Simulation Primitives Dependency Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CGI and computer-aided animation systems face challenges in efficiently simulating and managing complex animations due to the lack of common elements and awareness of dependencies among simulators, leading to a time-consuming and error-prone iterative process.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for building and editing simulators based on simulation primitives and a simulator-independent API, which utilizes a data structure to represent dependencies between simulations, allowing for the creation of unified primitives and automated dependency management, enabling transparent execution and updating of simulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pre-packaged simulators are used for different types of objects, then various simulation types can be supported, but the lack of common elements and dependency awareness makes the iterative process time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal simulator framework that can handle multiple simulation types (rigid body, soft body, cloth, hair, fluid) through a common set of primitives and unified data structures. This allows a single simulator infrastructure to serve multiple simulation purposes, eliminating the need for separate pre-packaged simulators for each object type and enabling efficient iterative updates across all simulation types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hierarchical structure where complex simulations are built by nesting simpler primitives within each other. Basic primitives (vertices, edges, faces) form the foundation, which are then nested into higher-level structures (meshes, objects, scenes). This nested organization allows for efficient inheritance and reuse of simulation properties across different object types, reducing the time required for iterative development.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pre-packaged simulators are used without common elements, then different simulation types can be implemented, but updates and refinements become error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing a universal simulator with common primitives and unified data structures, the patent ensures consistent behavior across all simulation types. This universality provides a reliable foundation that reduces errors during updates and refinements, as changes to core primitives automatically propagate correctly across all simulation types that use them.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dependency tracking and automatic update propagation mechanisms that provide feedback when simulations are modified. When a primitive or parameter is changed, the system automatically identifies dependent simulations and updates them accordingly, ensuring consistency and reducing errors. This feedback mechanism maintains reliability during iterative development and refinement processes.
Data Source
AI summary
In various embodiments, information defining a first set of simulation primitives and a second set of simulation primitives is received at one or more computer systems. A first simulator and a second simulator are provided, using one or more processors associated with the one or more computer systems. The first simulator is based on the first set of simulation primitives and produces a first simulation. The second simulator is based on the second set of simulation primitives and produces a second simulation. A data structure is generated, using the one or more processors associated with the one or more computer systems, wherein the data structure represents dependencies between the first simulation and the second simulation.