Virtual Test Environment for Motion Capture Shoots

Abstract: This master thesis presents the design of an implementation of a working prototype for an augmented motion capture acting environment. Motion capture (MoCap), the recording of movements to be applied to characters or objects in computer graphics simulations, is widely used in video games, advertisement, and cinema. MoCap is realized through different techniques, where one common problem is the efficiency to capture actor’s motion performances. To capture motions without obstacles for the motion detectors, actors act blindly, without graphic references while acting. Mistakes or a poor correlation between the actors performances and the computer graphics simulation requires the scene either to be taken many times or to be corrected afterwards in time-consuming post-production. These issues slow down the production process or lead to a low quality product.We suggest that one way to limit the problem of efficiency in motion capture is to let actors perform in a virtual environment. To this end, this master thesis presents a simple prototypeenvironment with the goal to support actors’ performances to improve motion capture efficiency. The idea is to surround an actor with four screens which display the virtual environment. A Microsoft Kinect camera is utilized for motion capture. Gestures are usedto trigger interactions between the actor and the virtual environment. Furthermore, the thesis explores the applicability of open source libraries, game engines, and inexpensivegeneral purpose technology. We suggest, as indicated by demonstrated validity, that virtual environments and augmented motion capture improve the conditions for actors, thus providing more efficient motion capture shots. However, further research and quantitative measurements are needed to understand and fully evaluate the effect of the presented prototype tool.