Collision-Free Motion Scheduling for Crowd Simulation Objects
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional crowd simulation methods require manual and tedious processes to animate objects in a computer-generated crowd area, ensuring they do not collide and behave naturally, which becomes cumbersome as the number of objects increases.
Innovation Solution
A method that automatically assigns collision-free motions to objects by calculating bounding areas and scheduling motions to prevent collisions, ensuring natural diversity and flow of animations across a graphics object surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual animation methods are used for each object in crowd simulation, then the graphics designer can control individual object behaviors, but the process becomes tedious and cumbersome as the number of objects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing objects to automatically select and execute appropriate motions from the motion set based on their current state and environment, eliminating the need for manual animation of each object. Objects autonomously determine their behavior, including selecting motions that avoid collisions and maintain natural crowd dynamics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies universality by using a single motion set that can be applied to any object in the crowd simulation. Rather than requiring individual animation setups for each object, the same motion set serves all objects, allowing them to exhibit diverse behaviors through automatic selection and scheduling of motions from this universal set.
2Reliability
If manual animation methods are used to ensure collision-free sequences, then collision avoidance can be achieved, but the process requires continuous fine-tuning and multiple passes
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and establishing bounding areas for objects before executing motions. The scheduling mechanism proactively selects motions that will not cause collisions based on these pre-established bounding areas, rather than reacting to collisions after they occur. This advance planning ensures collision-free sequences without requiring continuous monitoring and adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback by continuously monitoring the states of objects and their bounding areas during simulation, and using this information to dynamically select appropriate motions from the motion set. The scheduling mechanism adjusts motion selection based on real-time feedback about object positions, current motions, and potential collisions, ensuring reliable collision avoidance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If diverse motions are applied to promote natural behavior, then the crowd simulation becomes more realistic, but ensuring collision-free sequences becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by making the motion selection process adaptive and dynamic rather than static. Objects can transition between different motions from the diverse motion set based on changing conditions, allowing natural and varied crowd behavior. The scheduling mechanism dynamically adjusts motion selection to maintain collision-free sequences while preserving behavioral diversity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary approach by introducing the scheduling mechanism as a mediator between the diverse motion set and the objects. This intermediary selectively assigns motions from the diverse set, filtering out motions that would cause collisions while preserving those that promote natural behavior. The bounding areas serve as an intermediary representation that simplifies collision detection while allowing diverse motions.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention set forth a technique for animating objects placed across a surface of a graphics object. A CAD application receives a set of motions and initially applies a different motion in the set of motions to each object placed across the surface of the graphics object. The CAD application calculates bounding areas of each object according to the current motion applied thereto, which are subsequently used by the CAD application to identify collisions that are occurring or will occur between the objects. Identified collisions are cured by identifying valid motions in the set of motions that can be applied to a colliding object and then calculating bounding areas for the valid motions to select a valid motion that, when applied to the object, does not cause the object to collide with any other objects.