Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Heavy Rain creators produce 'Kara' PS3 tech-demo (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/08/quantic-dream-kara-demo/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/08/quantic-dream-kara-demo/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/08/quantic-dream-kara-demo/#comments Heavy Rain creator David Cage was showing off Quantic Dream's new game engine at GDC, which includes an innovative new performance-capture technology the company's developed. He's directed a seven-minute original short called Kara, which is the story of a female android as she becomes self-aware. Unlike traditional game production methods, this technology is able to record face and body movements at the same time as recording the actors voice -- ensuring natural and consistent performances from the characters. Actress Valorie Curry wore 90 sensors on her face, unlike in, say, Avatar, where the performers wore head-mounted cameras. Cage promises that the short is nothing more than a demo (it was rendered in real-time on a PlayStation 3) and none of these elements will appear in his next game. You can catch the impressive-looking footage after the break with one disclaimer: there's nudity throughout and a reference to adult themes, okay?

Continue reading Heavy Rain creators produce 'Kara' PS3 tech-demo (video)

Heavy Rain creators produce 'Kara' PS3 tech-demo (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>David CageDavidCageGame Developers ConferenceGame Developers Conference 2012GameDevelopersConferenceGameDevelopersConference2012GDCGDC 2012Gdc2012Heavy RainHeavyRainKaraMotion CaptureMotionCapturePlayStationPlayStation 3Playstation3PS3PS3 Tech DemoPs3TechDemoQuantic DreamQuanticDreamSonySony PlayStation 3SonyPlaystation3Tech DemoTechDemovideoThu, 08 Mar 2012 19:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Hey yo, T(ether) technology tracks rap gestures in 3D]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/20/hey-yo-t-ether-technology-tracks-rap-gestures-in-3d/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/20/hey-yo-t-ether-technology-tracks-rap-gestures-in-3d/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/20/hey-yo-t-ether-technology-tracks-rap-gestures-in-3d/#comments T(ether) is a bit like that amazing Reality Fighters game we saw on the PS Vita, except it's more tranquil and it works slightly differently. The tablet-based technology uses motion capture cameras to track users' heads and the orientation of the device itself, building a 1:1 spatial connection between real and virtual coordinates and allowing "intuitive interaction with volumetric data." As you'll see in the clip after the break, this equates to some pretty neat tricks. And, if you throw in multiple users wearing motion-tracked gloves, things get even more Eastside.

Continue reading Hey yo, T(ether) technology tracks rap gestures in 3D

Hey yo, T(ether) technology tracks rap gestures in 3D originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 18:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ARaugmented realityAugmentedRealityglovegloveshead-trackingMITMIT Media LabsMitMediaLabsmotion capturemotion capture cameraMotionCaptureMotionCaptureCameraspatial mappingSpatialMappingtetheruser trackingUserTrackingvideovirtual realityVirtualRealityVRThu, 20 Oct 2011 18:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Researchers demo 3D face scanning breakthroughs at SIGGRAPH, Kinect crowd squarely targeted]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/10/researchers-demo-3d-face-scanning-breakthroughs-at-siggraph-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/10/researchers-demo-3d-face-scanning-breakthroughs-at-siggraph-kin/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/10/researchers-demo-3d-face-scanning-breakthroughs-at-siggraph-kin/#comments Lookin' to get your Grown Nerd on? Look no further. We just sat through 1.5 hours of high-brow technobabble here at SIGGRAPH 2011, where a gaggle of gurus with IQs far, far higher than ours explained in detail what the future of 3D face scanning would hold. Scientists from ETH Zürich, Texas A&M, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Carnegie Mellon University as well as a variety of folks from Microsoft Research and Disney Research labs were on hand, with each subset revealing a slightly different technique to solving an all-too-similar problem: painfully accurate 3D face tracking. Haoda Huang et al. revealed a highly technical new method that involved the combination of marker-based motion capture with 3D scanning in an effort to overcome drift, while Thabo Beeler et al. took a drastically different approach.

