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Multi-Point
6DOF Input Device
Introducing ShapeAnimator™, Measurand’s
integrated system of ShapeTape™ and software plug-in that connects
in real-time with 3D design and animation software packages allowing you
to create, edit and animate in real-time.
Overview
Introduction
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.
Communication
between hardware and software
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.
Motion
capture and editing
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.
Key Features
Motion
Capture Tool
• Capture clean
motion from limbs, hands and fingers directly into 3D packages in real-time.
• Edit pre-existing mocap data – take existing mocap data
like stock data and modify it in real-time quickly and easily.
Animate
and Control
• Animate fully
rendered 3D characters
and objects in real-time.
• Give 3D objects and characters that cartoon look and feel by moving
them in real-time utilizing squash and stretch effects.
• Rotate and control a variety of different objects and characters.
• Dynamically adjust the intensity of fire and the movement of hair
and other particles.
• Scene/camera navigation - navigate with multiple degrees of freedom
through scenes in real-time.
Digital
Content Creation
• Create new
objects or modify pre-existing objects by dynamically deforming them.
• Create real-time rotations in characters and images that are otherwise
impossible by any other means.
Mocap
Teaching Tool
Get hands on experience:
•
Working with real-time input devices
• Real-time data capture and recording
• Clean-up: software and methods
• Data mapping and retargeting
• Motion editing: offsetting, keying, looping etc.
• Data integration and exporting
ShapeAnimator
Demos
Demo
1: Animation
Animate 3D fully rendered characters in real-time in a static scene within
XSI.
Demo
2: Rotations
Create real-time rotations in characters and images that are otherwise
impossible by any other means. Rotate and control a variety of different
objects and characters.
Demo
3: 3D Scene/Camera Tracking
Navigate with multiple degrees of freedom through scenes in real-time.
Demo
4: Motion Capture
Capture clean motion from limbs, hands and fingers directly in XSI in
real-time.
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