Hi,
Have tried searching this one, but no results - maybe I'm looking for the wrong things!
I'm looking for some pointers on motion tracking preferably in PD, but maybe in another app if it's more suited. Please forgive these broad queries about dev techniques...I'm still new to this game, and although now somewhat capable at picking apart other people's examples and learning that way, I'm not great yet at figuring out ways to start things from scratch!
Basically, I'm looking to use a webcam (i-sight f.wire) to capture the actions of people in front of a projector screen, basically simulating shadows/representations. I want these 'shadows' to remain on the screen for longer depending on how long they stand there. Also, when they move, I want a shadow to follow them on the screen like a trail. I.e. A fainter shadow for passing motion that will disappear quickly, but a more intense shadow that stays for longer if the person stands still.
I thought a way I could do this would be to constantly capture images of people, say every 5 secs, and overlay these images onto the screen for a set amount of time. Therefore, if a person stood still for longer then more layers of these images would build up, therefore taking longer to disappear. But I would need some kind of tracking system to only image the movement, otherwise I would be constantly photographing the background and/or the empty room!
What things/considerations should I be at looking at to achieve something like this if it is possible? Can PD or GEM etc grab stills from a webcam?
Apologies for long mail, hope all is understood!
Cheers Jonathan
P.S. I've been looking at alternative systems using the new Flash 8 and Processing. But I'd prefer a PD based solution if poss, as I'm (currently!) no programmer!