Inverse kinematics for reduced deformable models

Abstract

Articulated shapes are aptly described by reduced deformable models that express required shape deformations using a compact set of control parameters. Although sufficient to describe most shape deformations, these control parameters can be ill-suited for animation tasks, particularly when reduced deformable models are inferred automatically from example shapes. Our algorithm provides intuitive and direct control of reduced deformable models similar to a conventional inverse-kinematics algorithm for jointed rigid structures. We present a fully automated pipeline that transforms a set of unarticulated example shapes into a controllable, articulated model. With only a few manipulations, an animator can automatically and interactively pose detailed shapes at rates independent of their geometric complexity.