Motion capture outfit, Vicon, is to launch its markerless motion capture solution at the Game Developer Conference (GDC) in San Francisco next week.
The launch follows an immersive exhibition which unveiled the Vicon Markerless prototype at SIGGRAPH 2023. The technology has been extensively beta-tested via Vicon’s Pioneer Programme with VFX customers including Industrial Light & Magic, Gearbox Entertainment, Dimension|DNEG360, Dreamscape Immersive, Framestore Pre-production Services and others.
The markerless system comprises a new markerless motion-tracking camera (“Vanguard”) and new software incorporating advanced computer vision, machine learning and proven algorithms to capture human performance without the need for markers.
Vicon Markerless operates as a standalone system or in tandem with Vicon marker-based systems, integrating into existing motion capture pipelines and “increasing team efficiency with a single mocap ecosystem.”
Imogen O’Connor, CEO of Vicon owner Oxford Metrics, said, “Vicon Markerless, developed over several years with meticulous attention to detail, sets a new standard for motion capture across games, film, episodic TV and immersive experiences. It enables Visual Effects teams to rapidly refine early creative ideas and iterations marker-free and offers a seamless transition to optical motion capture as needed. Markerless motion capture opens up a world of possibilities for the Visual Effects industry and delivers greater efficiency in creating innovative entertainment.”
Randy Pitchford, founder and president of Gearbox Entertainment, said: “Vicon’s Markerless Motion Capture is like magic – providing Gearbox incredible flexibility and speed in the development and storytelling of our games. Anyone of us at Gearbox, including me, can quickly jump into our Vicon Markerless Motion Capture volume – even in our street clothes – to quickly get the data we need as we work to bring exciting potential future projects to life, including Borderlands.”
Ben Kolakovic, Virtual Production Operations Manager at Industrial Light & Magic, a beta participant said: “The new markerless system from Vicon has significantly accelerated our creative process, enabling us to reach results faster. We now receive mocap data much more quickly than before, which allows our artists to experiment with new ideas in a fraction of the time. This streamlined workflow not only fosters creativity but also enhances our ability to iterate efficiently and fine-tune performances
Jon Creamer
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