Webcam tech gives real-time makeover

Author: Gareth Halfacree
Published: 27th December 2007
Comments (10) Stumble
Sure, you can look like a camp warrior. The question is, can you look like a Japanese schoolgirl?

Sure, you can look like a camp warrior. The question is, can you look like a Japanese schoolgirl?

A Japanese news report found on YouTube has given a fascinating insight into a new technology for real-time image manipulation. Fancy a haircut, or perhaps a new tattoo? The software is capable of modifying your appearance to give a completely realistic image that follows your every movement.

Viewable here, the short video shows a roving reporter in a standard-issue suit getting the full treatment: within seconds of sitting down he’s got a hairstyle and outfit that wouldn’t look amiss on the lead in a Square Enix game. Every few seconds the image changes, and at no point is the illusion anything less than perfect.

Okay, so it’s difficult to tell exactly how good the technology actually is from a low resolution YouTube clip but it certainly seems a far cry from your average webcam freeware. While practical uses are perhaps not immediately obvious – other than to perhaps attempt to convince your boss that you’re ill during a suspicious video sick call during the World Cup – the technology could certainly see use for online gaming.

Imagine if World of Warcraft had a video window in the top corner that allowed you to see the people you were battling with: instead of the t-shirt clad warriors actually sat in front of the camera you would be able to see the orcs and elves you’ve come to expect. In-game video chatting without breaking immersion. I’m sold.

There’s currently no news on when – or even if – the technology is likely to become anything more than a YouTube oddity, but I’ll certainly be keeping my eye on this one.

What do you think: enough to convince you to turn your webcam on during games, or does it only get used when you’re chatting to lonely housewives? Your comments are welcomed, as always, via the forums.
Quote naokaji 27th December 2007, 09:31
a light at the end of the tunnel... finally everyone can use a webcam and they are no longer restricted to the good looking people...

oh wait... i got along for years without one just fine, now they just need to find a reason why to buy one at all:D
Quote Redbeaver 27th December 2007, 14:17
chatting to lonely housewives... lol

thats a good one.
Quote TreeDude 27th December 2007, 18:29
I wonder how much horse power software like this needs.
Quote [USRF]Obiwan 27th December 2007, 19:15
I dont know but this is old. There are som plugins for the video of msn where you could do that. My brother uses it somethimes for over 2 years (its all gimmick for a few minutes lol and then it gets boring) you have scars overlays for you face, can look like a alien, can have big ears or a punched blue eye, a clowns nose, glasses and even look like gordon Freeman (that was funy)

So nothing new.. move along.. nothing to see.. move along...
Quote -EVRE- 27th December 2007, 20:16
Quote:
Originally Posted by [USRF]Obiwan
I dont know but this is old. There are som plugins for the video of msn where you could do that. My brother uses it somethimes for over 2 years (its all gimmick for a few minutes lol and then it gets boring) you have scars overlays for you face, can look like a alien, can have big ears or a punched blue eye, a clowns nose, glasses and even look like gordon Freeman (that was funy)

So nothing new.. move along.. nothing to see.. move along...

what was it called? I'd like a link! :D
Quote Bluephoenix 28th December 2007, 11:23
I think Gareth's WoW idea is something that does hold merit, especially if blizzard implements it in the game engine itself
Quote outlawaol 28th December 2007, 18:09
Looks like another way for people to completely disconnect from reality.... Become your character, live a virtual life.

Come on people, go socialize in the real world. Much more interesting.
Quote metarinka 29th December 2007, 10:17
my friend translated, only thing worth adding is that it monitors 100 points on the face in real time to add the effects. I would assume such a setup would need a hi resolution web cam and good lighting/setup. Not to mention such a setup would like eat up considerable processing power and bandwidth.

it seems interesting but not wholly practice now until hardware catches up.

I could see similar software principals used in tv and film to virtually make up actors faces or touch up blemishes in a lot less labour intensive process, it could be even applied to live tv for all sorts of interesting applications.
Quote DeXtmL 29th December 2007, 12:37
Quote:
Originally Posted by TreeDude
I wonder how much horse power software like this needs.

This tech is currently under internal dev and test. Hard to predict it's reqiurement on hardware.
Quote rhuitron 31st December 2007, 08:37
YAY!

Now I can rob a bank with my Avatar!!!!!!
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