The features and advantages of motion capture technology

Mocap or motion capture is a technology used to record human motion and

movement. The captured data of actual human motion is used for doing the

animation of digital games, movies, animated shows, television ads and virtual

environments. Mocap is basically used in sports, medical, entertainment and

military. This technology is named for delivering short turnaround times and

flexibility in capturing data. It saves up to 80% of the time of post-processing in

order to release smooth and clear data with real-time visualization. The

technology basically features attached inertial sensors with the body in the

form of a special type of suit.

Advantages of motion capture system

The best part of this system is that this can be used in both indoors and

outdoors which gives you freedom to move because of no use of camera. This is

very easy to use with less setting of time. This displays the on-screen

visualization in the real time.

1. Improved flexibility.

2. Limitless volume capture.

3. Smooth and clean motion capture.

4. Faster turnaround time.

5. Performs visualization of motion capture in the real time.

6. Saves post-processing time of up to 80%.

7. Easy setup within shorter time.

8. User-friendly and fast.

9. Easy to wear under clothes.

10. Have readymade pipelines for various popular motion editors like Autodesk

Maya, MotionBuilder, 3DS Max and SoftImage LightWave.

Features of the software

1. Real time playback, visualization and editing of mocap data.

2. Record the data of motion capture easily.

3. Advanced models of human body capable to provide the output of about 23

segments of body.

4. Capable to export the data of various file formats of motion capture like BVH

and FBX.

5. Interactive interface of editing.

6. Seamless integration of plug-in with various tools including Autodesk

MotionBuilder.

7. Remote control with time synchronization.

Tips to conduct motion capture session successfully

Since special markers and cumbersome jackets are not required for the

application, the marker-less motion capture technology evolves with

spontaneous beauty. However, this doesn’t mean that you don’t have to make a

little bit planning for that. You have to be organized well in order to conduct

the task of motion capture. In order to prevent a lot of anxiety, you have to be

organized with these 5 most essential tips to have successful session of motion

capture.

1. Prepare the list of all shots: Motion capture is quite much similar to

direction of live action. You have to prepare the list of all shots you want to

capture. The list should be well-organized that actor can understand it easily.

For instance, in case two actors need to do shot at the same time, the list

should be organized next with one another. You can use props or any other

special settings if the time of any shot is same. This is quite convenient to

prepare a shot list.

2. A single place is enough to capture all information: All you need to have

a particular place to do all these actions in the real time. Most of the items are

related to the recording information of the same shot. In this way, MS Excel or

another same worksheet can do well with it. For each important data, plan a

single worksheet with labeled columns. Record general information like date

and project name in the top of the list so that you can get started with having

the motion capture tracking.

3. Manage the names of the files of motion capture: Here you need some

key things that can merge critical data but it should not be too long and

tedious. Basically, the names should be capable to indicate the scene, action,

character and take the proper numbers. This can save a lot of time.

4. Keep all the characters ready: It can be less or more critical depending

upon what is performing by you. In this way, you might be in a condition that

is not yet finalized of a character. In this way, you can see the status of motion

capture by using some advanced tools like Motion Capture in order to

understand that the working of the tool. This would be much better if you see

the look of the character before.

5. Explain what your plan and then review: A strong communication is most

important in this stage when you are working as a director. If you have a

strong plan regarding working with the full session of motion capture, you

should tell the entire plan to the team and get their reviews regarding your

plan. Communication is the key thing when teamwork comes in consideration.

Plan with the whole team and get the review with the complete and managed

shot list. If anyone has idea about making it more efficient which is better than

yours, then address it accordingly in your plan. When the session gets started,

you have no time to plan and you have to drive the process according to the list

of all shots. After the completion of session, get the reviews of the results from

the team and cross check everything that you need.

When it comes to the future of motion capture, they are going marker-less with

having advanced machines and equipments. The need of cumbersome jackets

and suits will properly be avoided. Today, motion capture technology is directly

being used by the developers, animators and the educational experts with

having the critical effort in the field of modern technology. In this way, Motion

Builder and Open Stage 2 play a great role in completing the task of motion

capture of the human objects. Both of these tools are very frequent and helpful

to capture the data and allow the game developers and animators to do their

task on it accordingly.

Conclusion

Today, the motion capture technology becomes more advanced and is using in

various fields including medical, entertainment and military. With having

advanced tools of Autodesk and Open Stage 2, all the tasks of motion captures

become user-oriented and simple to understand.