Real-time character animation using multi-layered scripts and spacetime optimization

Abstract

We introduce a new animation system dedicated to real-time character animation. A multi-layered script system is used to control the motion from the higher semantic level (used to produce scenarios using high level orders) to the geometrical aspect (required to control the movement in a precise way). Two low-level animation subsystems are proposed, depending on the requirements of the final user. One uses a blending layer to mix the tasks generated by the script system, whereas the other performs on-the-fly spacetime optimization to compute the resulting motion. Two applications are described, each one using one of these two systems, putting in evidence their respective advantages and drawbacks.