FaceTracking with just your web-cam

[V4Friend]

Known issue

I just installed it, and on starting, it says : No DLLs were found in the Waterfall procedure-OK-The application was unable to start correctly (0xc0000142). Click OK to close the application...how do I fix this?

Hello James,

Robcap asked me if I could join in, to answer some questions and help solve some 'misunderstandings'.

The error you get is listed in the 'known issues' section of the website. But, I'm happy to explain: The faceAPI uses the Intel IPP-library to do the facetracking math. This library is installed automatically with version 130 of FaceTrackNoIR, but unfortunately the installer (that came with faceAPI) does NOT recognize all CPU-types. If it goes wrong, the 'waterfall' error results.

To solve it, you should do the following:

• un-install the IPP-library, via Control Panel/Add, remove software;
• download the headtracking demo from SeeingMachines (here: http://www.seeingmachines.com/product/faceapi/downloads/). You may have to register, but no worries: it's free!;
• install the demo: it will install the correct IPP-libraries for your CPU;
• (optional) un-install the demo, the IPP-library will be left untouched by this;

I'm sorry for this somewhat tedious patch, but I have no other solution (yet). The faceAPI-people won't respond to any e-mails, because I use the non-commercial version.

Hope this helps!

 

[V4Friend]

Settings?

I installed it, and after an ippcore-5.3.dll error was corrected went into FSX to see what I had. Everything appears to connect correctly, but I get nothing in the game, no movement at all. The Manual is no help as it doesn't really tell you how to get it up and running by the numbers. . .it seems to just assume it will on it's own I guess. From there it gives you information on fine tuning, but nothing to suggest how to get started and what to do if it doesn't.:salute:

Hello falcon409,

OK, I assume you have installed v130 and then applied update 4 (you should see 1.4 in the window-title)? Then you can load the file SimConnect.ini (Menu File/Open) from the (default) Settings folder. If you do that, some default settings for all parameters and curves will be set and the game-protocol Simconnect will be chosen.

If you then press 'Start', the faceAPI-tracker will start and the video-display will show your face, with a yellow outline. You can minimize FaceTrackNoIR and start FSX. On my PC, I did not have to change any settings in FSX. I don't know if it's an issue, but in FS2004 tracking only works in the Virtual Cockpit.

Please let us know if it works and don't hesitate to ask again, if not

 

[jhoopes2]

Love it...but now side to side/up down translation

Installed it, worked like a charm. Took a little bit to get the sensitivities adjusted, but man, I love the concept and the delivery...To me, works great (8.5 out of 10). nice work

My only issue is that its not allowing up/down, and side to side translational movement. Not completely crucial but it would be kinda nice. Any ideas? (Simply moving my head up, not tilting, but actual positioning of my head higher, does not raise the point of view, nor does moving side to side while keeping my face forward)...using FS9 on Windows 7 64-bit.

Thanks again...love this...and just in time as I got a new web cam the other day!

 

[V4Friend]

Installed it, worked like a charm. Took a little bit to get the sensitivities adjusted, but man, I love the concept and the delivery...To me, works great (8.5 out of 10). nice work

My only issue is that its not allowing up/down, and side to side translational movement. Not completely crucial but it would be kinda nice. Any ideas? (Simply moving my head up, not tilting, but actual positioning of my head higher, does not raise the point of view, nor does moving side to side while keeping my face forward)...using FS9 on Windows 7 64-bit.

Thanks again...love this...and just in time as I got a new web cam the other day!

Hello jhoopes2,

You are right about the translations (X and Y) not working in FS2004 (should I say FS9?): only the rotations and zoom are supported (now). Unfortunately that seems to be a limitation of FSUIPC, though it should still be possible... I just 'adapted' the way Free-track does it

I'm glad you like the program (which of course is not even 'ready') and thanks for providing such useful feedback!

 

[Dangerousdave26]

You are right about the translations (X and Y) not working in FS2004 (should I say FS9?): only the rotations and zoom are supported (now). Unfortunately that seems to be a limitation of FSUIPC, though it should still be possible... I just 'adapted' the way Free-track does it

That is the same issue with Free Track. The FSUIPC interface does not support 6DOF. However if you use the TIRviews.dll in free track you do get 6DOF.

I have not tried this software but I am going to give it a go on my laptop with the built in cam to see if it works. It looks very interesting.

 

[V4Friend]

That is the same issue with Free Track. The FSUIPC interface does not support 6DOF. However if you use the TIRviews.dll in free track you do get 6DOF.

Hello Dangerousdave26,

Well, you are right (I have the Free-track sources: they're a great source of inspiration. I like open-source ).

You could also use TIRViews with FaceTrackNoIR (copy TIRViews.dll in FaceTrackNoIR folder, select 'fake TrackIR', edit Settings (tick checkbox 'use TIRViews')). I have tried it with FS2004, but my PC can't handle the load. I really only implemented TIRViews for older games like CFS3 (and Over Flanders Fields).

Frankly, when you're sitting in the pilots seat, I don't think you really need X and Y-translations. Or you must like hopping like this one:
...
Thanks for your comment(s)!

BTW.: FaceTrackNoIR is open-source too...

 

[AndyE1976]

Finally got around to trying this and it works pretty well, the only thing that stops it being a TrackIR replacement for me is the lag between moving your head and getting a reaction in FSX. It's a bit like trying to fly drunk!

I tried maxing the sample rate and adjusting the curves to give more degrees in game per real movement, but although that helped a bit, there is still a delay before the view changes which makes it a real challenge to use.

I really like not having to wear a hat though.

 

[V4Friend]

FaceTrackNoIR has evolved further!

Finally got around to trying this and it works pretty well, the only thing that stops it being a TrackIR replacement for me is the lag between moving your head and getting a reaction in FSX. It's a bit like trying to fly drunk!

I really like not having to wear a hat though.

Hi Andy and others,

Sorry to shake up this thread (so late), but I guess: better late than never? Since your last post, update 5 of FaceTrackNoIR was released in March. It contains a brand new filter-algorithm, which eliminates any 'sluggish' behaviour and still gives a stable view.

Work on update 6 is already in progress and that will have some nice improvements too! Check out the download page and the news page of the website. :salute:

 

[Daube]

I confirm the new patch has brought a lot of improvements.
But a good lighting and a decent webcam are still mandatory.
And it still works better when you smile (not kidding!)

 

[V4Friend]

Smile!

I confirm the new patch has brought a lot of improvements.
But a good lighting and a decent webcam are still mandatory.
And it still works better when you smile (not kidding!)

That's why the whole project began: to make people have fun and smile!
I'm glad you like it...