ABSTRACT
An engineering-specific overview of camera tracking is provided in Chapter 20. Virtual production’s effectiveness and believability rely heavily on the data that the cameras provide to the visual effects crew and the Brain Bar. Inside-out and outside-in tracking are defined and explained in this chapter, and the reader will learn how many parameters are included in a complete tracking data set, what to do if too few are hampering the production, and how to fix it. Useful camera placement and calibration considerations and easy-to-follow diagrams for each scenario are provided. Marker-based and markerless camera tracking is examined, with the advantages and disadvantages of each approach outlined in detail. The reader will learn more about passive markers, powered LEDs, active identification in the LEDs, and inertial measurement units. Physical trackers are given further discussion, with an exploration of inertial, optical, hybrid, and encoder-based solutions.
