Free AI Motion Capture (Mocap) Tool

MK Graphics
16 Feb 202404:49

TLDRThis tutorial video introduces viewers to the Roco Vision tool, a free AI motion capture solution. The host guides users through the process of creating an account on Roco Vision and selecting a capture method. Two free single-camera methods are highlighted, with the option to upload existing video footage or record new using a webcam. The uploaded video is then processed to generate animation data, which can be downloaded in FBX format. The video continues with instructions on importing the FBX file into Blender, setting up the Armature, and playing the animation. The final segment covers retargeting the animation to a different rigged character using a free character from Mixo and the Roco plugin for Blender. The tutorial concludes with a demonstration of the retargeting process and a reminder to check bone matches for accurate results.

Takeaways

  • 🌐 Visit the Roco Vision website to access the free AI motion capture tool.
  • 📷 Choose between dual camera record (paid) or single camera methods for motion capture.
  • 🎥 Upload a video using a single camera or record movements with a webcam for free.
  • ✂️ Crop the video as needed before processing for motion capture.
  • 🔄 The tool processes the video to turn actions into animation data.
  • 📥 Download the animation data in .fbx format after processing.
  • 🎨 Open the animation in Blender and import the .fbx file.
  • 🦴 Check 'automatic bone orientation' in Blender's Armature section for proper alignment.
  • 🔄 Retarget the animation to another rigged character using the Roco plugin.
  • 🆓 Download a free rigged character from the Mixo website for retargeting.
  • 🖌️ Change the color type to 'texture' in Blender's viewport shading menu for better visualization.

Q & A

  • What is the purpose of the Roco Vision tool mentioned in the tutorial?

    -The Roco Vision tool is used for free AI motion capture, allowing users to transform their movements into animation data.

  • How can I access the Roco Vision website?

    -You can access the Roco Vision website by clicking the download link provided in the video description.

  • What are the different capture methods available in Roco Vision?

    -Roco Vision offers three capture methods: dual camera record (paid), and two free methods that work with a single camera, allowing users to record their movements with any webcam or upload existing footage.

  • Do I need a Roco account to use the motion capture tool?

    -Yes, you need a Roco account to use the tool. If you don't have one, you can create an account on the Roco Vision website.

  • What is the process of uploading a video for motion capture in Roco Vision?

    -After logging into Roco Vision, click the 'upload video' button, browse for the video on your computer, and upload it. Once uploaded, you can preview and crop the video as needed.

  • How long does it take for Roco Vision to process the video and turn it into animation data?

    -The processing time for the video varies depending on the length and complexity of the video. The script does not specify an exact duration.

  • In what format can I download the animation data from Roco Vision?

    -The animation data can be downloaded in the FBX format.

  • How do I import the FBX file into Blender?

    -In Blender, go to the file menu, select 'import', and choose the FBX file you downloaded from Roco Vision. Also, ensure to check the 'automatic bone orientation' option.

  • What is the purpose of retargeting the animation to another rigged character in Blender?

    -Retargeting the animation allows you to transfer the motion data from one character to another, enabling the second character to perform the same movements as the first.

  • Where can I download a free rigged character for retargeting purposes?

    -You can download a free rigged character from the Mixo website by signing into your account and selecting a character without animation.

  • How do I transfer motion data from one character to another in Blender using the Roco plugin?

    -After installing the Roco plugin, open the retargeting panel in Blender, select the source and target armatures, build a bone list to match the bones automatically, and then click 'retarget animation' to transfer the motion data.

Outlines

00:00

📹 Introduction to Free AI Motion Capture with Roco Vision

The video tutorial begins with a welcome message and an introduction to the process of free AI motion capture using Roco Vision. The speaker instructs viewers to visit the Roco Vision website and provides a download link in the video description. They guide users through creating an account or logging in, and then explain the three available capture methods, highlighting that two methods are free and utilize a single camera. The speaker chooses to demonstrate the upload of a pre-recorded video and provides a step-by-step guide on how to crop the video, process it into animation data, and download the results in an FBX format.

🎮 Importing and Playing Animation in Blender

After downloading the animation data, the tutorial moves on to show how to import it into a new Blender file. The speaker explains how to import the FBX file, check the 'automatic bone orientation' option, and play the animation. The next step is retargeting the animation to another rigged character, which can be obtained for free from the Mixamo website. The speaker also mentions a previous tutorial on using Mixamo and guides viewers on how to import the character into Blender, switch to texture color type, and prepare for the retargeting process.