Those folks relied on a markerless system that used a well-lit, multi-camera system to overcome occlusion, with anchor frames acting as staples in the success of its capture abilities. J. Rafael Tena et al. developed "a method that not only translates the motions of actors into a three-dimensional face model, but also subdivides it into facial regions that enable animators to intuitively create the poses they need." Naturally, this one's most useful for animators and designers, but the first system detailed is obviously gunning to work on lower-cost devices -- Microsoft's Kinect was specifically mentioned, and it doesn't take a seasoned imagination to see how in-home facial scanning could lead to far more interactive games and augmented reality sessions. The full shebang can be grokked by diving into the links below, but we'd advise you to set aside a few hours (and rest up beforehand).

Gallery: Researchers demo 3D face scanning breakthroughs at SIGGRAPH 2011

Continue reading Researchers demo 3D face scanning breakthroughs at SIGGRAPH, Kinect crowd squarely targeted

Researchers demo 3D face scanning breakthroughs at SIGGRAPH, Kinect crowd squarely targeted originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 21:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d3d scanning3dScanninganimationARaugmented realityAugmentedRealitycmudisneydisney researchDisneyResearchfacial scanningFacialScanningkinectmarkermicrosoftMicrosoft ResearchMicrosoftResearchmo capmo-capMoCapmotion captureMotionCaptureresearchscanscanningsiggraphsiggraph 2011Siggraph2011universityvideoWed, 10 Aug 2011 21:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Organic Motion's OpenStage motion capture system grabs 200FPS, no backdrop required (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/10/organic-motions-openstage-motion-capture-system-grabs-200fps-n/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/10/organic-motions-openstage-motion-capture-system-grabs-200fps-n/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/10/organic-motions-openstage-motion-capture-system-grabs-200fps-n/#comments At just under $40,000 for an eight camera setup, we're hardly in hobbyist territory here, but Organic Motion's new OpenStage 2.0 motion capture system could certainly make do in the average basement. Unlike a few competing solutions shown here at SIGGRAPH, this one actually has no backdrop mandate, and better still, doesn't require you to latch a single sensor onto your subject. The magic lies within the cameras hung above -- kits are sold that contain between eight and 24 cameras, and even the latter can be handled with a single workstation. Multi-person tracking ain't no thang, and while you aren't capturing HD footage here, the high-speed VGA capability enables up to 200 frames per second to be logged. Not surprisingly, the company's aiming this squarely at the animation and medical realms, and should start shipping bundles as early as next month. Looking to take down Pixar? You'll need a lot more than 40 large, but perhaps the video after the break will give you a bit of inspiration.

Gallery: Organic Motion's OpenStage motion capture system grabs 200FPS at SIGGRAPH

Continue reading Organic Motion's OpenStage motion capture system grabs 200FPS, no backdrop required (video)

Organic Motion's OpenStage motion capture system grabs 200FPS, no backdrop required (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Aug 2011 10:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d3d animation3dAnimationanimationcameracameraseducationhands-onmo capMoCapmotion captureMotionCaptureopenstageOrganic MotionOrganicMotionsiggraphsiggraph 2011Siggraph2011softwarevideoWed, 10 Aug 2011 10:37:00 EST<![CDATA[SoftEther's sensor-laden QUMA robot demonstrates poses, intimidates your acting coach (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/24/softethers-sensor-laden-quma-robot-demonstrates-poses-intimida/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/24/softethers-sensor-laden-quma-robot-demonstrates-poses-intimida/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/24/softethers-sensor-laden-quma-robot-demonstrates-poses-intimida/#comments A solution in search of a problem, or a solution to a problem that you were too proud to cop to? SoftEther has just revealed what might be the final blow to Barbie's distinguished career: the sensor-splashed QUMA. So far as we can tell, the human-shaped puppet contains a myriad sensors to pick up precise bends and flexes, and then pipes that information to a screen. Aside from showing your team of ballerinas exactly how their routine should look, we're guessing that the real future here is in far more sophisticated tasks -- things like artificial intelligence, major motion pictures and scientific research. As the saying goes, a video's worth a zillion words, so have a peek for yourself just after the break.

