3D Body Scanning - Custom Characters

[jbruno]

Hello, I am a researcher from the University of Texas, and I am looking at the possibility of bringing new 3d scanning technology to videogames. More specifically, recent developments allow for a complete 3d body scan in about 7 seconds. We would like to combine this technology with software to allow gamers the ability to import a perfect 3d image of themselves into the videogame of their choice. Is this something that would interest you? If so, what games would you like to see support this technology?



Thank you,

Josh Bruno

[elsegundo]

kinda not really. i play videogames because the character is NOT really me. in real life, im just plain old me. but in a videogame, i can me whatever the game lets me be and i choose based on that. i have enough of "me" in real life anyway. its pretty boring.

[xDarkDrifterx]

There's a survey and research thread in place for these posts btw.

I'm guessing since Unv. of Texas is using the 3dMD’s medical-grade 3D surface imaging system that this may be what you're speaking about? Some people may desire this (I doubt it - per segundo's post) but how do you plan to make this cost effective for 13 year olds with an allowance?

[Lothaer]

2 things i see wrong with your idea.

a) price yeah like we could afford that, and

b) id love to see you develop that is a small portable way that can even FIT in the average house.

go back to watching star trek.

[moopy]

Been done. I saw a booth in London that spat out Quake N models after a quickish scan. Oh yes, and there's a thread for this sort of stuff. "Survey and research", or something equally obscure.

Oh, also "perfect 3d image" is a bit misleading. You'll have to do a lot more to reduce detail than merely merging coplanar polygons- some serious simplification is required to bring things down to the right level. In order to make it work at all, it will require some serious twiddling, the introduction of clever imperfection, if you will. Current generation video game characters often feature a deceptively low polycount, and then multiple layers of radiosity, normal and/or displacement-ish maps. However carefully this is executed, it's never going to be "perfect". Oh, yes, and algorithmic methods for attatching inverse kinematic anchors are often a little hit and miss, and require some "tweaking" by a skilled human operator, otherwise it looks odd. Quick or high quality, pick one or the other.

Finally (and this is the clincher that makes me think that your "research" is minimal), this is a forum for World Of Warcraft. You don't import custom models into World Of Warcraft.

Other than that, fascinating and clearly carefully considered :-)

[elsegundo]

it might work better for games like second life and sims and stuff.
i have a Mii that doesnt really look like me. maybe you can do that!

[Super Sneaky Steve]

Yeah I'd do it if it was cheap. I always wanted a freakishly handsome and sexy toon.

[DrScience]

Thrall was 3D scanned from my image. im so rough it hurts.

[Aerath]

Hm.

Wasn't there a company (US only iirc) that made these ? Based on the Blizzard Armory ?

[Janfader]

Maybe in ten years when that technology is a little more accessable and cheaper. Not for WoW IMO.

[moopy]

Hm.

Wasn't there a company (US only iirc) that made these ? Based on the Blizzard Armory ?

Wrong way around :-) There are some outfits who make 3d models of your toon. The guy above is talking about building 3d models of you, and importing into games (which, as I said, has been done, and is also way OT for WoW).

[caldepen]

Lets keep fantasy worlds separate from the real world.

[everytimeidie]

I guess it might be a cool idea to have an MMO-style game with you imported as a character model. Why not combine fantasy with reality? I mean we do it anyway.

Sure, go for it, why the hell not?