Recently a potential
customer approached Ariel Dynamics, Inc. with a request for a price
quote for a Ariel Performance Analysis System (APAS). This (same) potential customer
had also previously requested a quotation form Peak Technologies Inc., and hey forwarded
that original quotation to us so that we could prepare a direct comparison. The total
price form Ariel Dynamics, for a superior product and more extensive software, was significantly
less than the price quoted by Peak. Since
this was an actual quotation from Peak to a customer, we used it to provide the specific
comparison as we were requested to do. To share this information with you, I have deleted
the customer's name but I can produce the actual document should that be necessary. For
ease of reading, remarks are separated by dividing lines. However, also you can use the
"hot links" marked in different colors depending on which browser. you may be
using.
PEAK PERFORMANCE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
Re: The Peak5 System. Quotation Number (omitted
here)
Dear Mr. "Customer": (date)
Thank you for your interest in Peak's motion measurement
system. Enclosed is the quotation we discussed.
PEAK
The Peak 2D Core Module is a stand-alone product that
provides a wide variety of graphic and data analysis capabilities. The Peak 3D Module
appends to the 2D Core Module and can be used with up to six cameras. Two cameras are
sufficient to conduct 3D studies. However, for more detailed studies, such as gait, it is
recommended that a four-camera configuration be used. The strength of the Peak 2D/3D
(Semiautomatic) System is its ability to digitize in difficult conditions without the need
for body markers. However, to digitize more quickly, reflective markers can be used with
the Peak Automatic Tracking Module.
ARIEL
The Ariel Performance Analysis System (APAS)
core module is a 3D includes a 2D system which is merely a subset of the 3D System where
the "Z" coordinate equals zero. More hardware and/or expenses are NOT necessary
to perform a 3D analysis compaared with a 2D analysis. It is ridiculous and unreasonable
to charge more money to perform a 3D analysis.
The Ariel System includes both 3D and 2D in the core module
for the same price !!
The Ariel System includes 2 cameras for 3D/2D analysis in
the price. The APAS system can combined data from as many as 9 cameras. During the
digitizing process, the System operator can select the joint centers or points visually or
can choose the automatic identification option. The Ariel system utilize fractal
technology to locate markers automatically. The Automatic Tracking system is included in
the Core Module at no additional charge.
Additional detail are described in the Unique
Characteristics of The APAS System.
PEAK
For conversion of analog to digital data we have
the Peak Analog Sampling Module. This module consists of an acquisition board (16 channels
or 32 channels) and software. The Peak Analog Sampling Module can collect raw data signals
from EMG and EKG electrodes, force platform and other analog sources. The Peak Analog
Sampling Module is designed to be synchronized with the video analysis from the Peak 2D
and 3D systems.
To analyze EMG analog data it may be necessary to have an
EMG analysis software package. We suggest the use of software packages from Run
Technologies Inc. or from Noraxon Inc. These software packages are compatible with data
collected by the Peak Analog Sampling Module.
ARIEL
The basic standard Ariel System (APAS) core module provides
the Analog to Digital software and hardware including 32 channels. There are NO ADDITIONAL
COSTS for these features.
In addition, the customer need not rely on 3rd party
software suppliers for analog signal processing. Of course, if the customer wants to use
3rd party software, most PC compatible programs will run without difficulty. However, the
Ariel System (APAS) software was written by in-house engineers and programmers which is
superior to trying to coordinate programs provided by a 3rd party supplier. With the Ariel
System (APAS), the customer has to deal with only one vender--and it is our responsibility
to keep the customer satisfied. Therefore, there are no 3rd parties to blame for
incompatibility.
Additional details are described in the Unique
Characteristics of The APAS System.
PEAK
The Peak Force Platform Analysis Module provides
computations, graphics and reports that are unique to force platforms. The software is
compatible with Kistler, AMTI or Bertec platforms. This software is included with the
purchases of the Peak 3D Gait Analysis Module and can be purchased separately.
ARIEL
The Ariel System (APAS) includes the force plate
software to support all available plates. There is no need to purchase an additional Gait
software since everything is included in the core Module. For a customer to purchase
additional software such as Analog to Digital in addition to platform software, is
basically paying twice for the same thing!!!
Ariel Dynamics was the first company in the world to
integrate a Force Plate to the computer. (at that time Kistler was the only one). This was
in 1972.
Ariel Dynamics wrote the original Force Plate programs for
Kistler, Inc. Kistler distributed this software for years and then decided to copy it.
