How to Create Realistic Facial Animation with Faceware Analyzer 2.0.14
Faceware Analyzer 2.0.14: A Powerful Tool for Facial Motion Capture
If you are looking for a high-quality facial tracking software that can capture every nuance of your actor's performance from video, you might want to check out Faceware Analyzer 2.0.14. This software is the latest version of the award-winning, gold standard facial motion capture solution from Faceware Technologies, Inc. In this article, we will explain what Faceware Analyzer is, how to use it, what are its features, and how to get started with it.
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What is Faceware Analyzer?
Faceware Analyzer is the video analysis and facial tracking portion of the Faceware Creation Suite, a complete solution for creating realistic facial animation for movies, games, TV shows, commercials, and more. It uses markerless technology to track everything the face can do at extremely high quality, using machine learning and deep learning techniques.
The core piece of the Faceware animation pipeline
The Faceware animation pipeline consists of three main components: Analyzer, Retargeter, and Live Server. Analyzer is the first step in the pipeline, where you record a facial performance video and create a new Analyzer project (referred to as a "job" in the software) using the video. The software tracks the facial features and exports the tracking data in a format that can be used by Faceware Retargeter in a 3D animation package to apply the motion to a character. Retargeter is the second step in the pipeline, where you fine-tune the animation and adjust the facial expressions to match your character's personality and style. Live Server is an optional component that allows you to stream live facial animation from a video source to any game engine or animation software that supports Unreal Live Link or OSC protocols.
The benefits of using Faceware Analyzer
Faceware Analyzer offers many advantages over other facial tracking software, such as:
It can track any face, regardless of ethnicity, gender, age, or facial hair.
It can handle any lighting condition, camera angle, or video resolution.
It can track subtle movements, such as eye blinks, lip syncs, tongue motions, and wrinkles.
It can track complex expressions, such as smiles, frowns, grimaces, and squints.
It can track head movements, such as rotations, translations, and tilts.
It can track multiple faces in a single video.
It can track faces wearing glasses, hats, masks, or other accessories.
It can track faces with occlusions or partial visibility.
It can track faces in real time or offline mode.
It can export tracking data in various formats, such as FBX, CSV, XML, or FWR.
How to use Faceware Analyzer?
The basic workflow of Faceware Analyzer contains the following steps:
The basic workflow of Faceware Analyzer
Create a new Analyzer tracking job from a recorded video.
Decide which tracking method you wish to use: training frames or autotrack.
For the most accurate tracking using a custom model for your actor, begin by creating training frames to mark unique poses in your actor's performance. Once you have created your training frames, track the footage to generate the in-between frames. Repeat by creating new training frames and tracking until the tracking landmarks follow the facial features accurately.
For fast and automatic feature tracking, but with less accuracy and control, use autotrack to generate the tracking data.
Parameterize the tracking data and export it as an .fwr performance file that can be used in Faceware Retargeter to animate your character.
The two tracking methods: training frames and autotrack
Faceware Analyzer offers two different methods for tracking facial features from video: training frames and autotrack. Both methods use machine learning algorithms to analyze the video and generate tracking data, but they differ in the level of accuracy, control, and speed they provide.
Training frames are user-defined keyframes that represent unique facial poses in the video. The user manually places landmarks on the face in each training frame, and then uses the track button to fill in the gaps between the training frames. The software learns from the user's input and creates a custom tracking model for the actor. This method allows for precise control over the tracking quality and can handle complex expressions and movements. However, it also requires more time and effort from the user, especially for long or challenging videos.
Autotrack is a fully automated feature tracking method that does not require any user input. The user simply selects a video file and clicks the autotrack button, and the software will track the face using a pre-trained global model. This method is fast and easy to use, and can produce decent results for simple or short videos. However, it also has some limitations, such as less accuracy, less flexibility, and less ability to handle occlusions or variations in the face.
The parameterization and export process
Parameterization is the process of converting the raw tracking data into a set of parameters that represent the facial motion. These parameters are based on a standardized facial action coding system (FACS) that describes facial expressions in terms of muscle movements. Parameterization allows for consistent and efficient transfer of facial motion from one actor to another, or from one character to another.
To parameterize the tracking data, the user needs to select a neutral frame for the actor, which is a frame where the face is relaxed and symmetrical. The software will use this frame as a reference point to calculate the parameters. The user can also choose which frames to parameterize, either by selecting valid frames (denoted by a light blue bar at the bottom of the timeline) or by manually entering a frame range or ranges. The user then clicks the parameterize button and waits for the software to contact the server and process the data.
Once the parameterization is done, the user can export the tracking data as an .fwr performance file that can be used in Faceware Retargeter to animate a character. The user can also export other formats, such as FBX, CSV, or XML, depending on their needs.
What are the features of Faceware Analyzer 2.0.14?
Faceware Analyzer 2.0.14 is the latest version of Faceware's facial tracking software, released in June 2021. It introduces several new and improved features that enhance the user experience and performance quality of Faceware Analyzer. Some of these features are:
The new and improved user interface
The user interface of Faceware Analyzer 2.0.14 has been redesigned to be more intuitive, modern, and user-friendly. It features a dark theme that reduces eye strain and improves contrast, a streamlined layout that organizes tools and options into logical groups, a resizable timeline that allows for better navigation and editing of frames, a customizable toolbar that lets users access their favorite tools quickly, and a new status bar that displays useful information such as job name, frame rate, resolution, duration, etc.
The enhanced global tracking models
The global tracking models are pre-trained models that are used by Faceware Analyzer to track facial features automatically using autotrack or as a starting point for creating training frames. Faceware Analyzer 2.0.14 includes two new global models: one for head-mounted camera (HMC) videos and one for webcam videos. These models are optimized for different types of video sources and can provide better results than the previous generic model.
