Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/3597
4 October 2009 Vicon Introduces Boujou 5 PRODUCT: MATCHMOVING Vicon, developer of motion-capture and image-understanding systems, recently released Boujou 5, camera matchmoving software that enables 3D professionals to automatically derive complex camera motion and calibration data from image sequences. The new version gives users greater control over the matchmoving process, particularly through manual tracking tools. Boujou 5 uses a new method of solv- ing 3D camera positioning and motion paths from image sequences. This approach accelerates the solve and allows users more manual interaction within complex shots. The software also features an automatic sequential solver that looks at a single frame at a time, enabling the user to intervene at any time, rather than waiting until the end of the process. A fully functional Graph Editor lets users manually tweak the camera data and, if necessary, reprocess a shot. They can also lock valid sections of solved data or sections known to be correct, which they can then use to improve other segments of an image sequence. Boujou 5 is currently available and sells for $10,000. PRODUCTS: MODELING•ANIMATION At SIGGRAPH, Autodesk revealed a host of its 2010 prod- ucts, including Mudbox, MotionBuilder, and Softimage. Mudbox 2010, the latest version of Autodesk's digital sculpt- ing and painting application, makes it easier for artists to use Mudbox alongside Adobe Photoshop by importing PSD fi les to be used as paint layers, and with Autodesk's Maya, 3ds Max, and Softimage software through FBX support. The prod- uct also features a host of new creative tools and workfl ows (such as new brushes, support for ambient occlusion map baking, and new viewport fi lters), as well as a C++ SDK that enables production teams to customize and integrate Mudbox into pipelines. Mudbox 2010 began shipping in August for $745, with an upgrade price of $375. MotionBuilder 2010, Autodesk's real-time 3D charac- ter animation software, now offers faster performance with memory optimization of the core engine. The new version boasts productivity-enhancing animation workfl ows, such as better pose control for the rapid reuse of animations, and user-defi ned keying group support for custom rigs, props, cameras, and lights. It also contains expanded physics and character-simulation capabilities. MotionBuilder 2010 began shipping in August for $3995, with upgrade pricing estab- lished at $995. Meanwhile, the company also launched its Softimage 2010 3D modeling, animation, rendering, and compositing soft- ware. This latest version features an optimized core architec- ture through GigaCore III, integration of the Softimage Face Robot facial rigging and animation tool set, and an expanded and customizable Interactive Creative Environment (ICE) system. The new version also contains improved modeling tools, additional animation and camera functionality, and an updated Autodesk Crosswalk tool set for content transfer. Softimage 2010, available now, is priced at $2995 for the Windows version, $3295 for Linux, and $4695 for Soft image Advanced 2010 (Linux and Windows). Upgrade pricing is available, as well. Autodesk Rolls Out 2010 Lines