Spline-Based Animation Sequence Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computer animation techniques are complex and time-consuming, requiring detailed definition and illustration of wire frames, joints, and movements over a sequence of frames, which hinders efficient animation sequence creation.
Innovation Solution
A spline-based animation process that identifies segments of a figure or object from a design template, converts them into corresponding splines, and interpolates/extrapolates movement over frames, simplifying the animation process by using a giftwrapping algorithm to determine endpoints and resampling pixels for fixed knot counts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional wire frame and joint-based animation techniques are used, then animation sequences can be created with detailed control over figure movement, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the figure into distinct body parts (head, torso, limbs, etc.) that can be independently manipulated. Each body part is represented as a separate segment that can be individually animated, allowing for precise control while simplifying the overall animation process compared to traditional wire frame methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from 2D segmented figures to 3D models by extruding the segmented 2D figures along a time dimension to create animation sequences. This dimensional approach allows detailed control over movement while streamlining the animation creation process through automated frame generation
2Manufacturing precision
If detailed wire frames and joints are defined for each frame, then precise figure movement can be achieved, but the complexity of the animation process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary segmentation of the figure into body parts in advance, creating a template structure that can be reused across multiple frames. This preliminary action eliminates the need to redefine wire frames and joints for each frame, reducing process complexity while maintaining movement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates master templates for body parts that can be copied and applied across multiple animation frames. These templates contain the detailed structural information needed for precise movement control, eliminating the need to manually define wire frames repeatedly while maintaining high animation precision
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional frame-by-frame animation methods are used, then detailed control over each frame is possible, but the productivity of animation creation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic application of transformation rules to generate animation frames systematically. By applying consistent segmentation and transformation operations at regular intervals, the system maintains frame control precision while automating the generation process to improve productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key parameters such as segment positions, orientations, and transformations between frames to generate animation sequences efficiently. By manipulating these parameters systematically rather than redrawing entire frames, the system maintains detailed control while significantly improving animation creation productivity
Data Source
AI summary
A spline-based animation process creates an animation sequence. The process receives a plurality of frames that illustrate a figure based on a design template (e.g., which includes a skeleton having segments). The process further identifies a spine segment, generates hip, shoulder, and head segments at respective positions relative to the spine segment, identifies limb and facial feature segments, and converts the segments into respective splines bound between endpoints. The process further determines changes between frames for respective splines and animates movement of the figure over a sequence of frames based on the changes.