The automation API for batch processing
The automation API is a new feature that allows users to automate tasks in Faceware Analyzer using Python scripts. This feature is useful for users who want to process multiple videos or jobs in a batch mode, without having to manually open and track each video. The automation API also allows users to customize the tracking settings, such as the tracking method, the parameterization options, the export formats, etc. The automation API can be accessed from the Tools menu in Faceware Analyzer or from the command line.
The intelligent drag for fine-tuning tracking data
The intelligent drag is a new tool that allows users to adjust the tracking landmarks on the face by simply dragging them with the mouse. The software will automatically update the surrounding landmarks and frames to maintain a smooth and consistent motion. This tool is useful for fine-tuning the tracking data and correcting any errors or inaccuracies that may occur during the tracking process.
How to get started with Faceware Analyzer?
If you are interested in trying out Faceware Analyzer for yourself, here are some steps you can take to get started:
The system requirements and installation guide
Before you download and install Faceware Analyzer, make sure your computer meets the minimum system requirements, which are:
Windows 10 64-bit operating system
Intel Core i7 processor or equivalent
16 GB of RAM or more
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card or equivalent
500 GB of free disk space or more
A webcam or a head-mounted camera for recording videos
An internet connection for activating the software and parameterizing the data
To install Faceware Analyzer, follow these steps:
Download the Faceware Analyzer installer from the Faceware website.
Run the installer and follow the instructions on the screen.
Launch Faceware Analyzer and enter your license key or sign in with your Faceware account.
Activate your license online or offline, depending on your preference.
Enjoy using Faceware Analyzer!
The free resources and tutorials available online
To learn how to use Faceware Analyzer effectively, you can access various free resources and tutorials available online, such as:
The Faceware documentation, which provides detailed information on every aspect of Faceware Analyzer, such as the user interface, the tools, the settings, the workflow, etc.
The Faceware YouTube channel, which features video tutorials, demos, tips and tricks, case studies, and more.
The Faceware community forum, which is a place where you can ask questions, share feedback, report issues, and interact with other users and developers.
The Faceware blog, which showcases the latest news, updates, events, and stories related to Faceware products and services.
The pricing and licensing options
Faceware Analyzer is available in two editions: Indie and Pro. The Indie edition is designed for independent artists and small studios who want to create facial animation for non-commercial projects. The Pro edition is designed for professional studios and enterprises who want to create facial animation for commercial projects. The main differences between the two editions are:
FeatureIndiePro
Maximum video resolution1080p4K
Maximum number of faces per video1Unlimited
Licensing typeFloating (online)Floating (online/offline)
Pricing model$99/month or $999/year$299/month or $2999/year
Support levelEmail support (48 hours response time)Email support (24 hours response time) + Phone support (9am-5pm PST)
Free trial period15 days15 days
Educational discountNoYes (50% off)
Bulk discountNoYes (contact sales@facewaretech.com)
Cancellation policyNo cancellation fee (subscription ends at end of billing cycle)No cancellation fee (subscription ends at end of billing cycle)
Refund policyNo refunds (except for technical issues)No refunds (except for technical issues)
To purchase a license for Faceware Analyzer, you can visit the Faceware website and choose the edition and payment plan that suits your needs. You can also request a free trial to test the software before buying it.
Conclusion
Faceware Analyzer 2.0.14 is a powerful tool for facial motion capture that can track any face from any video with high quality and accuracy. It is the core piece of the Faceware animation pipeline that allows you to create realistic facial animation for your characters. It offers two tracking methods: training frames and autotrack, as well as several new and improved features, such as the new user interface, the enhanced global models, the automation API, and the intelligent drag. It is available in two editions: Indie and Pro, with different pricing and licensing options. You can get started with Faceware Analyzer by checking the system requirements, installing the software, accessing the free resources and tutorials, and purchasing or requesting a free trial license.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Faceware Analyzer:
What kind of video files can I use in Faceware Analyzer?
You can use any video file that has a .mov, .mp4, .avi, or .wmv extension. The recommended video format is H.264 encoded .mp4 with a frame rate of 30 fps or higher.
How long does it take to track a video in Faceware Analyzer?
The tracking time depends on several factors, such as the video length, resolution, quality, complexity, and the tracking method you choose. Generally speaking, using training frames takes longer than using autotrack, but it also produces better results. A rough estimate is that it takes about 10 minutes to track one minute of video using training frames, and about 1 minute to track one minute of video using autotrack.
How can I improve the tracking quality in Faceware Analyzer?
There are some tips and best practices you can follow to improve the tracking quality in Faceware Analyzer, such as:
Use a good quality video source that has clear facial features, good lighting, minimal noise, and minimal occlusions.
Use a head-mounted camera or a webcam that is close to the face and has a stable position.
Use a neutral background that does not distract from the face.
Use training frames for complex or challenging videos that require more accuracy and control.
Use autotrack for simple or short videos that do not require much fine-tuning.
Use the intelligent drag tool to adjust the tracking landmarks if needed.
Use the parameterization settings to customize the facial motion parameters.
How can I export the tracking data from Faceware Analyzer?
You can export the tracking data from Faceware Analyzer in various formats, depending on your needs. The most common format is .fwr, which is a proprietary format that can be used in Faceware Retargeter to animate your character. You can also export other formats, such as FBX, CSV, or XML, which can be used in other software or applications.
How can I contact Faceware support if I have any issues or questions?
You can contact Faceware support by sending an email to support@facewaretech.com or by filling out a support ticket on their website. You can also visit their community forum or their YouTube channel for more help and information.
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