Continue reading SoftEther's sensor-laden QUMA robot demonstrates poses, intimidates your acting coach (video)

SoftEther's sensor-laden QUMA robot demonstrates poses, intimidates your acting coach (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 24 Jul 2011 15:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d3d modeling3dModelingjapanjapanesemodelmotion captureMotionCaptureposingqumarobotsensorsensorssoftethervideoSun, 24 Jul 2011 15:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Aiken Labs brings 9-axis modular motion sensing to Android, we go hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/aiken-labs-brings-9-axis-modular-motion-sensing-to-android-we-g/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/aiken-labs-brings-9-axis-modular-motion-sensing-to-android-we-g/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/aiken-labs-brings-9-axis-modular-motion-sensing-to-android-we-g/#comments
We already had a chance to try out Immersive Motion from Aiken Labs at CES, but now the nine-axis modular sensing system is making its way to Android and other mobile platforms, including iOS and Windows Phone. The more compact battery-powered server brings motion-controlled gaming to mobile environments, capturing position data from matchbox-size modular sensors that you can tape to a wooden sword or Viking helmet for live-action outdoor role-playing, or on you paws and dome during a virtual jam session with friends, for example. The mobile kit includes a pair of wireless sensors with a 50-foot range that you can attach to literally any accessory or appendage, and is expected to sell for about $300 when it ships later this year. You'll also be able to connect up to two smaller wired sensors to each wireless sensor, for about $50 a pop.

The kit's price tag makes it cost-prohibitive for all but the most hardcore gamers and devs (there's an SDK available as well), but Aiken hopes to make its flagship product more affordable if its able to sell the kits in high volume. The tool has applications in other industries as well, including research and Hollywood, where it could be used as a (relatively) low-cost outdoor motion-capture suit. The early version we saw at E3 today is definitely not ready to head to production, but we're still months away from an actual release, giving Aiken some time to improve accuracy, and perhaps find a way to reduce that price. Jump past the break to see how it works.

Gallery: Aiken Labs Immersive Motion for Mobile Hands-On


Tim Stevens contributed to this report.

Continue reading Aiken Labs brings 9-axis modular motion sensing to Android, we go hands-on (video)

Aiken Labs brings 9-axis modular motion sensing to Android, we go hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 20:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9DOFAiken LabsAikenLabsandroidChris AikenChrisAikene3e3 2011e3 expoE32011E3Expogaminghands-onhead trackingHeadTrackingIMUinertial measurement unitsInertialMeasurementUnitsiosmobile gamingMobileGamingmocapmotion capturemotion controllerMotion sensingmotion trackingMotionCaptureMotionControllerMotionSensingMotionTrackingvideowindows phonewindows phone 7WindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7Wed, 08 Jun 2011 20:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect keeps surgeons on task, Nintendo 3DS might assist optometrists with diagnoses]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/21/kinect-keeps-surgeons-on-task-nintendo-3ds-might-assist-optomet/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/21/kinect-keeps-surgeons-on-task-nintendo-3ds-might-assist-optomet/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/21/kinect-keeps-surgeons-on-task-nintendo-3ds-might-assist-optomet/#comments
The latest generation of gaming gadgets do some nifty tricks, and one of the niftiest they might perform is assisting the realm of medicine. Microsoft's Kinect sounded like a candidate for surgery, and this month real-life surgeons have actually put it to use -- Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto, Canada rigged the Xbox 360 depth camera to its medical imaging computer. Now, doctors don't have to scrub out to manipulate an MRI scan, or even appoint a peon to the task -- rather, they simply raise their bloodied glove, and dive into the digital imagery with a wave of a dextrous hand.

Meanwhile, the American Optometric Association has expanded upon its initial praise of Nintendo's 3DS, saying the autostereoscopic 3D handheld "could be a godsend for identifying kids under 6 who need vision therapy." Though Nintendo's warning labels had originally incited a bit of fear among parents, the organization says that kids who can't experience the 3DS to its full potential may have amblyopia (or other vision disorders) that can be more easily treated the earlier it's caught, though one doctor interviewed by the Associated Press contends that kids with amblyopia may not know what they're missing to begin with -- so don't necessarily expect a panacea, folks.

