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Motion Capture
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| Human Realistic Motion and Animation |
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Motion capture has recently become the leading edge technology in 3D animation for film and video games. It is the process of digitally recording and mapping the movements of a performer to a digital character. The movements and interactions of actors with objects or other actors are recorded several times a second. The system however is unable to record the appearance of the actor. The movements are recorded as "animation data" and from this, any digitally created model can take on the motion of the actor. Another feature of a motion capture system is that is can record data about the camera and props. Therefore the digital artist can maintain the same perspective as the actual recording camera. Motion capture systems are still in their early stages and have plenty of room to improve. With improvements to motion capture and digital modeling the possibilities of visual effects are endless. |
Systems Passive optical systems use reflective markers that reflect light that created close to the camera lens. The movement of each marker is estimated and recorded on a 2 dimensional scale. Modulated active marker optical systems are extremely effective as they provide real time feedback. That is, as the movements by the actor are being made, a 3D model is rendered and takes on the movements of the actors. The system gets its name by modulating the amplitude of the motion tracking which provides each marker with a unique ID. This eliminates marker swapping and provides better accuracy and resolution than passive optical systems. Active marker optical systems are the most expensive and perhaps most effective. The system uses markers that emit their own LED rather than reflecting generated light sources. Using state of the art software, a computer can identify each marker and their relative positions. This systems also allows capturing of more data and at further distances. A large scene with many actors would need such a system. Inertial systems are effective systems for sensoring and capturing full body motion. These systems are different in that they do not use markers but instead use inertial sensors. Therefore there is no need for light emission or reflection and markers. Insead relative motions are transmitted wirelessly to the recording software. Inertial systems work much like Nintendo Wii controllers. |
 Full body motion capture system |
Magnetic systems use relative magnetic flux of coils to calculate positions and relative motion. By mapping the relative intensity of voltage and current, a magnetic system can calculate each position and orientation. However, due to the systems use of magnetic flux, the system can be inaccurate if the environment has any magnetic or electrical interference (computers, lights, etc.). Also, the system does not have as much capacity or range. |
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| Video |
Motion capture session for EA Sports FIFA 2007 |
Motion capture as a new age technology |
Motion capture from The Matrix |