Three-dimensional Computer Animation Research Articles

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN AND TYPES OF VISUALISATION OF INNOVATIVE ARCHITECTURAL OBJECTS

The study is devoted to the modern practical experience of the formation of innovative architectural objects in the urban environment, highlighting the peculiarities of their architectural design and visualisation. Clarifying key concepts and terms necessary for defining the issues of designing and visualising these innovative architectural objects, such as architectural idea, architectural creativity, architectural concept, architectural environment, architectural form, and model, is a focal point. Theoretical exploration and analysis of the experiences of forming innovative architectural objects reveal them to be complex and unique structures, buildings, and complexes in the urban environment. Creating such objects demands careful consideration of various influencing factors, including urban planning, architectural planning, constructional, ecological, aesthetic, and economic aspects. The article considers different types of architectural design and visualisation of innovative architectural objects. Furthermore, the concept of ‘visualisation’ is defined as a specific way of demonstrating the nature of the model of architectural objects. We highlighted the role of automated design systems in creating innovative architectural objects, showcasing their ability to save time due to the automation of many typical operations and ensure maximum accuracy of drawings. The discussion extends to the features of using two-dimensional and three-dimensional computer graphics and animation. Two-dimensional computer graphics are a collection of images created with the help of a computer, while three-dimensional graphics are intended to simulate photography or video recording of pre-prepared three-dimensional objects. The main functions of three-dimensional graphics programs are defined as the creation of three-dimensional objects and two-dimensional drawings, visualisation of 3D drawings, and calculation functions. The article identifies the most common software for creating innovative architectural objects and their surrounding environment, including AutoCAD, ArchiCAD, and 3D Studio MAX. Artlantis R, SketchUp, Maya, Cinema 4D, SolidWorks, V-Ray, and Blender, among others, are also used for visualising innovative architectural objects. A few advantages of using modern computer architectural design and visualisation capabilities have been revealed. Notably, the realistic graphic demonstration of a projected 3D model of an innovative architectural object provides the most comprehensive idea of its future appearance and the nature of its surroundings. Such a model makes it possible to see the object from different angles in the exterior as well as evaluate its quality characteristics in the interior. We conclude by outlining prospective trends in the design and visualisation of innovative architectural objects, underscoring the ongoing evolution in this dynamic field. Keywords: architectural design, visualisation, innovations, architectural object, environment.

The development and testing of Thai facial soft tissue thickness data in three-dimensional computerized forensic facial reconstruction.

Forensic facial reconstruction is a useful tool to assist the public in recognizing human remains, leading to positive forensic investigation outcomes. To reproduce a virtual face, facial soft tissue thickness is one of the major guidelines to reach the accuracy and reliability for three-dimensional computerized facial reconstruction, a method that is making a significant contribution to improving forensic investigation and identification. This study aimed to develop a facial soft tissue thickness dataset for a Thai population, and test its reliability in the context of facial reconstruction. Three-dimensional facial reconstruction was conducted on four skulls (2 males and 2 females, with ages ranging between 51 to 60 years). Two main tools of three-dimensional computer animation and modeling software-Blender and Autodesk Maya-were used to rebuild the three-dimensional virtual face. The three-dimensional coordinate (x, y, z) cutaneous landmarks on the mesh templates were aligned homologous to the facial soft tissue thickness markers on the three-dimensional skull model. The final three-dimensional virtual face was compared to the target frontal photograph using face pool comparison. Four three-dimensional virtual faces were matched at low to moderate levels, ranging from 30% to 70% accuracy. These results demonstrate that the facial soft tissue thickness database of a Thai population applied in this study could be useful for three-dimensional computerized facial reconstruction purposes.

Jin Xi: Master of puppet animation

ABSTRACTPuppet animation was one of the key forms of animation at Shanghai meishu dianying zhipianchang and would remain so until the late 1970s transition into television. One of the most important puppet animators at the studio, Jin Xi 靳夕, contributed to approximately 23 productions, including features, shorts, and a television series. Jin Xi's animation theory, partially derived from poetics, represents some of the most sophisticated discussion of animation in the Chinese language. The employment of three-dimensional volume, texture, lighting and space in puppet animation more closely resembles three-dimensional computer animation than other animation forms. Jin Xi's last film, Xiyue qitong/Saving Mother, 1984, is tacitly the first episode of a film based on a folk story about Chenxiang, a rebellious boy-god who travels through a series of adventures to save his mother, magically trapped beneath a mountain. Chenxiang references both the national style and the house style of an earlier SAFS character, Nezha. Jin Xi's episode is a complete, self-contained example of episodic storytelling that showcases miniature landscapes, superb use of stop-motion, well-rounded characterizations and, most significantly, a non-idealized, post-revolutionary hero-protagonist.

