Motion capture is the recording of movement. In the entertainment industry, specialists use motion capture—sometimes called _performance capture—_to translate an actor’s movements into computer data. Computer artists can then use this data to realistically animate characters in movies and electronic games. Motion capture technology is also used in medicine and sports. Medical experts use the technology to analyze how people move or walk. Sports professionals record and study the motions of athletes to find ways to improve their technique.
There are several types of motion capture systems. For example, some technologies rely on sound waves or magnets. Optical systems are the most common motion capture technology. In such a system, a performer wears a tight suit adorned with small markers. Multiple cameras record the changing positions of the markers. Computer software combines data from different cameras to reconstruct the body’s motions in three dimensions. Special motion capture devices can also capture a performer’s facial expressions and finger movements.
Motion capture technology first became popular in the 1990’s. Such animated movies as Final Fantasy: The Spirits With_in (2001) and _The Polar Express (2004) used motion capture to lend realism to animated human characters. Live-action movies also use motion capture to animate fantastic humanlike creatures. In “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, released from 2001 to 2003, the actor Andy Serkis won acclaim for his motion-captured performance as the creature Gollum. From the late 1990’s through the 2010’s, such electronic sports games series as Madden NFL and NBA 2K used motion capture to accurately record the style of real athletes.
