Motion Capture for beginners

Alternative: AI-supported solutions

Modern beginners often use AI-supported motion capture solutions such as Radical instead, QuickMagic or MoveAI. These only require a video file or a smartphone. The recorded videos can be uploaded to the web interface of the respective software, which generates motion data from them. Since solutions based on artificial intelligence technology are making rapid progress, it can be assumed that Ki Mocap solutions will quickly increase in quality.

Advantages of AI-supported solutions:

• No additional equipment required apart from camera/smartphone
• Fast results
• Low-cost or free entry options

Restrictions:

• No real-time results: In contrast to suits such as Perception Neuron and Rokoko, where the results are immediately visible in real time, the data for AI-supported solutions must first be uploaded to the cloud and processed. This results in a delay before the movement data is available.

Inertial systems: Perception Neuron and Rokoko

Inertial motion capture systems such as Perception Neuron and Rokoko offer an advanced alternative to the Kinect solution and are ideal for more ambitious projects. Both systems use sensors (IMUs) that are worn directly on the body and capture movements precisely in real time. Nevertheless, the two approaches differ in a number of key respects:

Perception Neuron:

This system is characterized by greater flexibility, as it can be equipped with a higher number of sensors (depending on the kit). This makes it particularly suitable for complex motion sequences. However, it requires more complex set-up and calibration. From personal experience, it can be said that setting up the individual sensors is quite time-consuming and it can be difficult to place them correctly on your own. This is not a suit that you can simply slip into, but the sensors have to be attached individually, which also means that the position of each sensor has to be checked precisely. On the positive side, Perception Neuron's software often offers more natural walking cycles than comparable solutions. However, Perception Neuron's customer support was described as weak, especially when dealing with warranty or replacement cases, which often take a long time.

Rococo:

In comparison Rococo to a simpler setup with user-friendly software (Rokoko Studio) designed specifically for creatives without in-depth technical knowledge. The Rokoko suit is quick and easy to put on, as you can simply slip into it and be ready to work in no time. Rokoko is a European company and impresses with its fast and accommodating user support, especially in the event of defective sensors or other problems. The infrastructure around the devices and the software seems much more mature. A small disadvantage of Rokoko is that the Walkcycles sometimes appear somewhat unnatural during movements such as walking. Nevertheless, Rokoko offers a very good overall package for the price and makes it much easier to get started with motion capture technology.

Advantages of inertial systems:

• No external cameras required
• More freedom of movement, even outdoors
• Better results with dynamic or acrobatic movements

Disadvantages:

• Sensors must be calibrated regularly and positioned correctly, otherwise so-called "drift" can occur after around 15 minutes of recording. This means that the recorded movements become increasingly inaccurate as the sensors lose their exact position relative to each other. To avoid this, recalibration is necessary, which can interrupt the workflow and cost time.
• Magnetic or electrical sources of interference can affect tracking, although this problem is increasingly receding into the background. Nevertheless, strong electromagnetic fields, such as those that occur near large metal objects, can significantly impair the accuracy of the recordings.