NR – Eyematic Ships FaceStation, Computer-Vision Based Facial Animation for Max
May 24, 2002 by Richard Annema
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FaceStation uses Eyematic‘s patented computer vision software engines to automatically recognize and track facial expressions from either a live video camera or pre-recorded video clips. In real-time actual facial expressions are analyzed, captured and used to animate fully shaded 3D models in Max. No motion capture hardware, facial markers or offline rendering processes are required. A free eval is available at www.eyematic.com/products_facestation.html
FaceStation uses Eyematic’s patented computer vision software engines to automatically recognize and track facial expressions from either a live video camera or pre-recorded video clips. In real-time actual facial expressions are analyzed, captured and used to animate fully shaded 3D models in Max. No motion capture hardware, facial markers or offline rendering processes are required.
Prior to FaceStation, realistic 3D facial animation was limited to a handful of high-end projects with the requisite large budgets. This was due to the expensive motion capture hardware and laborious manual keyframe editing and processing involved.
“FaceStation is a fundamental advance in the animation process,” said Jen Hamilton, director of art research and development at BlackBox Games. “FaceStation’s real-time integration into 3ds max gives us instant facial feedback. The quick setup time and intuitive interface allows us to create highly expressive character animation in a fraction of the time previously required.”
“The visual sensing technology in FaceStation represents seven years of research by some of the brightest human brain and vision researchers in the world,” said Orang Dialameh, president and co-founder of Eyematic. “FaceStation changes the rules – providing any artist, regardless of budget, with the power to create advanced facial animation for feature films, broadcast television, games and wireless projects.”
FaceStation also includes Avatar Editor, allowing the creation of ready-to-animate characters complete with morph targets simply using front and side photographs. The FaceStation 1.5 software suite for Discreet 3ds max is now available from resellers throughout North America for a suggested retail price of $1,995 US.
Prior to FaceStation, realistic 3D facial animation was limited to a handful of high-end projects with the requisite large budgets. This was due to the expensive motion capture hardware and laborious manual keyframe editing and processing involved.
“FaceStation is a fundamental advance in the animation process,” said Jen Hamilton, director of art research and development at BlackBox Games. “FaceStation’s real-time integration into 3ds max gives us instant facial feedback. The quick setup time and intuitive interface allows us to create highly expressive character animation in a fraction of the time previously required.”
“The visual sensing technology in FaceStation represents seven years of research by some of the brightest human brain and vision researchers in the world,” said Orang Dialameh, president and co-founder of Eyematic. “FaceStation changes the rules – providing any artist, regardless of budget, with the power to create advanced facial animation for feature films, broadcast television, games and wireless projects.”
FaceStation also includes Avatar Editor, allowing the creation of ready-to-animate characters complete with morph targets simply using front and side photographs. The FaceStation 1.5 software suite for Discreet 3ds max is now available from resellers throughout North America for a suggested retail price of $1,995 US.
