Animatronics Design Using Computer Animation Motion Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current animatronics units are custom-built and lack the ability to faithfully represent computer-generated animation data, as existing methods do not utilize animation data for specification or control of physical characters.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for designing animatronics units using motion data from computer-generated characters, including artistically determined motions, to construct and control the units, utilizing a computer system with a processor and memory to determine and output design specifications for construction, and incorporating motion capture techniques to define key frames and interpolate movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If custom-built animatronics units are used for specific purposes, then the units can be tailored to specific functions, but the hardware cannot be purchased off-the-shelf and must be custom-built, increasing complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the animatronics design process into distinct modules: motion capture data acquisition, animation data processing, articulation specification generation, and construction. This modular approach allows custom-built units to be tailored to specific functions while reducing overall system complexity through standardized processing pipelines.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of motion capture data and animation data before construction, generating articulation specifications in advance. This preliminary action allows the custom-built hardware to be precisely tailored to required functions without unnecessary complexity, as the design parameters are determined through automated analysis rather than trial-and-error.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional animatronics construction methods are used, then physical models can be created, but they cannot faithfully represent the animation of characters in the feature
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a digital copy of the animation data from the feature and uses it to generate articulation specifications for the physical animatronics unit. This copying process preserves the original animation's motion characteristics, allowing the physical model to faithfully represent the digital character's movements without losing animation information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where motion capture data from the feature is analyzed, articulation specifications are generated, and the resulting animatronics performance is compared against the original animation. This feedback mechanism ensures continuous improvement in faithful representation while preventing loss of animation data through iterative refinement.
3Ease of operation
If motion capture techniques are used to define key frames and interpolate movements, then artistically determined motions can be captured, but the process requires sophisticated data processing and analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual animation processing with automated computer-based analysis of motion capture data. Algorithms automatically identify key frames, interpolate movements, and generate articulation specifications, reducing the need for sophisticated manual data processing while preserving artistically determined motions.
Solution Approach 2:
The motion capture system is designed to be self-sufficient in processing artistically determined motions. The automated analysis pipeline independently handles data acquisition, key frame identification, movement interpolation, and specification generation without requiring extensive manual intervention, thereby reducing operational complexity despite the sophistication of the underlying processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for specifying a design for an animatronics unit includes receiving motion data comprising artistically determined motions, determining a design for construction of at least a portion of the animatronics unit in response to the motion data, and outputting the design for construction of the animatronics unit.