The application of GIS and 3D graphic software to visual impact assessment of wind turbines

Visibility of wind turbines is one of the most subjective factors influencing the decision on the potential location to build wind turbines. The spatial extent of the visual impact of wind turbines usually covers a wide area. The paper proposes a new method for visual impact assessment of wind turbines. The proposed method uses GIS tools and 3D graphic software for developing three-dimensional models and computer animations. The developed method was verified in the field. The usefulness of this method is presented on the example of the Poznań Metropolis in Poland, where construction of wind turbines is considered. The analyzes related to visual assessment of the effect of wind turbines with a height of 150 m above ground should be performed over a distance reduced to 12 km. Visibility range of wind turbines depends on the position of the observer in relation to the wind turbine. For longitudinal, diagonal and frontal views the visual impact is limited to 4, 10 and 12 km, respectively.The results obtained using the method proposed were compared with those provided by the other methods used to assess the visibility of wind turbines. As a conclusion, the advantages of this method in favor of its popularization were described.

Improving understanding of early behavioral indicators of lumbosacral disease in working dogs using 3D visualization of skeletal movements during working tasks: Feasibility study

Abstract An improved understanding of the early behavioral indicators of lumbosacral disease in working dogs may allow earlier interventions and help reduce premature retirement because of disability. However, recognition of early behavioral indicators can be challenging in stoic, high-drive working dogs because they often mask clinical signs. The purpose of this feasibility study was to develop a technique for visualizing canine skeletal movements during working tasks and to describe veterinary clinical specialist opinions on the utility of the visualization technique. Three detection-trained police dogs with a recent history of working task deficits and suspected lumbosacral disease were recruited for the study. Conventional and motion capture video recordings were acquired as dogs performed walking and search high working tasks. Whole-body computed tomography (CT) scans were acquired using clinical multislice CT scanners. Image data from motion capture recordings and whole-body CT scans were analyzed and merged. Three-dimensional (3D) computer animation video clips of skeletal movements were created for each dog and each task, using multiple viewing angle perspectives. Interactive meetings with veterinary clinical specialist reviewers were used to refine point placements for the final renderings. Veterinary clinical specialists reviewed final 3D animation movie clips and recorded their opinions on the utility for the visualization technique. Veterinary clinical specialists reported that the computer animations helped them recognize behavioral characteristics that they had not initially noticed in physical examinations. Potential applications for this visualization technique include creating educational training aids for veterinary students, owners, and handlers; assisting veterinarians in planning rehabilitative treatments; and assisting researchers in developing computer models for biomechanical analyses. Future controlled prospective studies are needed in a large number of normal and affected working dogs to improve accuracy of the visualization technique and test the effect of the technique on observer performance.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Computer Reconstruction of the Velopharyngeal Mechanism

Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanics of the levator veli palatini muscle in coordination with surrounding structures in individuals born with a cleft palate. The purpose of this study was to combine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and three-dimensional computer modeling and animation to study the velopharyngeal mechanism in infants with and without a cleft palate. Two infants with a normal velopharyngeal anatomy (subjects 1 and 2) and 2 infants with a cleft lip and palate (subjects 3 and 4) were scheduled to receive a whole-head MRI for clinical reasons unrelated to the current study. This study demonstrated a successful method for combining MRI and three-dimensional computer technology to study the velopharyngeal mechanism in infants with and infants without a cleft palate. Subject 1 displayed a levator muscle sling arrangement that was shaped like a narrow U, whereas subject 2 had a wider U-shaped muscle arrangement. Subject 4 exhibited smaller angles of origin in the oblique coronal compared with that of subject 1. Both subjects with a normal anatomy showed steeper muscles compared with those of both subjects with a cleft palate. The current study enhances the body of literature in the area of MRI by acquiring MR images from infants before and after primary palatoplasty and combining the imaging with three-dimensional computer technology. The angles of the levator muscle may prove to be a significant factor in velar elevation for normal speech.

