DI4D, the Glasgow-headquartered pioneer in performance-driven facial animation for videogames and films, has announced an innovative new ‘DI4D neural rigging’ solution. This innovative technology uses machine learning to analyse 4D facial performance data, enabling the creation of rig-based animations that capture the subtlest nuances of an actor’s expressions.
With over 20 years of experience, DI4D has developed proprietary technologies like the DI4D PRO system, DI4D HMC, and PURE4D, which set a new standard for high-fidelity digital doubles. The company’s work can be seen in blockbuster movies such as Blade Runner 2049 and Haunted Mansion and popular game titles, including the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare trilogy, Black Ops 6, and the F1 series.
The new neural rig is particularly effective when combined with DI4D’s PURE4D 4D facial performance capture solution. By accurately transferring ‘geometry cache’ animation onto the neural rig, studios can maintain the integrity of the original captured performance while gaining unprecedented control for adjustments.
This advancement builds upon DI4D’s long history of innovation in facial animation, allowing the company to offer a comprehensive service encompassing digital double creation, rigging, and animation.
Enhanced Accuracy and Control
The DI4D neural rigging solution seamlessly integrates into any 4D-driven facial animation pipeline, whether utilising DI4D’s capture systems or third-party alternatives. This versatility empowers studios with greater flexibility in data capture.
The solution’s availability within DI4D’s PURE4D facial animation suite provides animators with precise editing capabilities while preserving the authenticity of the actor’s performance.
A significant challenge in 4D facial animation has been editing without compromising the original performance. DI4D’s neural rigging overcomes this by employing machine learning to analyse extensive 4D data sets, generating an actor-specific rig. This ensures that all adjustments faithfully reflect the actor’s real facial expressions, granting greater creative control without sacrificing believability.
For example, animators can now fine-tune the intensity of expressions and emotions or adjust a digital double’s gaze, all while maintaining the performance’s authenticity.
Colin Urquhart, co-founder & CEO of DI4D told the Scottish Games Network:
Real performances are absolutely key to creating emotionally engaging digital scenes. Our new neural rig reproduces real acting performances in their entirety.
We’ve successfully combined the accuracy of 4D performance data with an easily adjustable rig that gives studios greater control. DI4D can now provide studios with expertise at every stage of their facial animation pipeline, assisting in the development of detailed AAA games and blockbuster movies.
With the addition of PURE4D RIG, DI4D has expanded its services to cover all facets of performance-driven facial animation, from capture and tracking to complete character creation.
About DI4D:
DI4D delivers performance-driven facial animation services for leading video games and blockbuster films, creating authentic digital doubles. With over 20 years of experience, DI4D has developed proprietary technologies, including DI4D PRO, DI4D HMC, and PURE4D, achieving unprecedented levels of fidelity.