PEAK
During the first year after you purchase your
system, you are provided free access to our technical support staff. You will also
automatically receive all software upgrades that are released that year. After your
initial year, you can continue to maintain your Peak system by renewing your Technical
Customer Support contract, and purchasing new software upgrades.
ARIEL
The Ariel System (APAS) comes with free upgrades
regardless of the time since you purchased th System. The purchase of an APAS makes you a
member of our family of more then 5000 professionals. Support and software upgrades are an
integral part of the Ariel Dynamics corporate philosophy.
PEAK
All module hardware items and our list prices are detailed
in the attached quotation. If you decide to purchase hardware items elsewhere, please
contact us for the hardware specifications and computer compatibility requirements. Only
if the 486 AT compatible computer is purchased through Peak Performance Technologies, will
we guarantee the compatibility with our Peak Motion Measurement System.
ARIEL
The Ariel Performance Analysis System is compatible with
any IBM compatible computer. In fact, WHEN YOU PURCHASE THE APAS SYSTEM, ARIEL DYNAMICS
WILL provide a compatible APAS system on any number of computers in your facility, at no
additional charge!!!
Basically, you let us put the APAS
software on your other computers, any number of them. For example, if you have in your
laboratory additional 5 IBM compatible computers, Ariel Dynamics will install the software
on all 5 computers. These 5 computers can than be used as "work stations" for
your students and assistants. You can digitize, filter, transform, display, graph etc. on
full software systems !!
YOU JUST CANNOT BEAT THIS OFFER
THE BOTTOM LINE
PRICE DIFFERENCES
These prices were taken form the same
quotation described above.
ITEM |
PEAK PRICE |
ARIEL PRICE |
2D Core Module |
$24,000 |
(0 Included) |
Computer Subsystem |
$2,400 |
(0 Included) |
Laser Jet Printer |
$2,215 |
$950 |
Color printer 1200c |
$2,000 |
$1,200 |
Video Subsystem |
$7,000 |
(0 Included) |
High Speed Camera |
$10,300 |
$7,500 |
(Optional) |
Total 2D System |
$37,693 |
Included in the 3D system |
3D Module Software |
$16,000 |
Included in the 3d system |
2D+3D System |
$48,758 |
$10,000 (2D+3D) |
Automatic Tracking |
$12,400 |
(0 Included) |
Analog Module |
$9,500 |
(0 Included) |
Plate Module |
$5,000 |
(0 Included) |
Force Plate |
$18,765 |
$15,000 |
EMG Module |
$3,500 |
(0 Included) |
Noraxon's EMG |
$27,700 |
(0 Ariel EMG) |
Total EMG Module |
$31,230 |
(0 Included) |
Installation |
$3,080 |
(0 Not Necessary) |
Technical Support |
$500/year |
No Charge |
======================================================
Total 2D/3D System Including Analog
Module:
----------------PEAK=$123,000--------------ARIEL=$25,000
ARIEL SYSTEM=20 PERCENT OF PEAK
COST
WITH BETTER HARDWARE AND BETTER SOFTWARE!!!
Total 2D/3D System Including Force
Plate and EMG Systems:
----------------PEAK=$142,756--------------ARIEL=$35,000
========================================================
Imagine, you can purchase one APAS system
with the standard software and hardware, including cameras, EMG Analog Module etc.. In
addition, we will install the APAS on any number of computers in your laboratory, If you
provide, for example, 10 (ten) work stations in order to analyze and process the data on
separate computers. (We supply the Master computer and you supply the 10 Work Stations
computers.
All that for $25,000 !!!!!!
Or, you can buy one inferior system for
$123,000.
It is hard to believe. We invite you to
check with our customers and watch our server at:
/
Then, contact us. We would like to hear form
you.
CONCLUSIONS
You can pay for a 3D/2D system with
EMG and Force Plate $142,000 buying it form PEAK. or, pay 25,000 for the same, with much
better software capabilities, functions, and options, from ARIEL.
Without the force plate the Ariel
Performance Analysis System cost $10,000
For specific APAS information read the
Unique Characteristics of The APAS System.
For a very detailed information you can
download the full manual at FTP site.
If you are interested we will E-mail you the directions to download the manual. Our E-Mail
is:
info@arieldynamics.com.
Our server WWW address is at:
/
Thank you very much for your interest
from all of our staff at Ariel Dynamics Inc. |