Three-Dimensional Computer Reconstruction of the Levator Veli Palatini Muscle in Situ Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Most studies have used two-dimensional (2D) data to image and study the velopharyngeal mechanism, oversimplifying the complexity of the system. Three-dimensional (3D) computer modeling and animation offers the advantage of viewing in all coordinate planes and gives the researcher the ability to apply external forces and chart resultant movement patterns. The objective of this project was to create a 3D model of the velopharyngeal mechanism, with primary focus on the levator veli palatini muscle, based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data to demonstrate the velum at rest and during elevation. Quantitative data, based on MRI analyses and consisting of levator muscle length, width, and orientation were modeled using the Maya software system. Using data derived from MRI analyses, an accurate and realistic computer reconstruction of the levator muscle in situ was possible. A video of the animation was created to demonstrate the anatomy from variable view points, layering of the velar muscles, and movement of the velopharyngeal mechanism during vowel production. Improvements in visualization of the levator veli palatini muscle through 3D computer graphics offer a promising future for the field of speech science in providing advancements in basic research. It will be valuable in applied research and clinical activities such as surgical management for individuals impacted by a cleft palate. It is a step forward in creating models of abnormal anatomy (i.e., cleft palate) and is a step closer to a virtual surgical planning tool.

Automatic expressive deformations for implying and stylizing motion

Three-dimensional computer animation often struggles to compete with the flexibility and expressiveness commonly found in traditional animation, particularly when rendered non-photorealistically. We present an animation tool that takes skeleton-driven 3D computer animations and generates expressive deformations to the character geometry. The technique is based upon the cartooning and animation concepts of “lines of action” and “lines of motion” and automatically infuses computer animations with some of the expressiveness displayed by traditional animation. Motion and pose-based expressive deformations are generated from the motion data and the character geometry is warped along each limb’s individual line of motion. The effect of this subtle, yet significant, warping is twofold: geometric inter-frame consistency is increased which helps create visually smoother animated sequences, and the warped geometry provides a novel solution to the problem of implied motion in non-photorealistic imagery. Object-space and image-space versions of the algorithm have been implemented and are presented.

A 3D visualization system for hurricane storm-surge flooding

Three-dimensional computer visualization and animation can provide a substitute for coastal residents', lack of personal experience with hurricane-surge flooding. Tremendous progress has been made in 3D animation in the last decade, which movies such as Perfect Storm and The Day After Tomorrow have demonstrated. However, the 3D visualization and animation system for storm-surge flooding differs from those in Hollywood movies in three aspects. First, objects such as buildings, roads, and trees in a synthetic 3D visualization environment not only have to be able to duplicate the real-world feature visually, but also be georeferenced so users can find real locations through addresses or spatial coordinates. The sizes and shapes of buildings and trees have to be accurate so users can sense the severity of flooding by comparing the water level with heights of familiar objects. Second, the magnitude, extent, and process of storm-surge flooding have to be accurate enough to represent the real situation. This information has to be based on hydrodynamics of storm surge. Third, the damage extent of a property caused by storm surge and waves, such as the collapse of a house, must be determined by engineering rules. Recent advances in high-resolution remote-sensing technology and numerical modeling make it possible to provide accurate data for the earth's surface features and storm-surge flooding.

Using 3D computer simulations to enhance ophthalmic training

To develop more effective methods of demonstrating and teaching complex topics in ophthalmology with the use of computer aided three-dimensional (3D) animation and interactive multimedia technologies. We created 3D animations and interactive computer programmes demonstrating the neuroophthalmological nature of the oculomotor system, including the anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of the extra-ocular eye muscles and the oculomotor cranial nerves, as well as pupillary symptoms of neurological diseases. At the University of Vienna we compared their teaching effectiveness to conventional teaching methods in a comparative study involving 100 medical students, a multiple choice exam and a survey. The comparative study showed that our students achieved significantly better test results (80%) than the control group (63%) (diff. = 17 +/- 5%, p = 0.004). The survey showed a positive reaction to the software and a strong preference to have more subjects and techniques demonstrated in this fashion. Three-dimensional computer animation technology can significantly increase the quality and efficiency of the education and demonstration of complex topics in ophthalmology.

The use of a three-dimensional imaging model to optimize the operative separation of pygopagus conjoined twins

Introduction The surgical management of conjoined twins has evolved to the point that elective operative separation can safely be performed in the majority. Cross-sectional imaging is invaluable to accurately delineate the site of union and configuration of shared organ systems prior to surgery. The use of three-dimensional modeling also dramatically improves the planning process and assists in intraoperative decision-making. We present a case of pygopagus conjoined twins who underwent successful operative separation at 19 months of age with the aid of such technology. Methods A three-dimensional computer animation was created by Medical Modeling LLC (Golden, CO, USA) from representative cross-sectional CT and MR images. The complete animation is available at http// www.medicalmodeling.com/ahmed. A plasticized bony pelvic model, accurate to 1 mm, was also created using similar technology. Results The three-dimensional animation and pelvic model were utilized during both the planning and operative phases of the separation. The shared pelvic soft-tissue anatomy consisted of a conjoined penis with four corporal bodies, and a posteriorly conjoined urethra subtending two separate bladders and outlets. The rectum was conjoined approximately 2 cm proximal to the single anus. A blind-ending hindgut remnant was also documented by the animation. Following operative separation, both twins recovered uneventfully. Conclusions Three-dimensional computer animation technology was extremely accurate intraoperatively and predicted exactly which shared organs would sequentially be encountered as the dissection commenced. It significantly reduced the overall operative time and provided critical intraoperative anatomic information. We recommend that this readily available technology be utilized for any patient requiring extensive reconstructive surgery.

