Who Uses Motion Capture? (cont.)
		Motion Capture  ·  What is it?  ·  Why use it?  ·  Recording vs. real-time  ·  Magnetic ·  Optical ·  Electro-mechanical  ·  Workflow  ·  Specialized tools ·  Who uses it?	Products  ·  Motion Captor  ·  Gypsy  ·  Datagloves  ·  Cybergloves  ·  Face Trackers  ·  MotionBuilder

Film

Motion capture is being used more and more in films nowadays. Motion capture based animation is essential for creating characters that move realistically, in situations that would be impractical or too dangerous for real actors (such as characters falling off the ship in Titanic. Motion capture was also used extensively in Titanic for 'filler' characters (fit in between real actors) or in situations with virtual camera fly-bys over a virtual ship. Many of these shots would have been difficult or impossible to do with real cameras and a real ship, or real models, so virtual models, actors, and cameras were used. Some film characters require the use of motion capture, otherwise their animation seems fake. More and more independent companies are starting to put together desktop studios - The idea of two or three people creating an entire movie isn't that far off, if motion capture is used correctly. The Gypsy is ideal for small and large shops. Motion capture animation can be done very quickly and inexpensively, without scheduling expensive motion capture sessions in a studio.

Web

Motion capture is ideal for the web, whether used to create virtual hosts or greeting cards. As the web becomes more sophisticated and bandwidth increases, motion capture will help bring a 'human element' to the web, in the form of characters that viewers can relate to and interact with.

Live events

Motion capture generated Performance Animation can be thought of as 'Improvisation meets Computer Graphics (CG)'. At trade shows, meetings or press conferences, a good improviser acting through a CG character in real-time can create a very intriguing lasting experience for the viewer. Integration with live actors further helps create a fascinating experience.

Scientific research

Motion capture is useful for perceptual research. By presenting test subjects with abstract movements, distilled from motion capture data, repeatable experiments can be developed that provide insights into human perception.

Biomechanical analysis

Biomechanical analysis for rehabilitation purposes, relies extensively on motion capture, for its ability to produce repeatable results. Motion capture can be used to measure the extent of a client's disability as well as a client's progress with rehabilitation. Motion capture can also help in effective design of prosthetic devices.

Engineering

Motion capture is essential for producing product designs that are ergonomically practical, as well as designs for physical products that are comfortable and appealing. The Gypsy has tremendous advantages over optical or magnetic systems when it comes to working in an enclosed space, such as a car interior or an aircraft cockpit. Optical systems are easily occluded and require a large distance between the subject and the cameras. Magnetic systems have major problems with metal in the capture space.

Education

Motion capture training can make a huge difference in an animators training. While access to motion capture is not a substitute for developing good art skills and good traditional character animation abilities, it can go a long way towards making someone more employable.

VR

Motion capture is indispensable for VR training applications. It makes for much better immersion than using a joystick or a positional handle.

Motion capture also has great possibilities for location-based entertainment. The book
Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson is a must read for anyone who enjoys musing about the future possibilities of VR.