Method and apparatus for approximating hair and similar objects during animation
US8305378B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 21, 2008 |
| Grant date | Nov 6, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 17, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06T11/203
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Simulating dynamics (e.g., physical effects of inertia, forces, wind) on strands (e.g., hair) during computer based animation requires quick and accurate approximations of mathematical curves. Each strand is initially represented as a B-spline curve. Line segments approximating the curve are created by using affine combinations based on the curve's control vertices. Dynamics simulation is performed on the line segment approximation. Once an approximated strand is simulated, it is converted back into a B-spine curve representation for downstream processes, such as rendering. The rendering process displays the simulated strand to the animator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.