Beta feature “lower body priority for VR”
Sony has updated the mobile motion capture “mocopi” app. Added a new “Beta Features” item that allows you to use features under development. As the first step, we have added a “lower body priority for VR” setting that improves the tracking accuracy of the lower body by attaching the sensor that would normally be attached to the wrist to the thigh when wearing the HMD.
Beta functionality is a feature that releases features that are currently under development in advance, and was introduced this time to further accelerate the mocopi development team’s goal of advancing feature development together with users.
The “lower body priority for VR” setting is the first of these, and is a feature that allows you to select the tracking type when using mocopi in conjunction with VR equipment such as an HMD.
When the HMD and mocopi are linked, wrist tracking is performed by the controller, so signals from the wrist sensor are not used when using VRChat. Therefore, the sensor on the wrist was transferred to the thigh. While the arm tracking remains the same, the lower body tracking accuracy has been improved, making it possible to move the legs more accurately and maintain a sitting position.
By attaching a sensor to the thigh, it is easier to maintain a sitting posture.In VRChat etc., the movements of the controller are reflected in the arm, but in the app it can be seen that there is no signal from the arm.
Tracking type comparison video
In addition, although VRChat is used as an example of usage this time, the mode that prioritizes the lower body can be used in conjunction with HMD, so it can be used in the same way with cluster, VirtualCast, etc.
Regarding the tracking accuracy of the lower body, there were many requests from VRChat users, and even after sales began in the United States and China, many users expressed their desire for higher accuracy, so we released the function as a beta function as soon as possible. The company plans to further improve its functionality by collecting feedback from users.
In addition, in line with this new function, we have also newly prepared an expansion band for attaching the sensor to the thigh. It is planned to be distributed to mocopi users and will be announced around late October.
The top two are expansion bands, and the bottom is a regular wrist band that is attached to the area above the knee where it will be expanded.
Regarding beta features, we plan to continue adding features that will allow you to select the tracking type.
Updates include photo background function, full screen display, and individual sensor reconnection.
Equipped with photo background function and full screen display function
In addition to the beta features, the app has also received various updates. In addition to being able to select an image on your smartphone or a camera image as the background, it also supports full screen display of the app.
Full screen display is a function that hides menus and buttons on the video shooting screen and motion sending screen, and can be canceled with a single tap, double tap, or long press.
Previously, when sensor communication was disconnected, it was necessary to reconnect all sensors, but now it is now possible to reconnect only the disconnected sensors individually.
Additionally, the calibration guidance has also been improved. In order to improve tracking accuracy, a screen has been added that provides easy-to-understand feedback on calibration results.
Other additions include changing the motion frame rate (default 50fps), darkening the screen when transmitting motion, and adjusting the avatar’s position and rotation when “Fix Camera” is enabled.
In addition, mocopi won the 2023 Good Design Award. Sony Store will also be running a purchase support campaign where you can purchase mocopi for 5,500 yen off. Mocopi’s official avatar RAYNOS-chan’s original song “mocopi gymnastics” has also been decided to be released, and information about the lyricist/composer, who has assembled a gorgeous staff, will be released one by one until the release of the song.
