In.this paper we describe how techniques from traditional cartoon animation can be used to improve user orientation, interface presentation and interaction feedback in 3D environments. By encapsulating the principles of traditional cartoon animation in agents, that implement the interface components animation behaviour, their use in 3D user interfaces becomes simple and efficient for the inter-

We are investigating how animation can be applied to human computer interaction. In particular, we have applied techniques borrowed from cartoon animation to the visual appearance of objects that a user manipulates. Such animation effects can heighten the user’s sense of engagement by giving the objects greater “substance”, and it can convey more information about the nature and progress of the

This paper presents the global design of a system for synthetic actor animation. We discuss the concepts that must be part of an ideal animation system: actor creation, key framing, positional constraints, adaptive motion control, trajectory planning and task planning. A complete diagram of the components of such a system is presented together with the relations between these components. keywor...

In this introductory chapter, we try to situate the role of Computer Animation in the new technologies: digital television, virtual reality, multimedia, cooperative work. We also overview the main techniques which will be further discussed throughout this book by international experts. 1 The high-tech role of computer animation The term "Computer Animation" suggests that computers bring somethi...

This report reviews the literature in the field of computer animation and robotics to illustrate the numerous approaches to simulating, controlling and displaying the realistic, real-time animation of virtual characters. Critical analyses of the various high-level approaches are conducted, with a view to identifying key areas of interest for future research in the area of “Real-Time Character A...

An algorithm animation environment called Jeliot is presented. Jeliot allows a Web user to visualize his own algorithms, written in Java, over the Internet. Jeliot is based on self-animation of data types: the user selects the data objects of the source code which he wants to visualize, and Jeliot produces the animation automatically.

Animation is becoming increasingly used to communicate information within some limited viewing area. Little is known, however, about the eeectiveness and the possible distractions of animation used in this way. This article describes an initial experiment exploring the information awareness and distraction capabilities of diierent styles of animation.

This paper describes the synthesis of sign-language animation for mobile environments. Sign language is synthesized by using either the motion-capture or motion-primitive method. An editing system can add facial expressions, mouth shapes and gestures to the sign-language CG animation. Sign-language animation is displayed on PDA screens to inform the user of his/her mobile environment.

This presentation suggests ways in which notators can use the Life Forms animation program to complement the teaching, learning, and use of Labanotation. It begins by presenting examples of dance animations, addresses questions of notation versus animation assumptions and conventions, and concludes with a hands-on workshop introducing basic animation techniques. 1.