A new development in virtual cameras at the University of Abertay Dundee is developing the pioneering work of James Cameron’s blockbuster Avatar using a Nintendo Wii-like motion controller – all for less than £100. Avatar, the highest-grossing film of all time, used several completely new filming techniques to bring to life its ultra-realistic 3D action. Now computer games researchers have found a way of taking those techniques further using home computers and motion controllers. James Cameron invented a new way of filming called Simul-cam, where the image recorded is processed in real-time before it reaches the director’s monitor screen. This allows actors in motion-capture suits to be instantly seen as the blue Na’vi characters, without days spent creating computer-generated images. The Abertay researchers, have linked the power of a virtual camera – where a computer dramatically enhances what a film camera could achieve – using a motion-sensor.
This allows completely intuitive, immediately responsive camera actions within any computer-generated world. The applications of the project are substantial. Complex films and animations could be produced at a very low cost, giving new creative tools to small studios or artists at home. Computer environments can be manipulated in the same way as a camera, opening new opportunities for games, and for education. This tool uses electromagnetic sensors to capture the controller’s position to a precise single millimetre accuracy, and unlike other controllers still works even when an object is in the way. It will work on any home PC, and is expected to retail for under £100 from early 2011. A patent application for the invention and unique applications of the technology has been recently filed in the UK.
More information:
http://www.abertay.ac.uk/about/news/newsarchive/2010/name,6983,en.html
More information:
http://www.abertay.ac.uk/about/news/newsarchive/2010/name,6983,en.html