ClassInfo

ANI 450 Motion Capture

Dustin Carroll

Fall 2015-2016
Class number: 16745
Section number: 701
Tu 5:45PM - 9:00PM
14EAS 00512 Loop Campus

Summary

This course is a workshop focusing on realistic character motion obtained through motion capture. Students will learn the motion capture pipeline, including character skinning and mapping, planning and directing motion capture sessions, applying motion to a character and motion editing. Students can look forward to adding a powerful tool to their repertoire and the wisdom to best incorporate mocap into their own projects.



Texts

The Mocap Book: A Practical Guide to the Art of Motion Capture, Blue Edition, by Ricardo Tobon

Please be sure to bring a flash drive.


Grading

Assignments: 30% of final grade
Quizzes/Activities: 30% of final grade
Final Project: 40% of final grade

You must score a passing mark on your final project in order to pass the class. Much of this class is hands-on or demonstrated with the hardware. As such, although attendance is not figured into your final grade it is likely very influential. Attendance is only absolutely mandatory during the final week when we'll screen the final projects.

A: 90-100%
B: 80-89%
C: 70-79%
D: 60-69%
F: 0-59%


Prerequisites

ANI 231 or GPH 338


Mocap Stage

The mocap stage is located in the basement of the 14 E. Jackson building, room LL104. You will need to check in to the Stage Office (LL103) with your student ID to gain access to the space. The room is available:

Mon-Thurs: 9am - 10pm
Fri: 9am - 9pm
Sat: 9am - 9pm, You must submit your name & ID to the DC Stage manager Friday, by noon.


Class overview, basics concepts of mocap, and introduction to the mocap stage.

Introduction to MotionBuilder: navigating the software and basic concepts. Running a shoot and data tracking with Motive. Applying data to MotionBuilder, both to an Actor and a Character. Animation adjustments, polishing, and exporting. Advanced mocap techniques, planning out complex motions. Character pipeline, combining motions, begin planning final project. Shotlists due for final project, advanced MotionBuilder techniques, begin capturing Final. Continue shooting final project, cleaning up data. Apply and adjust data to final project.

School policies:

Changes to Syllabus

This syllabus is subject to change as necessary during the quarter. If a change occurs, it will be thoroughly addressed during class, posted under Announcements in D2L and sent via email.

Online Course Evaluations

Evaluations are a way for students to provide valuable feedback regarding their instructor and the course. Detailed feedback will enable the instructor to continuously tailor teaching methods and course content to meet the learning goals of the course and the academic needs of the students. They are a requirement of the course and are key to continue to provide you with the highest quality of teaching. The evaluations are anonymous; the instructor and administration do not track who entered what responses. A program is used to check if the student completed the evaluations, but the evaluation is completely separate from the student’s identity. Since 100% participation is our goal, students are sent periodic reminders over three weeks. Students do not receive reminders once they complete the evaluation. Students complete the evaluation online in CampusConnect.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism

This course will be subject to the university's academic integrity policy. More information can be found at http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/ If you have any questions be sure to consult with your professor.

All students are expected to abide by the University's Academic Integrity Policy which prohibits cheating and other misconduct in student coursework. Publicly sharing or posting online any prior or current materials from this course (including exam questions or answers), is considered to be providing unauthorized assistance prohibited by the policy. Both students who share/post and students who access or use such materials are considered to be cheating under the Policy and will be subject to sanctions for violations of Academic Integrity.

Academic Policies

All students are required to manage their class schedules each term in accordance with the deadlines for enrolling and withdrawing as indicated in the University Academic Calendar. Information on enrollment, withdrawal, grading and incompletes can be found at http://www.cdm.depaul.edu/Current%20Students/Pages/PoliciesandProcedures.aspx.

Students with Disabilities

Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss their specific needs. All discussions will remain confidential.
To ensure that you receive the most appropriate accommodation based on your needs, contact the instructor as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first week of class), and make sure that you have contacted the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at:
Lewis Center 1420, 25 East Jackson Blvd.
Phone number: (312)362-8002
Fax: (312)362-6544
TTY: (773)325.7296