Archive notice: This article was originally published on July 31, 2013. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
Only the hair is supposed to need marking with rough strokes, after which the algorithm creates a 3D model of the hair based on the images. On this basis, the hair colour, including the cut, can then be changed in a second step.
The hair in the new hairstyle options is intended to be physically credible; the results shown in the demo video are at least already very convincing. The algorithm is also intended to allow users not only to manipulate hair in a photo or video, but also to transfer styles from photos into a video.
Zhejiang University presented the Dynamic Hair Manipulation in Images and Videos algorithm together with Microsoft Research at Siggraph 2013.
Speaking of realistically simulated hair: in the upcoming issue of Digital Production, we introduce the new, realistic head of hair for "Lara Croft" as well as TressFX, the technology used to achieve it in the new Tomb Raider instalment.
All further information, the Siggraph paper and the demo video are available here.
Image: Shot from the demo video for the Dynamic Hair Manipulation in Images and Videos algorithm
