WELCOME TO MY AVATAR PROJECT

The Porcelain Dragon is a unique avatar project for virtual reality that incorporates motion capture animation using IKINEMA Orion Software, which offers real-time motion capture with incredible realism.

What special about this project is how I was able to translate stiff human body movements into the smooth and waggy motion of the dragon after countless times of testing and experimenting. There are no projects like this that has ever been done before, so it definitely was a challenge, but an interesting journey with a satisfying ending result.

There are 2 versions of The Porcelain Dragon:

1. The First Dragon is a dragon which could be seen through VR that moves along with the animated motion based on the body movements that I have designed, captured, and added to the character.

2. The Second Dragon is a dragon that players could actually become and transform themselves into in VR. Players could see their human body parts become dragon body parts, and move freely with trackers on their bodies to experience the journey of becoming another self.

This VR project does not focus on creating the VR/gaming environment, but instead just the "character" itself.

The Porcelain Dragon avatar also tackles some interesting issues related to the idea of virtual embodiment and identity, for example: 

• How is a virtual embodiment effect physical embodiment?

• How does a virtual identity influence a real identity?

• How do we relate to synthetic or abstract representation?

• What issues are raised by encountering an avatar as a character vs becoming that character?

More information about the software and technology that I used in my project could be found in the embeded link below:

"IKINEMA Orion is а low-cost, high-quality Motion Capture system using latest hardware technology by Vive. With just 6 or 8 tracking points and minimum calibration, Orion users are able to capture stunningly realistic, full-body movements in real-time. Our clients use Orion for games, animation production, training, simulation, social VR, theatre, VR experiences and many more."