Abstract: A system is described which produces explanatory animation sequences for a small CAD system. The animation is data-driven from a scriptal knowledge structure describing the user-system interaction for a given design operation. The use of a unified data representation scheme results in the potential to generate animation in coordination with natural language output from an existing knowledge-based system.

Abstract: Using a graphics system called NUDES, researchers in Australia are investigating just how well polyellipsoid human figures work in real-time vector and raster graphics displays.

Abstract: The application of CAD to evaluate and plan robot workstations prior to installation also provides workplace designers with invaluable information for assessing robot potential. The reach, geometry and cycle time of robots can be examined, and task schemes developed and checked prior to commissioning. The designer evaluates the robot/workstation using interactive computer graphics and the final design may be illustrated through computer animation. This paper describes a novel system known as GRASP - Graphical Robot Applications Simulation Package - under development and includes several industrial applications to illustrate the potential of the system.

Abstract: 34. [original footer erroneously shows issue as "Number 10 October," should be "Number 11 November"]

Abstract: A Simple, Two-Dimensional Notation Lets Animators Easily Express and Recognize Parallelism and Gives Mathematicians a Convenient Way to Experiment with Surfaces in n-Dimensional Space.

Abstract: Analytic and numerical computations used in robotics research provide tools for automated computer animation of the human figure.

Abstract: A technique and philosophy for controlling computer animation is discussed. Using the Actor/Scriptor Animation System (ASAS) a sequence is described by the animator as a formal written SCRIPT, which is in fact a program in an animation/graphic language. Getting the desired animation is then equivalent to “debugging” the script. Typical images manipulated with ASAS are synthetic, 3D perspective, color, shaded images. However, the animation control techniques are independent of the underlying software and hardware of the display system, so apply to other types (still, B&W, 2D, line drawing ...). Dynamic (and static) graphics are based on a set of geometric object data types and a set of geometric operators on these types. Both sets are extensible. The operators are applied to the objects under the control of modular animated program structures. These structures (called actors) allow parallelism, independence, and optionally, synchronization, so that they can render the full range of the time sequencing of events. Actors are the embodiment of imaginary players in a simulated movie. A type of animated number can be used to drive geometric expressions (nested geometrical operators) with dynamic parameters to produce animated objects. Ideas from programming styles used in current Artificial Intelligence research inspired the design of ASAS, which is in fact an extension to the Lisp programming environment. ASAS was developed in an academic research environment and made the transition to the “real world” of commercial motion graphics production.

Abstract: Computer models of skeletons may not show muscle tissue or clothing, but they are an excellent means of displaying the fundamental properties of human motion.