Editable Motion Trajectories in 3D Animation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computer animation, adjusting an object's motion trajectory or trajectory timing without altering the key frames that define the starting or ending positions is challenging, as existing methods require manipulation of Bezier curves in 2D space, which can be cumbersome and not directly reflective of changes in 3D space.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows users to adjust an object's motion trajectory and trajectory timing in 3D space using visual representations such as tangent handles and timing beads, which are then mapped to the object's Bezier curves in 2D space, enabling direct manipulation of motion trajectories and timing without altering key frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If Bezier curves are manipulated in 2D space to adjust motion trajectory, then the motion trajectory can be adjusted, but the operation becomes cumbersome and not directly reflective of 3D space changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by allowing users to manipulate motion trajectories directly in 3D space rather than being constrained to 2D Bezier curve editing. The system provides visual feedback showing how 3D manipulations affect the underlying Bezier curves, enabling intuitive spatial adjustment without the complexity of mathematical curve manipulation in lower dimensions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If key frames are adjusted to change motion trajectory, then the trajectory can be modified, but the starting and ending positions defined by key frames cannot be changed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the motion trajectory adjustment into two independent operations: key frame positioning (defining start and end points) and trajectory interpolation (defining the path between key frames). This allows users to adjust the motion path between key frames without affecting the key frame positions themselves, providing flexibility in trajectory design while maintaining stability of the structured animation framework.
3Ease of operation
If motion trajectory is adjusted in 3D space, then the animation becomes more intuitive, but the underlying 2D Bezier curves must be mapped and updated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system that automatically handles the mapping between 3D space manipulations and 2D Bezier curve representations. When users adjust motion trajectories in 3D space, the system serves as a mediator to compute and update the corresponding 2D curve parameters, shielding users from the mathematical complexity while ensuring accurate representation across both spatial domains.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for providing a view of a three-dimensional computer animation model, the view including one or more objects, wherein each of the one or more objects is associated with a respective animation setting for adjusting a respective three-dimensional motion trajectory interpolation of the object in the computer animation model between a first and a different second key frame; receiving data describing a user interaction with a visual representation of the animation setting in the view for a first object of the one or more objects, the user interaction being an adjustment of the respective animation setting of the first object; and based on the receiving, adjusting the motion trajectory interpolation of the first object between the particular first and second key frames.