Softimage Co. announced SOFTIMAGE|FACE ROBOT version 1.5 an update to the industrys first software application dedicated to the creation of lifelike facial animation. This release offers a game export solution which allows artists to deliver high quality, in-game acting with detailed facial nuances, with support for all major game platforms. In addition, significant performance improvements to the software have also been implemented and support for the new Mova Contour Reality Capture system is now included. Softimage has the new version of Face Robot on display at SIGGRAPH at booth #1713.
New game platforms coupled with consumer demand for better acting is quickly making the face a critical factor in game production. Face Robot software has been an effective tool for rendered animation, and with this update we are taking the next step forward to accelerate getting life-like facial animation into games, said Michael Isner, manager of special projects for Softimage. Now artists can simply take a face mesh, apply motion capture or key frames, edit and tune the acting and then transfer into a game-ready asset.
Key features of the game export solution include:* Automatic enveloping: Careful preservation of facial nuances around the mouth, with added focus on the volumetric quality of the lips - even with a minimal number of bones.* Paint-based exporting: Artists can dictate the level optimization of anything from the number of masks, through to bone locations and influence.* Tuning of realtime data: Easy adjustment of wrinkle intensity and shading parameters after export.* Support for custom deformation: Its now possible to add layers of customized rigging, shape and simulation, and then export them.
The Face Robot v.1.5 software application has been optimized to dramatically speed up animation playback while maintaining the highest quality deformations. Since the majority of animation tuning occurs around the mouth, particular attention has been taken to optimize the proxy mouth playback mode.
By using a pipeline that allows the upcoming Mova Contour Reality Capture system to export data directly into the Face Robot environment, a new end-to-end facial animation pipeline for both film and game production will soon be available. The high-quality motion data provided by Contour will allow Face Robot software to produce facial animation from highly detailed reference data. More information on Contour can be found at www.mova.com.
SOFTIMAGE|FACE ROBOT version 1.5 software is expected to be available in September 2006 for purchase in the following configurations:* SOFTIMAGE|FACE ROBOT Designer will be available for $94,995 * SOFTIMAGE|FACE ROBOT Animator will be available for $14,995
Softimage also has SOFTIMAGE|CAT and SOFTIMAGE|XSI v.5.11 on display at SIGGRAPH.
SOFTIMAGE|CAT version 2.5 is the latest update to the newest member of the Softimage suite of character tools, as part of Avids recent asset acquisition of Character Animation Technologies Ltd. SOFTIMAGE|CAT v.2.5, a plug-in for Autodesks 3ds Max software, is a complete character animation system that offers artists in game development, film and post industries a unique toolset with which to produce better animations more quickly in a completely flexible environment.
Highlights of SOFTIMAGE|CAT v.2.5 software includes: * Logical rig components. New in version 2.5, CAT now includes gizmos to manipulate CATRigs faster and easier. * Animation layers. New in 2.5, artists can now quickly copy and paste poses and animation for hubs limbs, hands, feet, and tails, further speeding up the key-framing of CAT characters.* Unique procedural walk-cycle system. New Walk Modes in CATMotion now include: Walk on spot, Walk on Line, and Path node. CATMotion also includes controls for gradient and direction, allowing artists to design a broader range of cycles.
Demonstrations of SOFTIMAGE|XSI v.5.11 software will focus on the unique tools designed to help art teams collaborate and save time on their projects. The GATOR (Generic Attribute Transfer Operator) tool allows artists to automatically transfer any surface property between any two models, saving hours of tedious rework if fundamental changes need to be made to existing assets. In addition, Softimage will be showcasing some exclusive previews of future solutions designed to dramatically increase character animation productivity.
Softimage Co., a subsidiary of Avid Technology Inc., provides intuitive, production proven tools for 3D artists to create characters in the film, broadcast, post-production and games industries. For more information, visit www.softimage.com.
Avid Technology, Inc. is the world leader in digital nonlinear media creation, management, and distribution solutions for film, video, audio, animation, games and broadcast professionals. For more information, visit www.avid.com.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
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