How to capture motion with your phone?
In this course, we explored the process of recording video within Unreal Engine environments using mobile devices. This functionality can also be extended to support motion capture applications.
The workflow involves several key steps:(1) enabling the necessary motion capture plugins, (2) establishing a Live Link connection, (3) configuring remote sessions, (4) utilizing the Take Recorder in multi-user mode, (5) setting up the virtual camera, and (6) installing the Unreal VCam application on a mobile device.
During the practical sessions, we encountered several technical challenges related to network connectivity between the mobile devices and the host computer. These issues suggest that there are certain limitations inherent to this method, particularly in institutional or shared network environments.
To further evaluate the feasibility and performance of this approach, I intend to conduct additional testing using my personal device and home network.
Progress on my experimental project
By this week, I have developed greater clarity and confidence in my chosen direction. I have long been interested in exploring stop-motion animation, and this project presents an ideal opportunity to engage with the medium. Stop-motion allows me to deepen my understanding of animation through a more traditional, hands-on approach. Additionally, it offers a welcome break from prolonged screen time, which helps reduce eye strain.
To support this endeavor, I reached out to the Stop Motion Department at LCC. They kindly provided me with an induction, including access to materials, facilities, and relevant resources, as well as information on lectures and workshops available for further learning. This support has proven invaluable, enabling me to begin experimenting with different materials, developing concepts, and making full use of the resources provided.
I visited the LCC Arts Shop to purchase non-drying clay suitable for stop-motion modeling.
I immediately began sculpting my character with it.
While the clay was relatively easy to shape, I encountered difficulty attaching the body parts securely, as the material’s non-drying nature made it challenging to achieve stable connections. This presented a potential issue for animation, as unstable joints could hinder smooth movement.
To address this, I incorporated an internal armature, similar to a rig in Maya, to provide structure and maintain the integrity of the model during animation. This solution allows for more controlled and consistent manipulation of the character throughout the animation process.