MoCap
Rasmus Vahtra
MoCap aka Motion Capture is a technology used to animate 3D models in a computer. In Motion Capture, the animations are done in real life and the movements are recorded with cameras. In most cases, special markers are used in order to keep track of model movements, so that the camera and the recording software would know what to track.
The purpose of this project is to replicate a motion capture studio without the technology that costs thousands of dollars and attempt to produce a viable product.
General plan
1) Scene setup of 4 cameras (most likely Canon 100D models)
2) Suit creation based on results from marker tests
3) Animation capture by filming an actor
4) Marker sync in motion software, e.g SynthEyes
5) Repeat any steps according to test results and based on necessity
6) Map captured animation to a rigid 3D model
7) Render a final result
Viable product - an animation clip, where a 3D model, which has been animated with Motion Capture, has smooth, beautiful to look at animation. (Something that could be proudly presented on YouTube for example)
Milestone 1 (29.02)
- First studio assembly
- Test prototype markers
Milestone 2 (14.03)
- Develop deeper understanding of SynthEyes
- Tracker marking in one of the scene recordings (or more if everything works)
- Attempt preparing an animation sequence for 3D model
Milestone 3 (28.03)
- Evalute present issues - find and attempt fixes for problematic ones
- Find a suitable place to use exported animation (with a suitable model if possible)
Milestone 4 (11.04)
- Test new marker types (LED, mini-balls)
- Finish first animation test in Blender (either success of failure)
Milestone 5 (25.04)
- Learn more about Blender environment and explore options on making animation smoother
- Plan next animation project (e.g dance)
Milestone 6 (09.05)
- Film another test video with new markers; test the tracking in the new video.