MoCap for Artists: Workflow and Techniques for Motion Capture

by Midori Kitagawa, Brian Windsor

Overview

Make motion capture part of your graphics and effects arsenal. This introduction to motion capture principles and techniques delivers a working understanding of today's state-of-the-art systems and workflows without the arcane pseudocodes and equations. Learn about the alternative systems, how they have evolved, and how they are typically used, as well as tried-and-true workflows that you can put to work for optimal effect. Demo files and tutorials provided on the downloadable resources deliver first-hand experience with some of the core processes.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780240810003
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	03/24/2008
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	232
Product dimensions:	7.50(w) x 9.75(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

As an associate professor in the Arts and Technology (ATEC) program at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) Midori teaches 3D computer animation and motion capture. Prior to joining UTD, she taught at the Ohio State University's Advanced Computing Center for the Arts and Design (ACCAD) for 10 years. Prof. Kitagawa's former advisees are contributing to the field of computer animation at educational institutions and at leading production companies, such as Pixar, Blue Sky, and PDI. Prof. Kitagawa holds a Ph.D. degree in visualization science from Texas A&M University, a M.A. degree in computer graphics and animation from the Ohio State University, and a B.F.A. degree in painting from Joshibi University in Tokyo, Japan. Brian Windsor is a graphics researcher at the Advanced Computing Center for the Arts and Design (ACCAD) at the Ohio State University, where he manages the motion capture lab, teaches motion capture, helps students and other departments with motion capture related issues, and works on research in how to use puppetry with motion graphics. In 2007 he received the Jim Henson Award for Innovation for his work with puppetry and motion capture. Brian has contributed to over 2 dozen video games and 5 features in the past. He has also given numerous lectures, has been published in several journals, and continues to promote motion capture, video game technology, and computer graphics.

Table of Contents

An overview and history of motion capture; Pre-production and pipeline; Cleaning and editing data; Data Application - Intro Level: Simplest pipeline ever!; Data Application - Intermediate Level: Composing and decomposing motions; Data Application - Advanced Level: Integrating data with character rigs; Hand Motion Capture; Facial Motion Capture; Mocap data and math

Editorial Reviews

". provides a comprehensive motion capture foundation for 3D artists at any level of experience. It's well organized, interesting, and articulate... I'm making it required reading for our technical directors!" - Michael McCormick, co-Founder/director, Pendulum

". clearly explains the motion editing concepts and techniques one needs . a great resource for animators .." - Bill Lorton, senior software engineer, Giant Studios

"From the history of the technology to practical examples of how to plan for and work directly with the data, this book is an excellent resource .." - Demian Gordon, chairman, Motion Capture Society; motion capture supervisor, Sony Pictures, Imageworks

"From the history of the technology to practical examples of how to plan for and work directly with the data, this book is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to know more about Motion Capture."
— Demian Gordon, Chairman, Motion Capture Society; Motion Capture Supervisor, Sony Pictures, Imageworks

"'Mocap For Artists' clearly explains the motion editing concepts and techniques one needs when working with motion capture. It is a great resource for animators looking to enter the emerging MoCap marketplace. I look forward to having it in my library."
— Bill Lorton, Senior Software Engineer, Giant Studios

"MoCap for Artists provides a comprehensive motion capture foundation for 3D artists at any level of experience. It's well organized, interesting, and articulate, making it ideal for both the classroom and independent study. In fact, I'm making it required reading for our technical directors!"
— Michael McCormick, Co-Founder / Director, Pendulum

"MoCap for Artists combines the technical and practical approaches to motion capture into a form fit to serve as a foundation for understanding the craft. From the historical beginnings to solving specific problems in today's animation environment this book leads the reader to a complete understanding of motion capture systems and their use in production."
— Tim McLaughlin, Department Head, Department of Visualization at Texas A&M University; former Creature Supervisor at Industrial Light & Magic

From the Publisher