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Understanding Motion Capture for Computer Animation and Video Games

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ISBN-10: 0124906303

ISBN-13: 9780124906303

Edition: 2000

Authors: Alberto Menache

List price: $63.95
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The controversial art and practice of modern character animation using motion capture is explored in this book. It offers a complete introduction to and analysis of the science and practice of motion capture.
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Book details

List price: $63.95
Copyright year: 2000
Publisher: Elsevier Science & Technology Books
Publication date: 9/27/1999
Binding: Paperback
Pages: 238
Size: 7.25" wide x 9.25" long x 0.75" tall
Weight: 1.188
Language: English

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.

Acknowledgments
Introduction
Motion Capture Primer
Motion Capture and Performance Animation
History of Performance Animation in the Entertainment Field
The Rotoscope
"Brilliance"
Pacific Data Images
deGraf/Wahrman
Kleiser-Walczak Construction Company
Homer and Associates
Types of Motion Capture
Optical Motion Capture Systems
Electromagnetic Trackers
Electromechanical Suits
Digital Armatures
Other Motion Capture Systems
Applications of Motion Capture
Medicine
Sports
The Entertainment Industry
Law
The Motion Capture Controversy
Motion Capture Perspectives
Motion Capture and the Media
Motion Capture Stories
Total Recall
Shell Oil
Marvin the Martian in the 3rd Dimension
The Pillsbury Doughboy
Batman and Robin
The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest
Shrek
Godzilla
Sinbad: Beyond the Veil of Mists
The Motion Capture Session
Deciding to Use Motion Capture
Do You Want Realistic Motion?
Can You Successfully Capture the Data?
Preparing for the Session
Using an External Motion Capture Service Provider
Props and Rigs
Talent
Designing the Marker Positions
Capture Schedule
Rehearsals
During the Session
The Base Position
Directing the Motion Capture Session
Summary
The Motion Data
Motion Data Types and Formats
The Acclaim File Format
The .bva File Format
The .bvh File Format
The .trc File Format
The .htr File Format
Writing a Motion Capture Translator
Setting Up Your Character
Setting Up a Character with Rotational Data
Setting Up a Character with Translational Data
Creating the Internal Skeleton
Tips and Tricks
Switching the Order of Rotations
Distribution of Rotations
Interpolation
Keyframe Reduction
Readaptation of Captured Data
Conclusion
Motion Capture Equipment and Software Manufacturers
Optical Tracking Systems
Electromagnetic Tracking Systems
Electromechanical Tracking Systems
Hand Tracking Devices
Other Tracking Technologies
Motion Capture Service Bureaus and Virtual Content Providers
Other Sources
Software
Miscellaneous Resources
Index