３次元コンピュータアニメーション制作工程におけるタイミング情報の伝達技術

Designers, who develop moving images, ordinarily create three-dimensional computer animation (3-DCA) in collaboration with operators, who work using computers. In this case, the operators need to be able to receive each image motion from the designers accurately. In this paper, we propose a new work flow system for creating 3-DCA to communicate the timing information of the image motions. We present a numerical definition of the timing information for 3-DCA and propose a tool for extracting it from the designer's hand motions. Operators can then receive the numerical timing information from designers using the tool with the proposed work flow. The tool is simply composed of a personal computer and a CCD-camera. Experimental results showed that the extracted numerical timing information was similar to that of the image of the designers. The proposed work flow and the tool are useful for efficiently communicating timing information and developing 3-DCA.

Use of three-dimensional computer graphic animation to illustrate cleft lip and palate surgery.

Three-dimensional (3D) computer animation is not commonly used to illustrate surgical techniques. This article describes the surgery-specific processes that were required to produce animations to teach cleft lip and palate surgery. Three-dimensional models were created using CT scans of two Chinese children with unrepaired clefts (one unilateral and one bilateral). We programmed several custom software tools, including an incision tool, a forceps tool, and a fat tool. Three-dimensional animation was found to be particularly useful for illustrating surgical concepts. Positioning the virtual "camera" made it possible to view the anatomy from angles that are impossible to obtain with a real camera. Transparency allows the underlying anatomy to be seen during surgical repair while maintaining a view of the overlaying tissue relationships. Finally, the representation of motion allows modeling of anatomical mechanics that cannot be done with static illustrations. The animations presented in this article can be viewed on-line at http://www.smiletrain.org/programs/virtual_surgery2.htm. Sophisticated surgical procedures are clarified with the use of 3D animation software and customized software tools. The next step in the development of this technology is the creation of interactive simulators that recreate the experience of surgery in a safe, digital environment.

Use of Three-Dimensional Computer Graphic Animation to Illustrate Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery

Objective: Three-dimensional (3D) computer animation is not commonly used to illustrate surgical techniques. This article describes the surgery-specific processes that were required to produce animations to teach cleft lip and palate surgery.Materials and Methods: Three-dimensional models were created using CT scans of two Chinese children with unrepaired clefts (one unilateral and one bilateral). We programmed several custom software tools, including an incision tool, a forceps tool, and a fat tool.Results: Three-dimensional animation was found to be particularly useful for illustrating surgical concepts. Positioning the virtual “camera” made it possible to view the anatomy from angles that are impossible to obtain with a real camera. Transparency allows the underlying anatomy to be seen during surgical repair while maintaining a view of the overlaying tissue relationships. Finally, the representation of motion allows modeling of anatomical mechanics that cannot be done with static illustrations. The animations presented in this article can be viewed on-line at http://www.smiletrain.org/programs/virtual_surgery2.htm.Conclusions: Sophisticated surgical procedures are clarified with the use of 3D animation software and customized software tools. The next step in the development of this technology is the creation of interactive simulators that recreate the experience of surgery in a safe, digital environment.

Observation of Eardrum Movements during Quasi-Static Pressure Changes by High-Speed Digital Imaging

Under specific quasi-static pressure conditions during the Valsalva manoeuvre, high-speed digital video pictures of eardrum displacements were recorded using an endoscope and a Kodak Image Ektapro 1000 Motion Analyzer. A new type of data interface enabled the complete videoclip to be saved and processed digitally, and, with special mathematical algorithms, it is possible to generate three-dimensional computer animations of eardrum movements under quasi-static pressure. The present study describes patterns of eardrum movements under static pressure changes (Valsalva manoeuvre). These patterns were consistent with the results of finite-element simulations of highly similar eardrum displacements reported by other workers.

