Understanding Motion Capture for Computer Animation / Edition 2

by Alberto Menache

Overview

Understanding Motion Capture for Computer Animation discusses the latest technology developments in digital design, film, games, medicine, sports, and security engineering. Motion capture records a live-motion event and translates it into a digital context. It is the technology that converts a live performance into a digital performance. In contrast, performance animation is the actual performance that brings life to the character, even without using technology. If motion capture is the collection of data that represents motion, performance animation is the character that a performer represents.

The book offers extensive information about motion capture. It includes state-of-the-art technology, methodology, and developments in the current motion-capture industry. In particular, the different ways to capture motions are discussed, including using cameras or electromagnetic fields in tracking a group of sensors. This book will be useful for students taking a course about digital filming, as well as for anyone who is interested in this topic.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780123814968
Publisher:	Elsevier Science
Publication date:	12/15/2010
Series:	Morgan Kaufmann Series in Computer Graphics Series
Pages:	276
Product dimensions:	7.40(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Alberto Menache founded Three Space Imagery, Inc. (TSi), a computer graphics and video game developer, in Los Angeles, where he and his team developed proprietary software for motion capture usage in animation. After selling his software to Motion Analysis Corporation, Menache moved on to Pacific Data Images, a computer graphics industry leader, where he is the lead character technical director at the commercial and film effects division. His latest production credits include the film Forces of Nature, commercials for SEGA, Circle K and Pillsbury, the award-winning music video for TLC's "Waterfalls", and dozens of video games, including Dark Ridge, Messiah and Soul Blade.

Table of Contents

1. Motion Capture Primer2. Motion Capture Case Studies and Controversy3. The Motion Capture Session4. The Motion Data5. Setting Up Your Character

AppendixA. Motion Capture Equipment and Software ManufacturersB. Motion Capture Service ProvidersC. Web Resources

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

The essential resource for anyone using motion capture for film, video, digital design, visualization, games, and more

Editorial Reviews

"Modern motion capture has proven to be a groundbreaking tool in VFX, when used properly. The latest edition of Understanding Motion Capture will help make sure that you know how and when to use this technology... and perhaps more importantly, when not to use it!" —Scott Stokdyk, Award winning Visual Effects Supervisor

From the Publisher