New Head Mounted Camera System for Facial Performance

World leading facial performance capture company Dimensional Imaging (DI4D) will launch its new Head Mounted Camera (HMC) system at the upcoming Game Developers Conference (GDC). The new DI4D HMC provides the highest fidelity facial performance data ever captured with an HMC when used in conjunction with the DI4D post-processing pipeline.

The DI4D HMC is designed to excel in the most demanding of facial performance capture applications that require the highest possible image quality, camera stability, and comfort of fit. The new system uses a stereo pair of 4MP cameras and synchronized on-board strobed LED illumination to ensure excellent camera focus and even illumination across the face while minimizing the apparent brightness to the subject. An innovative head-band and boom design eliminates pinch points for greater subject comfort and ensures excellent camera stability. The system is completely wireless and can operate at all major production frame rates up to 60fps.

Dr Colin Urquhart DI4D’s CEO, commented:

“We are very excited to be launching our new DI4D HMC at this year’s GDC. The development of the DI4D HMC draws upon all the experience we have gained in five years of using stereo camera HMCs for numerous demanding visual effects projects The DI4D HMC’s combination of exceptional image quality, ease of use and competitive pricing will really help us now also deliver the highest fidelity facial animation to video games.”

Although the DI4D HMC will enhance most third-party facial processing pipelines, it has been designed to be particularly effective when used with DI4D’s advanced post-processing solution.

Colin explains:

“Our world-leading DI4D facial performance capture pipeline uses stereo photogrammetry and optical flow tracking without any special markers or makeup and relies on high-quality image data. The DI4D HMC has been designed specifically to make it easy to capture consistently high-quality stereo facial video data without compromising on actor comfort. It, therefore, promises to raise the bar on the quality of performance-driven facial animation in visual effects and video games.

“We encourage all GDC delegates to visit the DI4D booth S1060 to see the new DI4D HMC for themselves.”