Interactive skeleton-driven simulation

Abstract: This paper describes the representation, animation and data collection techniques that have been used to produce "realistic" computer generated half-tone animated sequences of a human face changing expression. It was determined that approximating the surface of a face with a polygonal skin containing approximately 250 polygons defined by about 400 vertices is sufficient to achieve a realistic face. Animation was accomplished using a cosine interpolation scheme to fill in the intermediate frames between expressions. This approach is good enough to produce realistic facial motion. The three-dimensional data used to describe the expressions of the face was obtained photogrammetrically using pairs of photographs.

Abstract: Driven by demand from the entertainment industry for better and more realistic animation, technology continues to evolve and improve. The algorithms and techniques behind this technology are the foundation of this comprehensive book, which is written to teach?you the fundamentals of animation programming. In this third edition, the most current techniques are covered along with the theory and high-level computation that have earned the book a reputation as the best technically-oriented animation resource. Key topics such as fluids, hair, and crowd animation have been expanded, and extensive new coverage of clothes and cloth has been added. New material on simulation provides a more diverse look at this important area and more example animations and chapter projects and exercises are included. Additionally, spline coverage has been expanded and new video compression and formats (e.g., iTunes) are covered. * Includes companion site with contemporary animation examples drawn from research and entertainment, sample animations, and example code * Describes the key mathematical and algorithmic foundations of animation that provide you with a deep understanding and control of technique * Expanded and new coverage of key topics including: fluids and clouds, cloth and clothes, hair, and crowd animation *?Explains the algorithms used for path following, hierarchical kinematic modelling, rigid body dynamics, flocking behaviour, particle systems, collision detection, and more Table of Contents Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: Technical Background Chapter 3: Interpolating Values Chapter 4: Interpolation-Based Animation Chapter 5: Kinematic Linkages Chapter 6: Motion Capture Chapter 7: Physically Based Animation Chapter 8: Fluids: Liquids & Gases Chapter 9: Modeling and Animating Human Figures Chapter 10: Facial Animation Chapter 11: Behavioral Animation Chapter 12: Special Models for Animation Appendix A: Rendering Issues Appendix B: Background Information and Techniques Index

Abstract: Conventional Animation. Computer Animation. The Development of Computer Animation in Various Organizations. Keyframe and Painting Systems. Object Modelling in 3D Animation. Motion Control in 3D Animation. Hidden Surfaces, Reflectance and Shading. Transparency, Texture, Shadows, and Anti-aliasing. Human Modelling and Animation. Object-oriented and Actor Languages and Systems. Automatic Motion Control. Case Studies of Computer-generated Films. Appendix: Computer-generated Films.