NEW! Version 3 of iPi Motion Capture is available. iPi Motion Capture 3 delivers new features for improved workflow including support of Kinect 2, improved arms tracking, simplified calibration and others. Read more >>
This documentation corresponds to version 2 of iPi Motion Capture. The latest documentation for version 3 can be found at https://docs.ipisoft.com/
FAQ
(→System Requirements) |
(→Product Features) |
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| + | == General Questions == | ||
| + | |||
| + | '''Q:''' What does "iPi DMC" means? | ||
| + | |||
| + | '''A:''' "iPi DMC" is the abbreviation of "iPi Desktop Motion Caption". It consists of: | ||
| + | * iPi Recorder - a tool for recording video from web cameras and depth sensors; | ||
| + | * iPi Studio - main software for processing pre-recorded video and exporting result animation. | ||
| + | |||
== Product Features == | == Product Features == | ||
'''Q: What is the difference between Express Edition and other editions?''' | '''Q: What is the difference between Express Edition and other editions?''' | ||
| − | '''A:''' Express Edition supports only 1 Microsoft Kinect sensor | + | '''A:''' Express Edition: |
| + | * supports only 1 Microsoft Kinect sensor | ||
| + | * capture volume will be 7 by 7 feet (approx. 2 by 2 meters) | ||
| + | * you will not be able to track complex motions that include rotations because of self occlusion. | ||
| + | * but you will not need multi-camera system calibration, that makes Express Edition much easier in operation compared to other editions (that are multi-camera) | ||
| + | Basic and Standard Editions: | ||
| + | * support of 1 Kinect is included in Basic and Standard Editions as well | ||
| + | * you will also have bigger capture volume - 20 by 20 feet (approx. 7 by 7 meters) | ||
| + | * and you will be able to capture more complex motions, including rotations with multi-camera set-up | ||
'''Q: What is the difference between Express Edition and Standard Edition?''' | '''Q: What is the difference between Express Edition and Standard Edition?''' | ||
| Line 28: | Line 44: | ||
'''Q: Hm. And what about head tracking?''' | '''Q: Hm. And what about head tracking?''' | ||
| − | '''A: Also no. But we plan to add head tracking in future versions. | + | '''A:''' Also no. But we plan to add head tracking in future versions. |
Revision as of 12:33, 25 February 2011
General Questions
Q: What does "iPi DMC" means?
A: "iPi DMC" is the abbreviation of "iPi Desktop Motion Caption". It consists of:
- iPi Recorder - a tool for recording video from web cameras and depth sensors;
- iPi Studio - main software for processing pre-recorded video and exporting result animation.
Product Features
Q: What is the difference between Express Edition and other editions?
A: Express Edition:
- supports only 1 Microsoft Kinect sensor
- capture volume will be 7 by 7 feet (approx. 2 by 2 meters)
- you will not be able to track complex motions that include rotations because of self occlusion.
- but you will not need multi-camera system calibration, that makes Express Edition much easier in operation compared to other editions (that are multi-camera)
Basic and Standard Editions:
- support of 1 Kinect is included in Basic and Standard Editions as well
- you will also have bigger capture volume - 20 by 20 feet (approx. 7 by 7 meters)
- and you will be able to capture more complex motions, including rotations with multi-camera set-up
Q: What is the difference between Express Edition and Standard Edition?
A: The only difference is maximum number of cameras (4 for Basic, 6 for Standard). 6-cameras set-up will allow you to track wider range of complex motions (including rotations, like fighting, dancing etc.) with good quality (more robust, more accurate).
Q: Is tracking realtime?
A: Not yet. You should capture video first and process the video offline after that. Speed of processing depends on Graphics Card and vary from 5 to 0.25 frames per second.
Q: Does iPi DMC support facial mocap?
A: No.
Q: Can hands/fingers be tracked by iPi DMC?
A: No. Consumer cameras resolution is not enough for that.
Q: Hm. And what about head tracking?
A: Also no. But we plan to add head tracking in future versions.
Q: What output formats are supported by iPi DMC?
A: COLLADA, BVH, SMD. Also iPi DMC can export BVH optimized for 3d Max Biped, Poser, MotionBuilder and iClone.
Q: And what about FBX?
A: Current version doesn’t support this format. But you can use Autodesk's free FBX Converter to convert your data between FBX and COLLADA format.
Q: Can I retarget result animation to my own character?
A: Yes. iPi Studio has built-in motion transfer. For more info see Animation export and motion transfer.
Q: Can I use 2 or 3 Kinects with iPi DMC?
A: No. Current version supports only one Kinect sensor.
System Requirements
Q: What drivers for Kinect are used in iPi DMC?
A: We use open source libusb-win32 drivers and library to communicate with device via USB. Protocol implementation is our own.
Q: Is this drivers compatible with OpenNI?
A: No. iPiRecorder with Kinect support cannot co-exist with PrimeSense's OpenNI drivers and Brekel plugin. If you want to restore PrimeSense's OpenNI drivers and Brekel plugin, you will have to uninstall "iPi LibUSB-win32 Driver Registration for MS Kinect" (see "Uninstall Program" in your Control Panel).
Q: Do you plan to add support for OpenNI?
A: Yes. As soon as OpenNI drivers for Kinect will be stable and will include support of Kinect’s motor, we’ll add support for them to iPi Recorder.
Q: Is there version for Mac?
A: To run this software on Mac you need to install Windows on it using Boot Camp or Parallels Desktop for Mac
Q: How can I buy?
A: You can buy online: http://ipisoft.com/sales.php. Note that Express Edition is in beta status, thus you can't buy it now - use free trial instead or buy Basic edition.
