Step-by-Step

Object Capture

Introduction

Capturing an rigid object (often refered to as a "rigid body" is much easier than capturing a person because it does not require adaptation for articulation or softbody elements (such as muscle and skin). Therefore, we do not need to go through the step of performing the R.O.M. or calibrating a skeleton

Capturing an Object

In order to capture an object, the following process is required:

  • Add markers to the object, you will need at least 4 (defining what would be the origin, and the x, y, and z axis) - ideally 5 or more spread across the object. Avoid straight lines (which are very difficult to track)
  • Place the object in the centre of the room (or as close as possible) and remove other objects from the space that have markers on them
  • Make sure that under the main ribbon, under the Go Live group, the marker view is set to "Reconstruct"
  • The markers should appear in the 3D perspective window, select them (Alt-LMB)
  • Under the ribbon, press the Define New Actor "down arrow" (∨) and select Auto Create New Object
  • The object should now be tracked, and appear under the Characters view, in the Capture tab

Now when you move the object under a capture (at the same time as a subject capture, or not) it will be recorded. In addition, this will be exported as part of the FBX and will appear as a rigid-body skeleton in Maya

Note: At any time when you do not want the object to be tracked, you can uncheck the box under the Characters view, in the Capture tab