GDC: Face/body mo-cap fusion process announced

Image Metrics and Xsens Technologies have announced the integration of their facial animation and motion capture technolgies.

The partnership aims to streamline the process of facial and body motion capture into a single shoot, allowing clients from both the film and video game industries a complete solution to all motion capure needs within a single facility. The data will then be supplied to the client ready for integration in all leading 3D software programmes.

Image Metrics are a leading facial animation and services provider, and Xsens Technologies an experienced supplier of 3D motion tracking products utilising miniature MEMS inertial sensor technology.

Brian Waddle, Image Metrics’ executive vice president, said of the partnership: “Combining our facial animation technology and Xsens’ MVN full body motion capture system will allow studios to rapidly record and review both facial and body motion simultaneously. This allows artists to quickly and affordably produce results… with no restrictions on capture location.”

The new system is currently being employed on an upcoming project by Double Negative visual effects studio in London, with both Image Metrics and Xsens aiming to improve the integration of the service they are bringing to the industry.