🔄 Retargeting Animation with Roco Plugin in Blender

The final part of the tutorial focuses on retargeting the animation to a different character using the Roco plugin in Blender. The speaker details the installation process of the Roco plugin and opens the retargeting panel in Blender. They demonstrate how to select the source and target armatures, build a bone list to match the bones of both characters, and ensure the correct bone correspondence. The tutorial concludes with the retargeting of the animation by clicking the 'retarget animation' button, resulting in the transfer of motion data from one character to another.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡AI Motion Capture

AI Motion Capture, also known as motion tracking, is a technology that allows the recording of movements of objects or people. In the context of this video, it refers to the process of capturing human movements using artificial intelligence to create animation data. The script mentions using the Roco Vision tool for free AI motion capture, which is a significant aspect of the video's theme.

💡Roco Vision

Roco Vision is the name of the tool introduced in the video for capturing motion. It is a platform that allows users to record and convert their movements into animation data. The script provides a step-by-step guide on how to use Roco Vision, emphasizing its free features and the process of uploading and processing videos to create animations.

💡Dual Camera Record

Dual Camera Record is one of the capture methods mentioned in the script for obtaining accurate motion captures. It involves recording movements with two cameras, which is a paid feature on Roco Vision. The script briefly explains this method as an option for users seeking high precision in motion capture.

💡Single Camera

Single Camera refers to the alternative methods of motion capture that work with just one camera. The script highlights that these methods are completely free and can be done using any webcam or by uploading existing footage, making it accessible for users with limited resources.

💡Upload Video

In the script, 'Upload Video' is the action taken to begin the motion capture process. The user records a video with a single camera, such as a phone camera, and then uploads it to the Roco Vision website. This step is crucial as it initiates the conversion of the recorded movements into animation data.

💡Animation Data

Animation Data is the result of processing the uploaded video through Roco Vision. It is the digital information that represents the motion captured from the video and can be used to animate characters or objects in various software. The script mentions downloading this data in the fbx format, which is a common file format for 3D models and animations.

💡Blender

Blender is a free and open-source 3D creation suite used for modeling, rigging, animation, and more. In the video script, Blender is used to import the fbx file containing the animation data and to retarget the animation to another character. It is a key software mentioned in the tutorial for bringing the motion capture data to life.

💡Armature

An Armature in 3D animation refers to a digital skeleton used to control the movement of a model. The script instructs viewers to open the Armature section in Blender and check the automatic bone orientation option when importing the fbx file, which is essential for correctly applying the animation data to a character.

💡Retargeting

Retargeting is the process of transferring motion data from one character to another in animation. The script explains how to use the Roco plugin in Blender to retarget the animation from the original character to a different rigged character, which is a critical step in customizing the motion capture to fit various character models.

💡Roco Plugin

The Roco Plugin is an additional tool used within Blender to facilitate the retargeting process. The script mentions that it is necessary to install this plugin before using it to transfer motion data between characters. It plays a significant role in the tutorial by streamlining the retargeting process.

💡Mixamo

Mixamo is a website mentioned in the script where users can download free rigged characters without animations. These characters can then be used in Blender to apply the retargeted animation data. The script suggests visiting Mixamo to obtain a character for the purpose of the tutorial.

Highlights

Introduction to a free AI motion capture tutorial using Roco Vision tool.

Visiting the Roco Vision website and downloading the tool from the provided link.

Creating or logging into a Roco account for motion capture.

Three capture methods explained: dual camera (paid) and two free single camera methods.

Using a single camera to record movements or uploading existing footage.

Uploading a video and cropping it for motion capture.

Turning video into animation data with the Roco Vision tool.

Downloading the animation data in FBX format.

Importing the FBX file into a new Blender file.

Checking the automatic bone orientation option in Blender.

Retargeting animation to another rigged character in Blender.

Downloading a free rigged character from the Mixo website.

Transferring motion data from one character to another using the Roco plugin.

Installing the Roco plugin for Blender for retargeting.

Using the Roco plugin to match source and target bones for retargeting.

Correctly matching bones to avoid unwanted animation results.

Finalizing the retargeting process with the Roco plugin.