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ShapeAnimator Overview
ShapeTape, a flexible array of fiber optic sensors in a ribbon format, maps bend and twist into 3D shape in real time (Fig.1). New ShapeAnimator software enables 3D artists, animators, designers and editors to use these sensory ribbons (ShapeTapes) as multiple-degree of freedom, multi-channel input devices within their favorite design environment.
The
core technical innovations
A real-time user interface was created to allow the creation, control
and editing of 3D objects in new ways, simultaneously using multiple sensors
in a ribbon (ShapeTape). By wedding this intuitive high dimension input
device to an equally high dimension design environment, the development
enables many to experience the paradigm shift from point-mapping to curve-
and surface-mapping. It is an important step toward changing the way animators
and designers create virtual worlds.
Fig. 1: images of ShapeTape
The user interfacing software transforms the bends and twists of ShapeTape into scaled data completely specifying position and orientation of the 16 segments of ShapeTape. The calculation of these six-degree of freedom (6DOF) data are rapid, enabling screen updates at up to 100 Hz. This way, communication, calibration, shape calculation, and human interface functions can be seamlessly integrated into 3D design and animation software.
ShapeAnimator
functions
The following are examples of implementation in a 3D animation package:
Curve
and surface input and manipulation
Entire 3D curves can be input as primitives. The curves can be used to
create 3D surfaces, which can then be manipulated using selected parameters
of ShapeTape. These functions are well-suited to hair, particle, and curved-surface
modeling and animation. (Fig.2).
Portions of a ribbon attached to real-world objects may be associated with segments of a corresponding virtual object, such as the bones in an arm or leg. The designer, with ShapeTape attached to a limb or hand-held in a limb shape, can become actor/director/editor, creating or modifying animated sequences captured from the real world, without leaving her chair.
3D
mouse and virtual camera
Since every portion of the ribbon maps 6DOF data, the user can naturally
and smoothly move objects through a scene. This is exemplified by the
virtual camera tool, which can be as shaky or as steady as the user desires.