby's/dive, I have yet to see anyone show some actual proof on that one. Ive gotten the Stealth2 down to 8 to 10 mph fallrates on several flares past canopies. Which has you climb 'relative to a descending canopy', but still not flying level. 10 mph speeds seems doable in terms of (surviveable) verticle speed (Though still a massive hit to the chest...), but at that point, the forward speed is still killer. Trying to slow down the forward speed results in downward speed building up rapidly (stalling), before the forward speed is lost. I could see a small window, trying to find the middle ground between max flare, and full stall. But Id much rather reach my pilotchute, and grab a canopy for the time being. Take a look at all the proxi-flights past Bispen, and imagine touchdown during the lower flying. Even on a mountain/snow it seems like a small pebble, obstacle or uneven, non-lubricated bit of grass could ruin your day... And all that theoretical talk aside...(drifting). Land a wingsuit....by landing in a wingsuit, and using the wingsuit as the means of landing. Dont turn it into an episode of roadrunner... JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

How about some extra inflating ram-air wing, in a backpack, which unfolds before th ground comes to close.. We could attach ropes to the corners for steering and braking inputs! Sounds like a great concept! JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

We will also have a selection of videomaterial from the last few months, showing stuff from PF sponsored athlethes which isnt online anywhere (yet). Come check it oouuut! JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

If you make the video side by side (left/right) as a huge videofile, YouTube can do the anaglyph/sidebyside or whatever conversion for you. Check an example here JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

Hey everyone, Accompanied by our lovely ladies as booth-babes, Macca and I will be at the BPA AGM this upcoming weekend, for a drink, a talk and showing some of the new toys and plans for the coming season. If you're interested, just hop by the PF stand for a chat! See you all there! Cheers! JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?

Colour coordinated gear...its manditory! Looks good with the rig! JC FlyLikeBrick I'm an Athlete?