One could say that motion capture technology hasn't evolved much in the past twenty years. It still relies mostly on cameras, electromagnetics, or mechanics. Of course, the components are much better and we are now able to obtain superior measurements. Data that took weeks to process in the early days can now be obtained in real time with the brand-new, ultra-high-resolution cameras or microelectromechanical systems. Components are now small enough and cheap enough for us to have consumer products that rely on human motion.

What has evolved the most is the understanding of the medium. We can now say that Motion Capture and Performance Capture are two very different things. At the very beginning of computer graphics, only engineers were capable of creating imagery. It was not until tools became friendly enough for artists that computer graphics flourished and became an integral piece of filmmaking. The same has occurred with Performance Capture as now real artists have embraced it and we are starting to see what the real potential is.

Besides updating the old material, I have now included descriptions of brand-new technologies that could potentially become the new standard. Those technologies will enable new and exciting applications in medicine, sports, security, and other areas.

There is also a fresh look at facial capture, descriptions of the newest file formats, and accounts of the latest projects where the technology was used successfully in creating full body and facial performances. I have also included an updated list of related resources available throughout the world.

The Updated Edition is aimed at the new Motion and Performance Capture artists and technicians, to give them an understanding of the history, the controversy, and what goes on under the hood.