Working with Mo-Cap Data in Maya 

When I recorded this demo, I'd been using data from the extras that came with Maya and data I downloaded from a few different websites. Any compatible data source seem to work just fine. There were some cases where the data wouldn't work but I didn't really know why, since I was getting data from common resources. The best thing to do is to get some data and try.

@@3dmjp thank you!

Somebody Somewhere I probably used Hierarchy or all Joints

Have you tried copying the second set of keyframes and pasting them on the source rig of the first? It's also probably the simplest way to define a smooth transition between the two.

Yes, I mentioned that a rig would impede data transfer, but any keys directly applied to joints should be a more universally compatible setup for export. I've never had trouble doing so, if I am interpreting your meaning correctly.

@@3dmjp yeah, it worked just fine, its just harder to figure it out for newcomers :D

same here i need some help on that too

You need to go to the Visor and import the mocap data.

FilmGeeks Pro If no facial mocap is available... you could rig the face and animate it manually

Okay thanks. But can I straightaway begin to add fresh head joints and rigs to the motion capture skeleton after I bind it to the mesh?

Jeremy P Thanks for your prompt reply. How can I effectively achieve this please? My fear is that I will have to create new joints and rigs for the head and then attach them to the motion capture skeleton. Won't this give problems?

Joints and other influences can be added at any time, but I'd suggest adding them with 0 weight, so that you can assign the weights yourself. Otherwise, maya will change your existing skin weights. Mocap data targets assigned joints. If you add joints to the target rig, as long as there's not conflict with those associated with the assigned data sources, there shouldn't be a problem. Just make sure that your new joints are specifically and uniquely named. And don't move or delete existing joints affecting mocap data input/output.

Okay. Thanks a lot. I'll try this out.

It should... The demo was done in 2015, but all of the same tools still exists in 2016 and 2017. The menu's have just changed a bit.

Awesome. Thank you :)

+HedenCop I'm still figuring certain things out about Maya's ability to work with MoCap data, but I've found that Maya only recognizes certain sources and formats. Generally, it seems to recognize what appears in its Visor, and FBX files specifically produced from MoCap data. Since I have not captured MoCap data myself, I can't tell you why your files do not work. Once I know more about producing and converting MoCap data, then I may be able to figure out why some works and some does not. I've tested multiple free MoCap (fbx) files from TurboSquid without any trouble. Give it a try... www.turbosquid.com/Search/Index.cfm?keyword=motion+capture

thanks, i tried using the same mocap data in unity and it didnt work so maybe the file is just corrupted. this is my first messing with this mocap in maya. btw great tutorial

You're welcome. As I said, I'm also new to the world of MoCap data. Just as I've found data that works, I've found plenty that won't. Once I figure why, I'm sure that it will inspire another tutorial about fixing it. Unfortunately, the fix may require more software. MotionBuilder may be the likely solution.

Jeremy P ya i heard that nuke works aswell

@@3dmjp hi , yes the mocap from turbpsquid works for me too but once i import other mocpas from other site, the source doesnt show up, i am not sure why that is