Abstract:
This paper describes how the concept of imposing geometric
constraints by minimizing cost functions may be utilized and
extended to accomplish a variety of animated modeling tasks for
computer graphics. In this approach a complex 3-D geometric
problem is mapped into a scalar minimization formulation. The mapping
provides a straightforward method for converting abstract
geometric concepts into a construct that is easily computed.
The minimization approach is demonstrated in three application
areas: computer animation, visualization, and physically-based
modeling. In the computer animation application, cost minimization
may be utilized to generate motion paths and joint
parameters for animated actors. The approach may also be used to
generate deformable models that extract closed 3-D geometric models
from volume data for visualization. In the final application, the
approach provides the fundamental structure to a physically-based
model of woven cloth.