Computer animation of remote sensing-based time series data sets

Visualization has always played a major role in the exploitation of remote sensing data sets as well as in the confirmation of scientific hypotheses. With the new techniques available for two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) computer animation, the synthesis of different information layers as well as high quality visualizations for the presentation of research tasks and results are becoming increasingly important and popular. The German Remote Sensing Data Center (DFD) of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) is operationally generating remote-sensing-based time series data sets. This data can be used to generate long term, high quality computer animations for analyzing and presenting the information contained in Earth observation data. Due to clouds or to system specification, data gaps occur in satellite derived time series, which preclude the generation of highest quality computer animations. For this reason different interpolation techniques have been developed primarily for atmospheric research, and they now prove to be a valuable tool for interpolation of a wide range of remote sensing data sets to be used for computer animations.

High-Speed Digital Videoimaging of Fast Eardrum Motions During Valsalva Maneuver

Digital high-speed camera systems are used to record high-frequency videoclips. After adapting this technology to the analysis of eardrum motions, fast motions of the eardrum can be recorded using an endoscope. Under specific static pressure conditions during the Valsalva maneuver, recordings of eardrum motions were made. The use of a Kodak Image Ektapro 1000 Motion Analyzer allowed only conventional videosignal processing and storage. A new type of data interface made it possible to save and process the complete videoclip digitally. Using an image-processing workstation and special mathematical algorithms, three-dimensional computer animations of fast eardrum motions under static pressure can be generated. In the present study, several animations of fast eardrum movements are described. High-speed digital videoimaging is an adequate method to describe fast eardrum displacements under static pressure (Valsalva maneuver). It is possible to create visible time-shift images of separate eardrum parts during the fast Valsalva maneuver.

Methodological aspects of observations of rapid tympanic membrane movements due to changes in static pressure (Valsalva maneuver) using digital high speech video recordings

CCD-high speed camera systems are used to record high frequency videoclips. Introducing this technology in the analysis of eardrum motions, fast motions of the eardrum can be taped using an endoscope. Records of the eardrum were made under specific static pressure conditions during the Valsalva maneuver. Initial experience with the help of a Kodak image (I 3) Ektapro 1000 Motion Analyzer allowed only conventional video signal processing and storage. A new data interface makes it possible to save and process the complete videoclip digitally. Using an image processing workstation and special mathematical algorithms, three-dimensional computer animations of rapid eardrum motions on static pressure can be performed. The present study describes different animations of fast motion eardrum movements. Digital high-speed video imaging is a suitable method to describe rapid eardrum motions on static pressure (Valsalva maneuver). It is possible to visualize the motion of the eardrum over time on the fast Valsalva movement at high resolution.

Dynamic Performance of Composite Pavements Under Impact

The importance of developing a deep understanding of the behavior of pavement layers under the action of dynamic loads, and the availability of cutting-edge computational and visualization technologies, led to the study presented in this paper. Explicit finite-element analysis was used to investigate the propagation of dynamic displacements induced in pavement layers under the action of an impact load similar to the one applied in a falling weight deflectometer test. The time-dependent dynamic response of a rigid pavement with straight asphalt concrete overlay was studied for two cases of unbonded and fully bonded interfaces between different layers. Significant differences in behavior were observed. Three-dimensional computer graphics and animation of the deformed model were used to display the propagation of vertical dynamic displacements through pavement layers. It was found that in the absence of a perfect bond between all pavement layers, the displacements measured on the top surface correlated little with the deformation measured in subsequent layers. In this case, a complicated pattern of behavior took place between the asphalt overlay and the concrete. The time histories of vertical displacements at selected surface locations and on the top and bottom of every layer were plotted. The plots revealed the existence of time shifts between the maximum displacements experienced by each layer, irrespective of the type of bond assumed between the interfaces.

The Chrome Age: Dawn of Virtual Reality

THIS ARTICLE CHAMPIONS THE SINGLE MOST DESPISED ARTIFACT of computer graphics—chrome logos—by reconsidering them as conspicuous ambassadors of computer-generated realism. The foundation for today’s synthetic worlds was laid when three-dimensional computer animation first moved into television and film, an era the author labels the “Chrome Age.” Programmers, in a quest for photographic-quality realism, built the framework for virtual reality—but without artistic training. They overlooked certain aesthetic principles of Renaissance perspective in order to focus on algorithmic techniques, an endeavor that resulted in distinctive plastic-metal textures. Designers, eager to express whatever they could with the new computer-generated look, manipulated the earliest entertainment graphics—show titles and logos—into illusions of precious silver and gold. Due to their symbolic value, chrome logos convinced the public that artificial worlds could eventually become “real” and heralded the high-tech entertainment industry—an edifice of science fused with art.