Jasper Brekelmans is already pretty famous for creating Brekel Pro Tools, which turns the sensor streams from various 3D cameras, including the Kinect, into useful 3D data that can be used for 3D animations, visual effects and general research. OpenVR Recorder expands on this capability by also ingesting high quality data used for tracking virtual reality devices like the Oculus Rift and the HTC Vive.
The original Kinect, introduced in 2010, created a small revolution in the 3D sensor industry. It helped to drive down the price of 3D tracking and inspired new research into time-of-flight, structured light pattern and marker-based techniques that dramatically improved the accuracy with which we capture and understand 3D space. In turn, this has driven innovation in the area of interpreting 3D spaces using 2D cameras – which goes into solutions like Apple’s ARToolkit.
Though it may not be immediately evident, the current developments in VR and AR are built on top of these leaps and bounds in 3D sensor technology. The HoloLens uses it for position tracking and spatial mapping. The HoloLens solution is going into the SLAM-based position tracking tech for the Mixed Reality Headsets from HP and Acer. At the same time, VR tech from Oculus and HTC are constantly streaming 3D data in order to provide accurate tracking of both the user and handheld controllers.
Since this data is already flowing through the air around you when you are in VR space, there must be a way to capture it, right? That’s what Jasper Brekelmans has done with his new tool, OpenVR Recorder.
If you’re already working with the Kinect for visual effects, motion capture, or research, then this new software should be included as an essential part of your tool chest. There’s even a free trial available.