Integrated 3D and 2D Animation Environment for Real-Time Editing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer animation systems are complex and time-consuming, requiring multiple tools and personnel to create animations, and lack flexibility in defining character movements and camera controls, leading to increased costs and time in producing animations for projects like motion pictures and video games.
Innovation Solution
A computer system with an animation application that allows for real-time updates of both 3D and 2D views of an animation environment, enabling animators to define character movements using keyframes and path shapes, and providing advanced virtual camera controls for efficient animation creation and editing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate computer programs (3D editors and non-linear editors) are used to create animations, then the animation creation process follows traditional film production workflows, but the system complexity increases and the time required to create animations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines 3D editing capabilities and non-linear editing capabilities into a single integrated animation application. The system merges the 3D scene manipulation functions with the timeline-based sequence editing functions, allowing users to work with both 3D models and video sequences in one unified environment rather than requiring separate applications for each task.
Solution Approach 2:
The animation application is designed to perform multiple functions within a single system. It can create and manipulate 3D models, render images, edit video sequences, and apply visual effects all within one application. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for multiple separate programs while maintaining the versatility of traditional workflows.
2Productivity
If 3D scenes are created and rendered first, then clips are combined in a non-linear editor, then the workflow follows traditional film production, but the time required to complete animation production increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows users to perform preliminary actions by creating and positioning 3D models and scenes within the same application that will later render and edit the final animation. Users can set up the complete animation environment including 3D assets, camera positions, and timeline sequences all in advance within one application, reducing the need for time-consuming data transfer and setup between separate programs.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated application maintains continuous workflow by allowing users to move seamlessly between 3D scene manipulation and timeline-based editing without interrupting their work flow. Changes made to 3D models, scenes, or camera positions are immediately reflected in the rendered output and timeline sequences, eliminating the breaks and reconfiguration that occur when switching between separate applications.
3Ease of operation
If separate applications are used for 3D editing and video editing, then specialized tools are available for each task, but the ease of operation decreases due to the need to switch between applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges 3D editing tools and video editing tools into a single integrated interface. Users can manipulate 3D models, adjust camera positions, and edit video sequences all within one application window, eliminating the need to switch between separate programs and maintain multiple application states simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for animation. An animation application creates an animation environment. An input device receives input from a user to the animation application. An output device displays output to the user of the animation application. The animation application is configured to have a mode of operation that includes displaying, through the output device, a 3D animation view of the animation environment overlain by a 2D edit view of the animation environment.