3D Animation Generator Using 2D Template Armatures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for creating computer-generated special effects lack an efficient and user-friendly process for transforming two-dimensional drawings into three-dimensional animations, particularly in capturing and applying user-drawn content to armature poses for seamless animation sequences.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a three-dimensional armature and two-dimensional template images, where a computing device captures and applies user-colored template images to digital templates, generating a 3D animation sequence by automatically creating transitional poses between user-provided armature poses, allowing for automated animation without requiring extensive user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated animation generation is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the animation creation process into distinct components: 2-D template coloring, armature posing, automated transition generation, and 3-D animation assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be handled independently, improving productivity while managing complexity through modular processing stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate digital templates and captured images as mediators between user input (colored templates and armature poses) and the final 3-D animation output. These intermediaries facilitate automated processing, enabling the system to generate animations efficiently without requiring complex direct manipulation of 3-D models by users.
2Manufacturing precision
If extensive user input is required for animation creation, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by providing pre-structured 2-D templates and armature poses that guide the user through the creative process. Users color predefined templates and position armatures in key poses, rather than creating animation frames from scratch. This preliminary structuring maintains animation quality while significantly reducing the operational burden on users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service animation generation by automatically generating transitional poses and assembling the final animation sequence from user-provided key elements. The automated animation generator fills in the gaps between user-defined poses, allowing users to create high-quality animations with minimal manual intervention beyond the initial template coloring and key pose selection.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention are directed an animation kit including a template page with at least one template design, an armature that moves between at least a first position and a second position, and an animation application that generates an animated segment corresponding to the template design and at least one pose of the armature. In further embodiments, a method for generating an animated segment is provided. In another embodiment, a system for generating an animated sequence includes a template design and an application that receives an image of the template design and animates at least one three-dimensional image corresponding to the captured template design.