Social Interaction Lab
 | This page is currently under construction. |
| Location | MM 00.453 |
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The Social Interaction Lab is designed as a flexible space for observing and recording social interactions between two or more individuals. It can also be used to record AV stimuli.
Physical Properties
The lab measures about 4x5m, with a high ceiling of 3.8m. The floor is carpeted, and all 4 walls (incuding the door) can be covered with dark green curtains to minimize reverb and provide a darker, more uniform video background. The lab does not contain any fixed setup of equipment or furniture, except for a skyrail system to which cameras, microphones, lights, and other gear can be suspended.
Equipment
Video Recording
The Social Interaction Lab is equipped with Canon XF405 Camcorders. They are connected to a recording PC via SDI, where up to 4 cameras can be recorded simultaneously using Metus INGEST software. Note: recording resolution of the XF405 is limited to 1080p over SDI. For 4K recording, you will have to use SD cards.
Camcorders are mounted on motorized pan-tilt heads, which can be operated remotely, so you can adjust the camera angle at any moment. Some camera settings can also be adjusted remotely.
Lighting
When recording video, we recommend placing additional lights in the lab to create more even lighting of your subject(s). The regular lab lights, while flicker-free, can create harsh shadows and banding issues.
Available lighting equipment
- 2x Amaran F22x LED panel (60*60cm, 200W, Bi-Color)[1]
- 2x Amaran F21x LED panel (60*30cm, 100W, Bi-Color)
- 1x Amaran F21c LED panel (60x30cm, 100W, RGBWW)
- 2x Amaran COB 60xS (60W, Bi-Color)[1]
Modifiers:
- 1x Lantern for Amaran F22x
- 2x Barn doors for Amaran COB.
Audio Recording
For recording audio (along with video, or separately), we typically use Sennheiser MKE600 shotgun microphones, boomed overhead. There are typically up to 4 such microphones available in the lab; the exact amount and positioning will depend on your situation.
Microphones can be simultaneously connected to a camera (for recording on video) and an LSL streaming device, e.g. for synchronising audio and video to other measurement devices.
Motion Capture
The Social Interaction Lab is home to a Qualisys system consisting of 10 Miqus Hybrid cameras. These cameras can be used for both marker tracking and markerless tracking.
If you wish to use motion capture in your experiment, or for creating stimuli, please contact the TSG. They will help you with camera placement and settings for optimal recording quality, as well as instruct you on how to use the system [2]
Usage
Contact the TSG for instructions.