SCRIPTS : On The Description of Computer

The problem of specification of temporal transformations for Computer Animation production is investigated. Based on this analysis, an interactive animation language is developed which-supports both procedural and key-frame animation. It is a flexible software environment for the design and prototyping of animation programs and interfaces. The language is implemented in C within the UNIX operating system, and consists of C-like expressions, built-in functions, script and track constructs. There is also an escape mechanism to run UNIX commands. C-like expressions are the regular arithmetical, logical and control of flow operations. Built-in functions are C functions incorporated in the language. Scripts are time programs that are executed in parallel to generate animation. Tracks are time variables used to define dynamic animation parameters. A small set of animation tools is also developed to exemplify the system's utilization. These include a three dimensional geometry model interface library, a spline library, and simple mechanics, collision detection and inverse kinematics functions. Thesis Supervisor: David Louis Zeltzer Title: Assistant Professor of Computer Graphics