Team 522

Tactile Virtual Camera Controller

Abstract

The filmmaking process depends on the efforts of cinematographers behind the cameras. Virtual production has become an important part of the process for many films with the progression of technology. As these aspects have been introduced into movies and production, cinematographers feel pressure to adapt to this new digital age. Our project unites these formats by creating a device that allows cinematographers to create the scenes they see while working in a virtual environment. Our project, a virtual tactile camera controller, allows cinematographers to apply familiar practices to these new age films at a much more effective pace.

With Unreal Engine (UE4), a gaming software, we use virtual production plugins that are available with an iPad Pro. A tactile controller is designed and connected to the iPad to allow the user to move through a virtual space by the iPad sending data to a system running UE4. This is linked with the improved camera functions in UE4’s virtual production plugin. The final product is a controller that films a virtual space similar to a production camera.

The finished project is a working camera controller that allows the user to use physical features to film a scene in a virtual world. From action to cut, our project uses the common features of film production. These features are to create a life-like scene that tells the story that the director imagines. Our project is good for the filming industry for film production and also as a tool to help students in film schools. As the industry moves toward virtual production, our controller gives students and directors the ability to tell their stories.

Team

Kayla Miller Mechanical Engineer

Kayla Miller is a 5th year Mechanical Engineering major from Atlanta, GA by way of Cincinnati, OH. She is graduating in Fall 2020. She chose this project because of her interest in the movie industry. When she graduates, she wants to work with animatronics hopefully for film. (I really don’t know what to type lol)

Kyle Suarez Computer Engineer

Kyle Suarez is a senior graduating with a degree in Computer engineering. He was drawn to the subject by his passion for technology and aspires to follow a career in game development. Working on this project has given Kyle first hand experience working with Unreal Engine 4, a popular game engine for most studios. As a software engineer on the team, Kyle has mainly contributed to the creation of the user interface aspect. He hopes to continue working on Virtual Lens long after graduation as the team evolves beyond the classroom.

Keishon Smith Electrical Engineer

Keishon is a graduating electrical engineering student with a passion for programming and entrepreneurship. His passion for problem solving unconvential problems led him to select this project and has contributed his experience with entrepreneurship to assist in competitions.

Daniella Turbessi Computer Engineer

Daniella Turbessi is a 4th year Computer Engineering major with a minor in Physics from Tampa, FL and is graduating in Spring 2020. Her interest in film production when she first started at FSU led her to choose this project. Daniella works as a software engineer on the team and has contributed to modification of user functions and creation of user interface. She is looking forward to working on Virtual Lens after graduation and hopes to work in the Artificial Intelligence and/or Internet of Things (IoT) fields

Weston Dudley Mechanical Engineer

Weston Dudley is a senior at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering and is pursuing a Bachelors in Science in Mechanical Engineering. Weston has experience working under major defense contractors where he specialized in manufacturing and research and development of ammunition and warheads of the warfighter. Weston has the role of manufacturing engineering for Virtual Lens where he leads the design and manufacturing of the tactile controller. His desire is for Virtual Lens not to just be a successful project and startup, but for it to provide real solutions to real problems in the film education industry.