Motion capture in video games continues to improve, especially with the next generation of video games. But according to a recent Activision patent, the technology behind capturing methods may be getting even better; thus facial animations may soon become more realistic.
The Activision patent looks to be designed to improve motion capturing techniques for future projects using actors and motion reference systems. It is possible that this technology could be used in future games like Call of Duty, or perhaps even shared with Blizzard Entertainment projects like Overwatch 2.
The patent itself was filed on September 5, 2017, with a proper publication date of Mar 7, 2019. However, new information seems to have popped up as recently as October 27, 2020. The overview of the patents speaks of motion capture movement technology with the help of a light strip having an elongated substrate. This would help in guiding the movement of the actor. Additionally, Activision's patent could even be competing head-to-head against EA's new facial animation patent technology, as well.
The Activision patent also seems to indicate that there will be flexibility from both the user input and programming side. This could help with next-gen games, making them easier to develop. The details also point to the actor chasing the light to help with the motion capturing. Whether it is an old controller patent or technology for bettering next-generation, patents are very interesting to dissect.
The process of motion capture is extremely difficult and time-consuming, and also expensive. It is very possible that this new patent could be something that Activision is working on to save time, money, and energy for the company. At a glance, the details of a light fixture that actors go around chasing sound a little silly, but then again, so did the idea of strapping on giant balls with a skin tight suit, and that is what is being used right now with standard motion capture in games and movies.
Activision's motion capture patent could be a game-changer moving forward. If put into its future video games, and certainly if shared with Blizzard Entertainment, the technology could allow for smoother, cheaper, and easier motion capturing. Additionally, the final product could simply be better for the gamer. It should also be said that patents do sometimes simply sit in the patent state and never end up being used. So while the details are titillating, they may never end up being used.
Perhaps one day, during a deep developer diary and behind the scenes look at a new Call of Duty game, new tech will be seen during a motion capture shoot and it will become apparent that this patent has been put into effect in Activision games.
Source: Patft