Animation Data Transfer Between Geometric Models

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Solution Overview

Problem

Maintaining changes across geometric models of varying resolutions for computer-generated characters is a time-consuming and error-prone process, as existing methods require manual intervention and are prone to inconsistencies.

Innovation Solution

Automated system for transferring animation data between geometric models of different resolutions by determining correspondences between data points, applying feature changes using correspondences and interpolation, and maintaining changes in a change space to ensure smooth property value transitions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual methods are used to maintain changes across geometric models of different resolutions, then flexibility and control are improved, but time consumption and error rate increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual controlVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically transfers geometric property changes between models of different resolutions without requiring manual intervention. The automated correspondence system identifies matching data points across resolutions and propagates changes independently, eliminating the time-consuming manual process while maintaining accuracy through algorithmic precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of maintaining changes across models with an automated computational system. Correspondence data structures and algorithms automatically identify matching data points and transfer geometric property changes, substituting human manual operations with machine-based automated processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If manual methods are used to maintain changes across geometric models, then direct control is improved, but error rate increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirect controlVSAvoiderror rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses correspondence data to establish reliable mappings between data points of different resolutions. This feedback mechanism ensures that geometric property changes are accurately transferred by verifying correspondences before application, reducing errors while maintaining controlled operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces error-prone manual processes with automated computational systems that use correspondence data structures to accurately identify and transfer changes between models, eliminating human errors while preserving direct control through programmable logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If automated transfer is implemented between geometric models, then productivity is improved, but handling of non-corresponding data points becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer efficiencyVSAvoidinterpolation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces correspondence data as an intermediary structure that bridges different resolution models. This intermediary contains pre-established mappings between data points, enabling automated transfer while simplifying the handling of non-corresponding points through systematic interpolation based on correspondence relationships.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary establishment of correspondence data between models before the actual transfer operation. By pre-identifying and storing correspondences between data points of different resolutions, the system simplifies subsequent transfer operations and reduces the complexity of handling non-corresponding points during active modification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Manufacturing precision

If high resolution models are used, then feature detail is improved, but processing time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeature detailVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the processing task by working with models of different resolutions appropriate to different stages and requirements. High-resolution models provide feature detail where needed, while lower-resolution models handle overall shaping and coarse adjustments, reducing total processing time while maintaining feature quality through selective use of appropriate resolution levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary operations on lower-resolution models to establish overall form and major features before refining with high-resolution models. This preliminary action at reduced resolution reduces processing time for initial iterations, with detailed feature work concentrated only where and when necessary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9858700B2Animation data transfer between geometric models and associated animation models
Publication Date: 2018.01.02 LUCASFILM ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY LTD
  • US9858700B2 patent drawing
  • US9858700B2 patent drawing
  • US9858700B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and techniques are provided for transferring changes in animation data between geometric models of a character having different resolutions. For example, systems and techniques are provided for transferring changes in geometric properties between the geometric models. A method may include obtaining a first geometric model of the character and a second geometric model of the character, the geometric models having different resolutions with different numbers of data points. The method may further include determining one or more correspondences between data points of the first geometric model and data points of the second geometric model. The correspondences include one or more data points of the first geometric model that overlap with one or more data points of the second geometric model. The method may further include determining a feature change in the first geometric model, which includes a change in a geometric property of at least one data point of the first geometric model relative to an initial geometric property of the at least one data point prior to the change. The method may further include transferring the feature change in the first geometric model to the second geometric model using the one or more correspondences, including interpolating a change in a geometric property of at least one data point of the second geometric model.