Automated Skeleton Generation from 3D Mesh for Animation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for creating realistic 3-D human character animations require manual tweaking and are time-consuming, disjointed from the 3-D object representation, necessitating experienced technicians and artists.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for automatically generating a high-quality animated skeleton from human mesh, optimizing the process to produce a digital 3-D model with an articulated armature or skeleton for augmented reality and real-time game models, using a scanner apparatus with multi-lens camera devices and AI-assisted pose detection, enabling rapid creation of shareable models and animations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual tweaking of skeleton is used in commercial animation software, then quality of skeleton animation can be controlled, but time consumption and labor requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic skeleton generation from 3D mesh models without requiring manual intervention. The automated pipeline extracts skeletal structure, joints, and pose information directly from the input mesh, eliminating the need for artists to manually create and tweak skeletons while maintaining high animation quality through algorithmic optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment processes with automated computational algorithms. Instead of artists manually positioning joints and bones, the system uses image processing, pose estimation, and optimization algorithms to automatically generate the skeleton structure, substituting human expertise with automated intelligent systems
2Manufacturing precision
If manual skeleton creation is performed, then animation quality can be optimized, but the process requires experienced technicians and artists
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically analyzing input 3D meshes and generating optimized skeletons without requiring external human expertise. The automated pipeline handles all processing steps including mesh analysis, skeleton extraction, joint positioning, and animation generation, eliminating the need for experienced technicians while maintaining professional animation quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an automated intermediary system that bridges the gap between input 3D models and output animations. This intermediary pipeline processes the mesh data through multiple computational stages, transforming it into optimized skeleton animations without requiring direct human intervention at any stage
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional animation systems are used, then representation of 3-D object and skeleton can be created, but the representation and skeleton are disjointed causing animation problems
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the 3D mesh representation and skeleton structure into a unified integrated representation. By extracting the skeleton directly from the mesh and maintaining consistent coordinate systems and reference frames, the patent creates a cohesive model where the skeleton and mesh work together as a single integrated system, eliminating the disjointed problems of traditional pipelines
4Productivity
If automated skeleton generation is implemented, then time consumption is reduced, but quality control becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The automated skeleton generation system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor and evaluate the generated skeletons against quality criteria. The system uses pose estimation algorithms, anatomical constraints, and optimization techniques to iteratively improve the skeleton quality, ensuring high animation standards are met while maintaining rapid automated generation speeds
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system and method designed, configured, and constructed to allow a user to create a high quality, digital 3-D model of a user including an armature or skeleton to articulate the limbs, torso, and body and delivering a shareable item in the form of a model for augmented reality, an animation delivered via mp4, or a real-time user controllable game model and further then delivering a link to the shareable item through text or email.