Motion Capture: Webcam MoCap
For research I am exploring Webcam Motion Capture (MoCap), that doesn't require suits or hardware other than cameras. In the vast creative spectrum of animation, VXF, gaming, XR and general digital content creation, MoCap technology has long been a pivotal element of bringing characters, VXF and futuristic or imagined events to life. Traditionally, high-end MoCap systems required sophisticated equipment, limiting accessibility to a select few. However, the advent of Webcam MoCap, is aiding in bringing motion capture into the realms of being more accesable through software that utilises cameras found in common devices such as phones, tablets, computers and laptops.
I am focusing on full body capture so will not be exploring the range of facial mocap that exist unless they include the body in some way.
Kinect
The Kinect by Microsoft was a series of motion capture, mostly used for games. It was originally design not as type of controler that didnt require a handheld devise, it was versatile and was utalised not just for games but also exhibition and play. This devise was orginally designed to work with the Microsoft console.
Date: 2010
Camera: 640×480 pixels @ 30 Hz
Connection: USB
Cost: £100 — £150 (aprox)
(Website: N/A)
Rokoko
Rokoko Vision is just one of the varied services that Rokoko offers, but it is the only one that doesn't require their MoCap suits or hardware. Rokoko vision uses AI and cameras to provide real time motion capture. Alternatively you can upload a video to capture the motion from and animate characters. It has plugins for both Unity and Ureal.
Date: c.2023
Cost: Free (1 Camera) — £249 per year (Dual-Camera)
(Website: www.Rokoko.com)
Dollars Mo Cap
Dollars Mo Cap offers a range of motion capture and facial motion capture service but I am particularly interested in their Dollars MONO. Dollars Mono uses your camera to provide “…Facial and Full-Body Motion Capture with Finger Tracking…” which work with web cameras or video files. It has plugins for both Unity and Ureal.
Date: c.2023
Cost: £99 Lifetime licence
(Website: www.dollarsmocap.com)