Kinect keeps surgeons on task, Nintendo 3DS might assist optometrists with diagnoses originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 07:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3D3DSAmerian Optometric AssociationAmerianOptometricAssociationautostereoscopicdoctoreyesightgaminghackhackshealthhospitalhospitalsKinectmedicalmedicineMicrosoftmodmodsmotion capturemotion sensingmotion trackingMotionCaptureMotionSensingMotionTrackingNintendoNintendo 3DSNintendo3dsoptometristoptometristsoptometrysightstereoscopic 3DStereoscopic3dSunnybrookSunnybrook HospitalSunnybrookHospitalsurgeonsurgeryMon, 21 Mar 2011 07:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect hacked for home automation, does your mood lighting for you (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/11/kinect-hacked-for-home-automation-does-your-mood-lighting-for-y/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/11/kinect-hacked-for-home-automation-does-your-mood-lighting-for-y/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/11/kinect-hacked-for-home-automation-does-your-mood-lighting-for-y/#comments Microsoft's Kinect has become quite the hacking hotbed -- the fields of medicine, music, and even shadow puppeteering have all benefitted from the peripheral's incredible versatility. And now, to the delight of home automation nerds everywhere, an enterprising young hacker has rigged a Kinect to automate the lighting in his home. By positioning the camera bar in a corner to track his movements, connecting it to the automation controller, and coding on / off commands, he's able to control the lights throughout his geektastic domicile. The automation logic then turns on the lights when entering the room, localizes them according to location, and turns them off upon leaving. One less thing to worry about -- here's hoping a method for spotting our perpetually misplaced keys is in version 2.0. Vid's after the break.

Continue reading Kinect hacked for home automation, does your mood lighting for you (video)

Kinect hacked for home automation, does your mood lighting for you (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hackhackshome automationHomeAutomationkinectkinect hackKinectHackmicrosoftmodmodsmotion captureMotionCapturevideoxbox 360Xbox360Fri, 11 Mar 2011 11:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Lockheed Martin's CHIL blends motion capture with VR, creates zombie engineers (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/28/lockheed-martins-chil-blends-motion-capture-with-vr-creates-zo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/28/lockheed-martins-chil-blends-motion-capture-with-vr-creates-zo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/28/lockheed-martins-chil-blends-motion-capture-with-vr-creates-zo/#commentsLockheed Martin's CHIL blends motion capture with VR, lets engineers do the robot at work (video) Computer-aided design is a great way to build products, but does it let you bust a funky move while wearing some crazy glasses and gloves? Heck no. You need Lockheed Martin's CHIL for that. It's the Collaborative Human Immersive Laboratory, virtual reality goggles and gloves combined with motion capture enabling teams of engineers to work together in a virtual space. You can see it in action below, used first for installing polygonal munitions into a rendered version of one of the company's F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, then for doing a little VR tai chi. A Lockheed rep promises that this enables the team to ensure the plane can be more easily and affordably maintained, but we just see this as high-tech training tool for the company's world-renowned synchronized dance teams.

Continue reading Lockheed Martin's CHIL blends motion capture with VR, creates zombie engineers (video)

Lockheed Martin's CHIL blends motion capture with VR, creates zombie engineers (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chilcollaborative human immersive laboratoryCollaborativeHumanImmersiveLaboratoryf35joint strike fighterJointStrikeFighterjsflockheed martinLockheedMartinmotion captureMotionCapturevideovirtual realityVirtualRealityvrFri, 28 Jan 2011 12:46:00 EST<![CDATA[L.A. Noire's amazing MotionScan facial capture system demonstrated (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/17/l-a-noires-amazing-motionscan-facial-capture-system-demonstrat/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/17/l-a-noires-amazing-motionscan-facial-capture-system-demonstrat/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/17/l-a-noires-amazing-motionscan-facial-capture-system-demonstrat/#commentsL.A. Noire's amazing facial motion capture system demonstrated (video) In gaming, 3D graphics get more powerful, environments get more expansive, enemies get more intelligent, but still facial animations haven't progressed much since Pac-Man chomped his first power pellet in 1980. Finally, a major breakthrough courtesy of Australian company Depth Analysis. It has developed technology called MotionScan, which enables a high-res 3D recreation of a person's face -- not just capturing bits and pieces of facial animation but their entire head, right down to the hairstyle. It's getting its first use in next year's L.A. Noire, a 1940s PS3 and Xbox 360 murder mystery game from Rockstar, and while we don't know enough about the title to be able to say whether it's worth plunking down a pre-order now, after watching the video embedded below it's clear that the bar has been raised.

