Please post your results with zign track as there is hardly any information about it. I really want to see some test animations produced from it because zign track 1.0 seemed lackluster and I heard that it was hard to get the points to recognize.

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Zign track is a great little program. The marker set up is a bit quirky at first, but it seems like once you do it it's never an issue again. Like most mocap programs it needs proper lighting, and I've never had an issue with the green markers.
The problem with the tests we see on Youtube and other sites, is that no one ever posts a serious "real world" test. I'm hoping to do that soon. However, I'm in a bit of a rut right now because I just lost my job. But I'll post as soon as I can. :)

Hi Pat,

Maybee the jpg sequence is meant to be imported while the face is selected or is it by using open file?

Also do you see the extention type as .JPG or .jpg in the import options?

Never mind, I see its .Jpeg I wonder if thats the problem,

ALso give the .BMP sequence a try as well.

Hmmmm. I never considered that. I'll give it a try tonight and let you know! :) Thanks!

Pat

MrBones YOU ARE A GENIUS! I saved the files as BMP instead of jpeg (jpg) and it reads the images just fine.

So here is what I'm finding out:

Record your video. Any camera will do - I used the PS3 Eyecam
Import the sequence into Photoshop as frames.
Save as BMP
Import the sequence into Moviemation (it takes it a bit of time)
Import just the facial rig from your character as an OBJ
Highlight the markers. (Free version gives you 12 markers while the purchased version gives you about 32)
Let it scan - this process works similar to Ipi.
Save the sequence then attach to your character in whatever program you want (Poser, DAZ, Blender)

You can use basically anything for markers, however I found these brilliant little half spheres with sticky glue on the flat surface at an art supply store. You can order them from this website as well - they are about 8mm - http://eksuccessbrands.com/jolees/Products/Pearl_Border_Stickers_50-00202.htm

Just make sure that the face has been cleaned from oil and dirt. It also doesn't hurt to use a bit of liquid latex or spirit gum to assure they will stay on. But for the purposes of this test they work just fine.

As soon as I can post some video I will. I wish we could post photos on this forum :)

Okay, so this program is officially pissing me off; It takes forever to do anything. I am on day 2 so far and still haven't even gotten to the tracking point. I used 15 facial markers, re-targeted the video into BMP frames and uploaded that into moviemation. From there, it is supposed to be a simple click of the mouse to highlight each facial marker so that the program knows what to track. It takes the software about 45 minutes to link itself to each marker after you've clicked the mouse button. Needless to say, I was up until 3 am waiting for this thing to complete a simple task that should have taken a few minutes. Now, it's 8 am and I have to match those targets onto a facial mash. Guess what? It's taking long for that too. I should have results for you tomorrow at some point. So far, I say spend the $180 or whatever it is on Zigntrack 2. It's real time, and auto corrects and cleans. Zigntrack also has no time or space limit. Moviemation's free version only allows you to import 200 frames (I only imported 60 - I would hate to see how long it would take to do more), while the purchase version can hold 900 frames.

Maybe I did something from for it to lag like this, but it feels as if it's always on the brink of locking up. I've defragmented the hard drive, but no use. Again, it's the amount of frames. My initial tests were with under 30 frames and that seemed to move along fine, This however - sheesh!

Pat

So you cant show us the 30 frames?

Thanks and Cheers

I will post as soon as it is completed. I'm just now in the rendering stage - and again - it's taking forever. I promise to show something soon by tonight or tomorrow. :)

Pat

I think I'm going to give up on this software. It locks up and takes too long to produce any results. It's been four days now for a simple 60 frame test. It takes forever to do anything. One of the last steps is to weight paint on the imported facial mesh, but it locks up when you try to paint, then it takes over 30 minutes for it to register just ONE connection point on the mesh - in which there are hundreds point to paint. I challenge someone to try this software and see if you can get it working. I have no issues with any other program, IPI, Poser Pro, Vue, Adobe Master Suit production bundle, Zign Track (demo version).

It's this software. I think he's on to something good here, but it's not fluid at all.

Sorry mates, I was hoping to have something posted to show you.

Pat