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/
User Guide for Multiple PlayStation Eye Cameras Configuration
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System Requirements
iPi Recorder
- Computer (desktop or laptop):
- CPU: x86 compatible (Intel Pentium 4 or higher, AMD Athlon or higher), dual- or quad- core is preferable
- Operating system: Windows 8, 7, XP SP3, Vista (x86 or x64)
- USB: at least two USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 controllers
- For more info see USB controllers
- ExpressCard slot (for laptops)
- Optional, but highly recommended. It allows to install external USB controller in case of compatibility issues between cameras and built-in USB controllers, or if all USB ports are in fact connected to a single USB controller
- Storage system: HDD or SSD or RAID with write speed:
- For 4 cameras at 60 fps, 640 x 480 resolution: not less than 70,4 MByte/sec
- For 6 cameras at 60 fps, 640 x 480 resolution: not less than 105,6 MByte/sec
- Note If your write speed is lower, you can work with 320 x 240 resolution and/or lower frame rate. Alternatively, you can use compressed mode (that gives 3-5 times lower required write speed, but the CPU performance may become a bottleneck)
- 3 to 6 Sony PlayStation Eye for PS3 cameras.
- for more info see Cameras and accessories#Cameras
- 4 to 9 active USB 2.0 extension cables (depending on number of cameras and scene set-up)
- Optional: tripods to place cameras
- for more info see Cameras and accessories#Tripods
- Mini Maglite (or other flashlight) for calibration
- for more infor see Cameras and accessories#Mini Maglite (or other flashlight) for calibration
- Minimum required space: 4m by 4m (13 by 13 feet)
iPi Studio
- Computer (desktop or laptop):
- CPU: x86 compatible (Intel Pentium 4 or higher, AMD Athlon or higher), dual- or quad- core is preferable
- Operating system: Windows 8, 7, XP SP3, Vista (x86 or x64)
- Video card: Direct3D 10-capable (Shader Model 4.0) gaming-class graphics card
- Intel integrated graphics is not supported
- for more info see Cameras and accessories#Video_Card
- You can use GPU-z and CPU-z to detect exact version and features of your video card.
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Software Installation
iPi Recorder
Before installation:
- unplug all cameras from computer
Download and run the setup package of the latest version of iPi Recorder. You will be presented with the following dialog.
- Select needed components
- Read and accept the license agreement by checking appropriate checkbox
- Press the Install button to begin installation
- Note. Most of the components require administrative privileges because they install device drivers or write to Program Files and other system folders. On Windows Vista/7 you will be presented with UAC prompts when appropriate during installation. If you plan to use iPi Recorder under user which has no administrative rights, you can pre-install other components separately using administrator's account.
- Important!
- You can plug only one MS Kinect / ASUS Xtion / PrimeSense Carmine sensor to one USB controller. 1 USB controller bandwidth is not enough to record from 2 sensors.
- You can plug not more than 2 Sony PS Eye cameras to one USB controller, otherwise you will not be able to capture at 60 fps with 640 x 480 resolution.
- For more info see USB controllers.
Upon installation is complete, iPi Recorder will launch automatically. Continue with user's guide to get a knowledge of using the software.
Components
If some of the components is already installed, it has no checkbox and is marked with ALREADY INSTALLED label. You should not install all optional components in advance, without necessity. All of them can be installed separately at later time. Components descriptions below contain corresponding download links.
- Microsoft .NET Framework 4 - Client. This is required component and cannot be unchecked.
This is basic infrastructure for running .NET programs. iPi Recorder is a .NET program.- Web installer: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=17113
- Standalone installer: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=24872
- Playstation3 Eye Webcam :: WinUSB Drivers Registration. Check if you plan to work with Sony PS Eye cameras.
Device drivers for PS Eye camera.
- ASUS Xtion / PrimeSense Carmine :: OpenNI Redistributable and ASUS Xtion / PrimeSense Carmine :: PrimeSense Sensor. Check if you plan to work with ASUS Xtion, or ASUS Xtion Live, or PrimeSense Carmine depth sensors.
Device drivers and software libraries for ASUS Xtion / ASUS Xtion Live / PrimeSense Carmine.
- (Windows 7, 8) Microsoft Kinect :: MS Kinect SDK 1.8. Check if you plan to work with Microsoft Kinect depth sensors.
Device drivers and software libraries for Microsoft Kinect. Requires Windows 7 and later.
- (Windows XP, Vista) Microsoft Kinect :: PrimeSense psdrv3.sys Driver Registration. Check if you plan to work with Microsoft Kinect depth sensors.
Alternative device drivers for Microsoft Kinect.- 64-bit OS: http://files.ipisoft.com/drivers/KinectPsdrv3_iPi-x64.msi
- 32-bit OS: http://files.ipisoft.com/drivers/KinectPsdrv3_iPi-x86.msi
- Note. iPi Recorder does support working with Kinect sensors on Windows 7 using PrimeSense driver. If you have installed and used it for Kinect with iPi Recorder 1.x, you can continue using it with iPi Recorder 2.
- iPi Recorder 2.x.x.x. This is required component and cannot be unchecked.
iPi Recorder itself.
Important! You can plug not more than 2 cameras to one USB controller, otherwise you will not be able to capture at 60 fps with 640 x 480 resolution. For more info see USB controllers
iPi Studio
- Note that if you have used iPi Studio before and have Internet connection on your computer then you only need to let iPi Studio to automatically update:
iPi Studio is a core software of iPi Desktop Motion Capture (iPi DMC) solution. It’s used to process pre-recorded video and export resulted animation into most popular formats. You can use 30 days free trial.
To install iPi Studio please download and run setup program: http://ipisoft.com/downloads/iPiStudioSetup.exe. Then, follow instructions of the installation wizard.
For more info about license protection see License.
Recording Video with Multiple PlayStation Eye Cameras
Environment and Actor Clothing
Recording Process
Scene Set-up
Three Camera Configuration
Recommended configuration for 3-camera setup is a half-circle:
Example:
Virtual view of the same scene:
Four Camera Configuration
You can set up 4 cameras in a half-circle or a full-circle configuration, depending on available space. You can improve accuracy by placing one of the cameras high over the ground (like 3 meters high).
Recommended configuration for 4-camera setup in half circle:
Example:
Six Camera Configuration
You can set up 6 cameras in a full-circle or a half-circle configuration, depending on available space. You can improve accuracy by placing one or two cameras high over the ground (like 3 meters high).
Recommended configuration for 6-camera full-circle setup:
Camera Setup
Install the cameras on tripods and connect cables.
Sony PlayStation Eye cameras do not have standard tripod mounting screw, so you will have to use some kind of ad hoc solution. The simplest approach is to fix the cameras to tripods using sticky tape.
When mixing active and passive USB cables, make sure cable connection order is correct (computer->active cable->passive cable->camera).
If you're using the PlayStation Eye camera, make sure you have the lens set to the wide setting.