Continue reading L.A. Noire's amazing MotionScan facial capture system demonstrated (video)

L.A. Noire's amazing MotionScan facial capture system demonstrated (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d3d motion capture3dMotionCapturedepth analysisDepthAnalysisl.a. noireL.a.Noiremo capmo-capMoCapmotion captureMotionCapturemotionscanrockstarvideoFri, 17 Dec 2010 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Hack turns Kinect into 3D video capture tool]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/14/hack-turns-kinect-into-mindblowing-3d-video-capture-tool/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/14/hack-turns-kinect-into-mindblowing-3d-video-capture-tool/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/14/hack-turns-kinect-into-mindblowing-3d-video-capture-tool/#comments We all knew this would inevitably happen, but seeing it in action is something else -- the Kinect transformed by the power of open-source drivers into a true 3D video camera for capturing oneself. UC Davis visualization researcher Oliver Kreylos fed the streams from his peripheral's infrared and color cameras into a custom program that interpolated and reconstructed the result, generating a mildly mindblowing 3D virtual reality environment he can manipulate at will. And if it makes him look a little bit like the proficiently penciled protagonists in Take On Me, that's just the cherry on top. Don't miss the videos after the break to see what we're talking about.

Continue reading Hack turns Kinect into 3D video capture tool

Hack turns Kinect into 3D video capture tool originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 14 Nov 2010 20:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3D3d graphics3D video3dGraphics3dVideographicshackhackskinectmicrosoftmicrosoft kinectMicrosoftKinectmodmodsmotion captureMotionCaptureOliver KreylosOliverKreylosvideoXboxXbox 360Xbox360Sun, 14 Nov 2010 20:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Motion capture game teaches tween girls to avoid the come-ons of boys from the Metaverse]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/29/motion-capture-game-teaches-tween-girls-to-avoid-the-come-ons-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/29/motion-capture-game-teaches-tween-girls-to-avoid-the-come-ons-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/29/motion-capture-game-teaches-tween-girls-to-avoid-the-come-ons-of/#comments The University of Central Florida has been awarded a $434k grant to develop a video game for tween girls. The game, which is still in development, is apparently designed to allow girls to "practice" rejecting peer pressure from boys for sex and make outs. Of course, the only natural way to immerse the player in such a game is to put her into a motion capture suit, where her jittery marionette of an avatar is surrounded by the most diabolical 3D models of teenage males obtainable on that $434k budget -- if it was paid to Neal Stephenson in 1992. "It's a place to practice where there aren't any social consequences," says Professor Anne Norris, who is heading the project. But who will protect them from the psychological consequences, Anne? And will there be any escape from the meta-virus? Check out the unintentionally hilarious video after the break.

Continue reading Motion capture game teaches tween girls to avoid the come-ons of boys from the Metaverse

Motion capture game teaches tween girls to avoid the come-ons of boys from the Metaverse originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamemotion captureMotionCapturesexsex educationSexEducationtweensucfuniversity of central floridaUniversityOfCentralFloridavideovideo gameVideoGamevirtual realityVirtualRealityThu, 29 Jul 2010 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[VideoMocap creates 3D animation from any 2D clip (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/12/videomocap-creates-3d-animation-from-any-2d-clip-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/12/videomocap-creates-3d-animation-from-any-2d-clip-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/12/videomocap-creates-3d-animation-from-any-2d-clip-video/#comments If you've ever used a video editing program, you might be familiar with the concept of "keyframes," which define the beginning and end of a particular segment. Seeing where you came from and where you're going, the computer literally guesses what's in between, and creates smooth animation as a result -- the very same technique that students at Texas A&M University use to create motion capture that doesn't require arrays of cameras or ping-pong balls. Dropping the laws of Newtonian physics into their algorithms, Xiaolin Wei and Jinxiang Chai claim to have whipped up a computer program that can turn most any 2D video into simple 3D animation in real time, with just a few keyframes to start out. For instance, in a complex weightlifting segment 310 frames long where the camera panned, tilted and zoomed, animators had only to position eleven joints in thirteen keyframes (and make seven minute adjustments) to get the entire animation to turn out. See it in action after the break, or read their entire SIGGRAPH paper at our more coverage link.

