Experiment 1
My previous experiment with scanning a human using a depth kit did not go well. An attempt to scan a beautiful model wearing a lovely puffy dress and an intricate headpiece deemed to be unsuccessful. The unusual elements have made it impossible for the auto-rigger to recognize my model is a humanoid at all. I’ve found myself with a beautiful object instead. Nice, but I couldn’t animate it like I wanted.
Eventually I ended up using boring old 2D video format for prototyping the AR experience Fewture 1: Glitter Shores.
Experiment 2
I’ve arrived ready for my fresh attempt of 3D scanning. Wearing a tight fitting outfit, with hair tightened up in two buns.
Reading about esoteric cases of rape and abuse of avatars on Scientific American’s article “Avatar Acts: Why Online Realities Need Regulation” got me concerned.In addition to that, seeing some delightfully disturbing animated video art like Cool 3D World or Delusional crime and punishment, and knowing generally how sick the human mind can get, I was conscious of my appearance for this shoot. Although it doesn’t look like that, the outfit I chose is absolutely on the conservative side. Still iconic enough to be recognizable as the pink-obsessed character that I am, but not as revealing as could be. I wore clothes that are tight-fitting enough to be scanned, but less suggestive than what I’d feel comfortable wearing in public. Not that it matters really. Sick minds will be sick, regardless of what the subject is wearing.
I’m pretty liberal about the data I share with machine. Nonetheless, data like my full, three dimensional body, seems more sensitive, precious and easy to manipulate. And honestly I’m a little worried for her since she can’t fend for herself.
Imperfections
– Uneven hairdo, wrinkly t-shirt and god forbid – a zit! Captured in its whole three dimensions if not more
– The glasses are imperfectly smeared over my face
– Uneven lighting on my legs
– Weird Cronenberg fingers
All in all, I’m glad to have this 3D scan of my relatively-fresh body of meat. Being immortalized in file, I can finally rest and let my avatar live life to the fullest, forever young-ish. Just hoping it won’t get it too much trouble 😉