Timeline Tool for Computer-Generated Animations
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of achieving a visually plausible appearance for computer-generated characters through soft body deformation is time-consuming due to the need for manual input in defining deformation characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A graphical user interface featuring a two-dimensional array of cells, where rows represent visual characteristics of a character and columns represent animation frames, with key frame indicators and element value indicators displayed based on zoom level, allowing for easier manipulation of control points to define the shape and movement of character elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual input is used to define soft body deformation characteristics, then visual plausibility of character animation is achieved, but time consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses reference images as templates to copy and transfer control point positions from the reference image to the animation timeline. This allows artists to define deformation characteristics by copying positions from a single reference image rather than manually defining each frame, significantly reducing time consumption while maintaining visual plausibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by automatically generating control point positions for all frames based on a single reference image and interpolation algorithms. This preliminary generation of deformation data eliminates the need for frame-by-frame manual input, reducing time consumption while preserving visual quality through automated interpolation
2Measurement precision
If detailed control points are defined for each frame, then animation precision is improved, but complexity of the process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the animation process into two distinct phases: (1) defining control point positions at key frames using reference images, and (2) automatically interpolating positions for intermediate frames. This segmentation allows artists to work with simplified key frame data while the system handles the complex interpolation, reducing perceived process complexity while maintaining animation precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an automated interpolation algorithm as an intermediary between the artist's key frame definitions and the final animated sequence. This intermediary automatically generates the detailed control point positions for all frames based on the sparse key frame data, maintaining animation precision while shielding the artist from process complexity
3Manufacturing precision
If more control points are manipulated manually, then character shape accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables artists to copy control point positions from a single reference image to multiple frames automatically. This copying approach maintains character shape accuracy by ensuring consistent positioning across frames while dramatically improving ease of operation by eliminating repetitive manual positioning tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling artists to define control point positions at key frames, and the system automatically handles the positioning for all other frames through interpolation. This self-service mechanism maintains character shape accuracy while significantly improving ease of operation by reducing the artist's manual workload
Data Source
AI summary
A method of creating a computer-generated animation uses a graphical user interface including a two-dimensional array of cells. The array has a plurality of rows associated with computer-generated elements and a plurality of columns associated with frames of the animation. The array includes a first cell associated with a first computer-generated element and a first frame. A first view of the array is displayed in which the first cell has a first width and includes a key frame indicator that indicates that a designated value is associated with the first computer-generated element for the first frame. A second view is displayed in which the first cell has a second width and includes an element value indicator. The second width is greater than the first width, and the element value indicator represents the designated value associated with the first computer-generated element.