Animation Knot Breakdown for Curve Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computer-aided animation, undefined animation variables at guarded frames lead to discontinuities and an unmanageable database, as existing methods either cause unintended value application or require excessive knot placement, complicating collaboration and data management.
Innovation Solution
Automating the breakdown of knots in adjacent poses by setting a guarded frame for an object, introducing implicit knots at non-guarded frames with values derived from previous knots or interpolation, and adding or removing knots as necessary to maintain curve continuity without disrupting the workflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If animation variables are manually specified at all frames to prevent discontinuities, then curve continuity is improved, but the animation database size and complexity increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating between guarded frames (where animation variables are protected and maintained) and non-guarded frames (where animation variables can be modified). This selective approach allows curve continuity to be maintained at critical guarded frames without requiring animation variables to be specified at every single frame, thus preventing discontinuities while avoiding the creation of an excessively large animation database.
2Manufacturing precision
If knots are placed at all frames to define animation variables, then animation precision is improved, but the complexity of collaboration and data management worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the animation database into guarded frames and non-guarded frames, with different levels of knot definition required for each. This segmentation allows high precision to be maintained at guarded frames through explicit knot definitions, while reducing data management complexity at non-guarded frames where interpolation can be used, thereby resolving the contradiction between animation precision and data management complexity.
3Productivity
If animation variables are automatically applied from later frames to earlier frames, then workflow efficiency is improved, but unintended discontinuities are created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by establishing guarded frames before animation variables are automatically applied from later frames. These guarded frames serve as protective barriers that prevent automatic application of animation variables that would create unintended discontinuities. This allows efficient automatic workflow to proceed while maintaining reliability, as the guarded frames preemptively block harmful automatic applications.
Data Source
AI summary
In an animation authoring system wherein knots along curves are provided in only selected frames, a method of breaking down knots in adjacent poses is automated without causing discontinuities in curves between poses by setting a first pose as a guarded frame for an object so that at least some of the values for animation variables (avars) in the guarded frame are protected and an animation variable (avar) having no knot at the guarded frame is merely implicit, then introducing a new knot for that avar position at a non-guarded frame, and introducing an implicit knot by setting its avar for the guarded frame at its previous implicit value. The new position can be effected by either adding a knot or removing a knot at a non-guarded frame. The invention provides a predictable workflow that cannot be changed retroactively when adjacent animation variables on a curve are changed.