Interactive Video-Based Motion Capture for Character Animation

We combine techniques from interactive computer graphics and automated computer vision to extract articulated body movement from video. Active contours and techniques from image processing are used to identify features and establish feature relationships from frame to frame. A threedimensional hierarchical model is associated with active contours, which then kinematically “pull” the model along with them. Motion capture is iterative and interactive, with users adjusting the extraction as needed. The technique is demonstrated using the motion of a horse, though it is equally appropriate for human figure animation.