Continue reading VideoMocap creates 3D animation from any 2D clip (video)

VideoMocap creates 3D animation from any 2D clip (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 06:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3D3D animation3d model3d modeling3dAnimation3dModel3dModelingkeyframekeyframingmocapmotion captureMotionCapturevideoMon, 12 Jul 2010 06:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford assembly line uses mo-cap tech to build cars years ahead of time (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/27/ford-assembly-line-uses-mo-cap-tech-to-build-cars-years-ahead-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/27/ford-assembly-line-uses-mo-cap-tech-to-build-cars-years-ahead-of/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/27/ford-assembly-line-uses-mo-cap-tech-to-build-cars-years-ahead-of/#comments Years ago, Ford would have to physically build all the parts for a new vehicle, and only discover afterwards whether it was feasible to have humans assemble the contraption. Now, it relies on the same motion-capture systems used to shoot your favorite 3D movies and games to test the vehicle's construction in virtual reality, years before a single scrap of metal needs to be cut. IDG got to see the system in action at Ford's Assembly Ergonomics Lab in Michigan; you can find their report at the source link and a video after the break.

Continue reading Ford assembly line uses mo-cap tech to build cars years ahead of time (video)

Ford assembly line uses mo-cap tech to build cars years ahead of time (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 May 2010 05:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assemblyautoautomobileautomotivecarcarsconstructionFordmo-capmotion captureMotionCapturetransportationvideoThu, 27 May 2010 05:51:00 EST<![CDATA[OptiTrack mixes motion capture with a virtual camera for delicious, Avatar-esque results]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/optitrack-mixes-motion-capture-with-a-virtual-camera-for-delicio/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/optitrack-mixes-motion-capture-with-a-virtual-camera-for-delicio/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/11/optitrack-mixes-motion-capture-with-a-virtual-camera-for-delicio/#comments We knew virtual camera systems are starting gain traction, particularly in the world of cinema and within James Cameron's little set of toys, but it's pretty wild to see one in action. NaturalPoint is showing off its OptiTrack motion capture system at GDC, a budget-friendly multi-camera setup (if $6k is your idea of budget-friendly), but it also has a prototype of sorts of its upcoming virtual camera system. The camera's orientation and movement is actually tracked in the same way a motion capture suit is, and if you're in the same tracking space as a motion capture actor you can do "real" camera work with a live 3D rendered preview of the action. The shoulder-mounted camera has controls for virtual tracking and dolly moves, along with zoom, and has zero problem delivering that shaky handheld look that's all the rage in visual effects these days. There's no word on much this will retail for, but despite the fact that we have absolutely zero use for it we totally want one. Check out a video of it in action after the break.

Gallery: OptiTrack mixes motion capture with a virtual camera

Continue reading OptiTrack mixes motion capture with a virtual camera for delicious, Avatar-esque results

OptiTrack mixes motion capture with a virtual camera for delicious, Avatar-esque results originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d camera3dCameragdcgdc 2010Gdc2010motion captureMotionCapturenaturalpointoptitrackvirtual cameraVirtualCameraThu, 11 Mar 2010 18:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony announces new PS3 motion controller]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/02/sony-announces-new-ps3-motion-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/02/sony-announces-new-ps3-motion-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/02/sony-announces-new-ps3-motion-controller/#comments
Sony just announced the rumored new motion controller for the PS3 -- the prototype looks like a wand with a color-changing ball on top. It's designed to work in conjunction with the PlayStation Eye, with the wand overlaid on-screen with a weapon or tool. Unlike Microsoft's Project Natal, Sony says they've learned "some experiences need buttons," which is why there's still a controller involved. The system is said to be "sub-millimeter" precise, and it was demoed drawing and playing a shooter -- it's sort of the middle ground between Natal and Wii Motion Plus. Sony says it'll launch in the spring of 2010, but we don't know what pricing will be like yet.

Update: Video added after the break!

