Hi Folks,

Time has flown by really fast this year and I remember telling a year ago Zign Track / A:M Track version 2 was coming soon... Now I can announce that it's really almost ready for beta testing. I already have a group of beta testers that are anxious to get their hands on it, some of them are A:M users. Since A:M is still my favorite 3D animation application I figured I could see if some more users here are interested in doing some testing with A:M Track. All you need is a good webcam or DV camera and a computer that cam stream the video in real time without sucking up all the processor power. (A:M Track works with just one camera) The tracking algorithms I wrote for this new version are extremely fast. On a fast computer it would even be possible to track up to 200 or 300 fps. The algorithms were designed to be fast enough so the Pro version can handle 8 cameras in real time.
One of the best new features is that you don't have to manually specify where the markers are in the video and do this again if the program lost one of them. Just step in front of the camera and it finds the markers at once. I've been doing a lot of testing myself and I can say it is really working great. I'm am very exited about this. Also, the face rig can have more bones and you can choose from different marker layouts (with the Pro version you can even design your own layouts with up to 44 markers)
And it gets even better: You can see the captured motion in real time in a 3D preview. In this preview the facial rig is shown. You can tweak the captured data before you export. Isn't that great?

Here are some preview pictures at the interface. I couldn't do a demo video yet because it renders on the graphics card's memory ( to save CPU power) and my screen capture software does not capture from the graphics card. I used photoshop to add the video still to the picture

Click to view attachment
Click to view attachment
Click to view attachment

If some more of you would like to participate in the beta testing, let me know by sending an email to info at zigncreations.com. The requirements to participate are: you have good skills with A:M, you have a decent webcam or DV camera (at least VGA 25 fps) and a computer that is powerful enough, a good 3D character of which you can make the facial rig work with A:M Track, or you may use the pose driving method to control the face. (A:M Track can control poses on A:M models)
If you have a good looking model and would like the world to see your mocap animations I will post your video on my website, with your credits.
All A:M beta testers will receive a free copy of A:M Track 2 as a thank you. I must mention as well that I need just a couple of extra A:M Track beta testers, 5 or 6 should be enough ( I've already got a few and many others on other 3D apps). So when it's filled, it's filled. It's filled.
Beta testing should be starting by the end of this month, I'm hoping. ( I have learned I am usually way too optimistic so there is still the risk that it may be a bit later...)

And we can show off what we're making in this thread or the A:M section on this forum. I think it's time to see some more action here

That looks to be an impressive update Luuk!
I sure wish I had the time to Beta Test with you.
As it is I'll look forward to the information you and your Beta testers post.

Thanks for improving A:M Track!

This sounds like a major leap forward, Luuk!

Looks like it's much improvement, Luuk. Where do you recommend getting the markers? The markers I've used don't seem to stay on the face very well.

I recall you e-mailing me about beta testing, is that still available?

I'll have to update my face rig for the new markers.

Great looking piece of software and if it lives up to the hype, could be a game changer. I watch with interest. Does the second image have a cgi model in it or what? It looks almost like you but not quite.

any chance this will also be for mac ?

It's looking very impressive, Luuk!

That looks very interesting ! - makes me want a webcam

Er, I forgot what your real name is. It could be you're already on the list. email me to be sure.
I'm still using those standard tiny marker labels. I stick two labels together to make a T shape. It sticks pretty well and is better visible when the face turns away. Sometimes if a marker does not want to stay in place I apply a bit of hobby glue. (I should not officially recommend this because the label says it's irritating to the skin but it works very well if you use just a little bit)


No, that's just a 2D picture of a face so the user can choose and see where to put all those markers.



I am working on a mac version as well but it will take some more time to get done. When the Win version has passed testing I'll do what I can to get the mac version ready a.s.a.p.

Hey, Luuk,

any word on progress on your front?

Thanks.

Well, I am making progress but I'm spending way too much time fixing some things that are not working properly yet. I'm struggling with a huge piece of the code I wrote more than a year ago. I'm changing some parts but the amount of code is just so much it's almost impossible to oversee the whole, that's why the progress is going very slow at the moment. Each time when I think it's as good as done I find another problem...
Nevertheless, the beta testing should be starting in February. It's getting quite tiresome for me, I'm really hoping to get this over and done with soon. (off course I will not stop developing it further)

No problem, Luuk. You are doing an outstanding job and your efforts are greatly appreciated.

I was just curious. No rush here. Take your time to get it all correct for you.

Happy coding.

Hang in there Luuk

This is great news! I'd love to test!