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Motion capture Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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motion capture

[ˈməʊʃən ˈkæptʃər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

technology

Motion capture is the process of recording the movements of objects or people. It is commonly used in the entertainment industry to create realistic animations for movies, video games, and virtual reality experiences.

Synonyms

mocap, motion tracking.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
motion capture

See above for 'motion capture'. This can be used interchangeably with the first entry.

  • See above for 'motion capture'
mocap

Casual or industry shorthand for 'motion capture'. Commonly used among professionals in the field who are familiar with the term. Best for informal settings or when speaking with someone who understands the jargon.

  • We just finished setting up the mocap studio for our latest game project
  • Our mocap data needs to be processed before we can start animating
motion tracking

Refers more specifically to the technology or process of tracking the movement of objects or people. This term is broader and encompasses more than just capturing human movement for animation. Suitable for contexts discussing tracking in general, beyond just animation or film.

  • Motion tracking is essential for augmented reality applications
  • The motion tracking system ensures that the camera can accurately follow the movements of the subject

Examples of usage

  • Motion capture technology was used to create the lifelike movements of the characters in the latest video game.
  • The actor's movements were captured using motion capture sensors to animate the digital character.
Context #2 | Noun

film industry

Motion capture is a filming technique where actors wear special suits with sensors that track their movements. This data is then used to create computer-generated characters or enhance special effects in movies.

Synonyms

performance capture.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
motion capture

This term is typically used in animation, film, and video game development to describe the process of recording human movements and translating them into a digital model. It's broadly used and understood to mean the general process of capturing motion.

  • The animated film used motion capture to create realistic movements for its characters.
  • Game developers rely heavily on motion capture to ensure lifelike character actions.
performance capture

More specific than 'motion capture,' this term refers to the comprehensive recording of an actor's physical movements, facial expressions, and voice. It's commonly used in the context of bringing a character to life in a more immersive way, capturing the full performance.

  • The latest blockbuster utilized performance capture to bring the alien characters to life with expressive detail.
  • In performance capture sessions, actors often wear suits with markers and facial rigs to capture every nuance of their performance.

Examples of usage

  • The director decided to use motion capture for the alien characters in the sci-fi film.
  • Motion capture allowed the animators to accurately recreate the actor's performance in the animated movie.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The first motion capture system was developed in the 1910s, primarily for scientific and animal studies, not entertainment.
  • In the 1970s, filmmakers began using this technology, allowing for more realistic characters in animated films.
  • The film 'Jurassic Park' (1993) was one of the first to effectively use motion capture techniques for its dinosaurs.

Pop Culture

  • The groundbreaking performance of actor Andy Serkis as Gollum in 'The Lord of the Rings' popularized the use of motion capture in cinema.
  • In video games, characters like 'Nathan Drake' from the 'Uncharted' series showcase how emotions are captured through actors' movements.
  • Hollywood continues to evolve with motion capture, using it in blockbusters like 'Avatar' for creating entire virtual worlds.

Technology

  • Modern motion capture uses either markers placed on the actor or advanced sensors to record movements in real-time.
  • With the rise of virtual reality, motion capture technology is increasingly integrated into gaming hardware, allowing users to interact with characters.
  • Software advancements enable the use of AI to create more precise motions, streamlining production in film and game development.

Psychology

  • Motion capture can help researchers study human movement, analyzing how emotions are expressed through physical actions.
  • Understanding gestures and postures informs fields like robotics, where creators design machines that mimic human interactions.
  • Using motion capture in therapy can assist in rehabilitation for patients by tracking their movements and progress.

Art

  • In contemporary dance, motion capture is used to analyze and recreate movements digitally, influencing choreography.
  • Artists have explored motion capture technology in installations to create immersive environments that react to viewers' movements.
  • Fashion designers now use motion capture in runway shows, simulating how garments flow and move on virtual models.

Origin of 'motion capture'

The history of motion capture dates back to the 1970s when researchers began exploring ways to digitize human motion for computer graphics. Over the years, the technology has evolved and become a standard tool in the entertainment industry, revolutionizing the way animations are created and enhancing the realism of visual effects in films and video games.