Gallery: PS3 Motion Controller

Continue reading Sony announces new PS3 motion controller

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Sony announces new PS3 motion controller originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewse3e3 2009E32009motion capturemotion controlMotionCaptureMotionControlplaystationplaystation 3Playstation3sonyTue, 02 Jun 2009 14:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft's Project Natal demo video has us jumping with anticipation]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/01/microsofts-project-natal-demo-video-has-us-jumping-with-anticip/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/01/microsofts-project-natal-demo-video-has-us-jumping-with-anticip/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/01/microsofts-project-natal-demo-video-has-us-jumping-with-anticip/#comments We're itching to get our own, uh, body time with Microsoft's Project Natal real time motion-capture accessory for the Xbox 360, but until that happens we're eagerly soaking up every last bit of footage we can -- like this teaser video shown during this morning's keynote. Lots of little tidbits here, like voice and face recognition, custom texture scanning and mapping, video chatting, and all sorts of use-your-whole-body gameplay applications. Of course, we don't know how much of this is real and how much is TV magic, but it certainly seems like Natal's got tons of potential -- check the video after the break.

[Via Joystiq]

Continue reading Microsoft's Project Natal demo video has us jumping with anticipation

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Microsoft's Project Natal demo video has us jumping with anticipation originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 20:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360e3e3 2009E32009kinectmicrosoftmotion capturemotion controlmotion controllermotion controllsMotionCaptureMotionControlMotionControllerMotionControllsnatalproject natalProjectNatalxboxxbox 360Xbox360Mon, 01 Jun 2009 20:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Cheap sensors could enable next-gen mo-cap games]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/27/cheap-sensors-could-enable-next-gen-mo-cap-games/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/27/cheap-sensors-could-enable-next-gen-mo-cap-games/http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/27/cheap-sensors-could-enable-next-gen-mo-cap-games/#comments Now that the Wii's thoroughly indoctrinated everyone and their mothers (and grandmothers) into the joy of motion-sensitive gaming, it's only natural to ask what's next -- and a system of cheap accelerometers, gyroscopes, and ultrasonic sound emitters developed by a team at in Switzerland could provide some answers. The sensors are linked up and used like a rudimentary motion-capture suit -- only instead of needing a controlled environment and special cameras, microphones worn on the torso pick up beeps from the emitters to locate your limbs as you flail about. The system is flexible enough to be used during active sports like skiing or bicycling for more accurate motion capture or just to control video games, since no silly ping-pong ball suit is required. The team says the $3000 system is built from off the shelf parts, yet compares favorably to commercial mo-cap systems costing tens of thousands more -- and what's more, they expect the price to fall to "hundreds of dollars" soon. Excellent -- we were thinking it was about time to do some real damage in Wii Boxing. Check a vid of the system in action after the break.

Continue reading Cheap sensors could enable next-gen mo-cap games

Cheap sensors could enable next-gen mo-cap games originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Nov 2007 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ethmotionmotion capturemotion sensitiveMotionCaptureMotionSensitiveTue, 27 Nov 2007 10:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Motion capture gets slightly less embarrassing]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/12/motion-capture-gets-slightly-less-embarrassing/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/12/motion-capture-gets-slightly-less-embarrassing/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/12/motion-capture-gets-slightly-less-embarrassing/#commentsIt looks like the profession of motion capture artist could soon become a slightly more dignified one, with one upstart company doing away with the trademark spandex suit and ping-pong balls in favor of a come as you are approach. That bit of of freewheelin' technology comes to us from Organic Motion, who showed off their wares at the big Games Developers Conference in San Francisco. According to the company, instead of relying on reflections from a few markers placed on a person's body, its system automatically visualizes and captures thousands of natural points on a subject, turning it into a complete 3D scan in real-time. On the downside, the current implementation of the technology (set to launch later this year) can only scan one person at a time, although a version that scans two people is apparently on track for 2008. On a related front, a team from Germany's Max Planck Institute for Computer Science have developed a system that can scan a high-resolution 3D image of a person and quickly turn it around into a model ready to be animated or, for instance, imported as an avatar into a game. It appears that it's slightly further down the line, however, with no indication given as to when, if ever, we might see it commercialized.

Read - Newsweek - Level Up, "Organic Motion's Marker-Less Motion Capture"
Read - New Scientist, "Animation tool puts you in the frame, or the game"

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Motion capture gets slightly less embarrassing originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Mar 2007 17:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d scan3dScanmotion captureMotionCaptureorganic motionOrganicMotionMon, 12 Mar 2007 17:50:00 EST