Animation Editing via Concurrent Geometric and Rendered Views

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tools for reviewing and editing computer-generated animations are computationally expensive and difficult to use, limiting efficiency and usability in the animation process.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and system for reviewing and editing computer-generated animations, which allows users to access and modify geometry data, displaying both geometric and previously rendered representations concurrently, enabling intuitive editing within the context of surrounding segments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing tools are used for reviewing and editing computer-generated animations, then the animation can be edited, but the computational cost is high and the tools are difficult to use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of useVSAvoidcomplexity of editing tools
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The animation is divided into discrete segments that can be independently selected and edited. The interface is segmented into distinct functional areas (thumbnail viewer, geometry display, controls) that organize complexity and improve ease of operation by allowing users to work with specific portions of the animation without being overwhelmed by the entire project.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates and displays geometric representations (copies) of the animation segments without requiring full rendering. These geometric copies allow users to review and edit animation geometry efficiently, reducing computational requirements while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Productivity

If existing tools are used for reviewing and editing computer-generated animations, then the animation can be edited, but the computational cost is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveediting efficiencyVSAvoidcomputational cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system displays geometric representations and thumbnails that are computationally inexpensive copies of the full animation data. These geometric models allow users to review and edit animation segments without requiring the full rendering pipeline, significantly reducing computational cost while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system loads and displays only the necessary geometric data for selected segments rather than processing the entire animation. This partial action approach reduces computational requirements by focusing resources only on the portions of the animation that need to be reviewed or edited at any given time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Ease of operation

If users need to review and edit animation segments, then editing can be performed, but the process is difficult to use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveusability of editing processVSAvoiddifficulty of reviewing and editing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The animation review and editing process is segmented into discrete, manageable steps: selecting a segment via thumbnail, viewing its geometric representation, making modifications, and reviewing changes. This segmentation makes the overall complex process easier to understand and use by breaking it into simple, sequential actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The geometric representation serves as an intermediary between the raw animation data and the user interface. It provides a simplified, visual representation that is easier to interpret and manipulate than the underlying geometric models, improving usability by acting as a mediator that translates complex data into user-friendly visuals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2955696B1Seamless representation of video and geometric data
Publication Date: 2024.02.28 DREAMWORKS ANIMATION LLC
  • EP2955696B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2955696B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2955696B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Processes for reviewing and editing a computer-generated animation are provided. In one example process, multiple images representing segments of a computer-generated animation may be displayed (502). In response to a selection of one or more of the images (504), geometry data associated with the corresponding segment(s) of computer-generated animation may be accessed (506). An editable geometric representation of the selected segment(s) of computer-generated animation may be displayed based on the accessed geometry data (508). In some examples, previously rendered representations and/or geometric representations of the same or other segments of the computer-generated animation may be concurrently displayed adjacent to, overlaid with, or in any other desired manner with the displayed geometric representation of the selected segment(s) of computer-generated animation.