A new patent from Disney describes possible improvements to real-time motion capture for animated projects. This could benefit future theme park animatronics.

Real-Time Animation Motion Capture Patent

The patent, “Real-Time Animation Motion Capture,” aims to improve motion capture by combining data sets from two performances. The abstract states:

Embodiments provide for improved capture and modification of sensor data. A first performance in a physical environment is recorded, and a first data object is generated, comprising at least a first motion capture element from the first performance, where the first motion capture element includes at least one of (i) body data or (ii) facial data. A request to modify the first data object based on a second data object including motion capture data from a second performance is received, and the first data object is modified by adding, to the first data object, a second motion capture element from the second data object. The modified first data object including the first motion capture element and the second motion capture element is outputted.

Motion capture is the process of recording the movements of a physical performer and translating that into animation, such as with the CGI characters of the Avatar films. Recently, Disney used motion capture on a Muppet for the first time, capturing the performance of Scooter and using that to inform his Audio-Animatronic at Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets.

The patent mostly references TV, games, and movies, but the technology could also be used for future animatronics.

Disney hopes the improvements described in the patent could eliminate unnecessary delays and wasted expenses in the animation process.

See the Scooter animatronic in our video of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets below.

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