User interface for controlling animation of an object

a user interface and object technology, applied in the field of computer animation, can solve the problems of confusing understanding each of these parameters and its effect on the behavior, complicated animation software, and difficult use of software that supports behaviors

Inactive Publication Date: 2006-03-16
NILES GREGORY E +2
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Initially, animation software was complicated and difficult to use.
Although behaviors make it easier to animate objects, software that supports behaviors can still be difficult to use.
Understanding each of these parameters and its effect on the behavior can be confusing.
Providing values for all of these parameters can also be time-consuming.

Method used

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  • User interface for controlling animation of an object
  • User interface for controlling animation of an object
  • User interface for controlling animation of an object

Examples

Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test

example 1

a. Example 1

Creating an Animated Background

[1453] In this first example, an animated background is created using a single still image, according to one embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, by using parameters available in the Emitter tab, a single image can be turned into a complex animated texture.

[1454] In one embodiment, to create an animated background from a single image: [1455] In one embodiment, drag a file to use into the Canvas. This example uses a simple graphic 1550 with a premultiplied alpha channel, according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 155 illustrates a simple graphic with a premultiplied alpha channel, according to one embodiment of the invention. [1456] In one embodiment, with the new object selected, click the Emitter button 1560 in the Toolbar to turn it into an emitter (or press the E key). FIG. 156 illustrates an Emitter button, according to one embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, the original object is replaced with an Emitt...

example 2

b. Example 2

Creating Animated Pixie Dust

[1469] In this example, a particle system is created that uses two different cells to generate a streak of particles that trails behind another animated object, according to one embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, using two cells adds more variation to a particle system than can be achieved with a single set of cell parameters.

[1470] In one embodiment, to create a two-celled particle system that trails: [1471] In one embodiment, drag a first graphics file into the Canvas. This example uses a small graphic 1600 of a lens flare against black, with a built-in alpha channel, according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 160 illustrates the resulting image, according to one embodiment of the invention. [1472] In one embodiment, while the object is selected, click the Emitter button in the Toolbar to turn it into an emitter (or press the E key). In one embodiment, the original object is replaced with an Emitter, but nothing happen...

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PUM

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Abstract

A user can control the animation of an object via an interface that includes a control area and a user-manipulable control element. In one embodiment, the control area includes an ellipse, and the user-manipulable control element includes an arrow. In yet another embodiment, the control area includes an ellipse, and the user-manipulable control element includes two points on the circumference of the ellipse. In yet another embodiment, the control area includes a first rectangle, and the user-manipulable control element includes a second rectangle. In yet another embodiment, the user-manipulable control element includes two triangular regions, and the control area includes an area separating the two regions.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of the following application, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 826,973, entitled “Animation of an Object Using Behaviors”, filed Apr. 16, 2004. This application is related to the following commonly owned and co-pending U.S. patent applications, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference: [0002] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 826,429, for “Editing within Single Timeline”, filed Apr. 16, 2004; and [0003] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 826,878, for “Gesture Control of Multimedia Editing Applications”, filed Apr. 16, 2004.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0004] 1. Field of the Invention [0005] This invention relates generally to computer animation and, more specifically, to animating an object using behaviors. [0006] 2. Background Art [0007] In the last few decades, computers and software have been used to animate objec...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): G06T15/70G06T13/00G06F17/30
CPCG06T13/20G06T13/00G06T2213/12G06T2200/24
Inventor NILES, GREGORY E.SHEELER, STEPHEN M.HUCKING, GUIDO
Owner NILES GREGORY E
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