| Description |
The purpose of this research was to build an environment m which an author can create a visual communications vehicle (a film) which will convey his ideas and thoughts. The primary motivation for this effort was the powerful ability of film to combine instruction with entertainment. The entertainment component can increase the attention span of the observer so that difficult concepts can be transferred. This capability can be very valuable for short attention span observers (e.g. young child rcn, corporation execu Lives, etc.). Entertainment also permits repetition, until the transfer is made, without "serious" objection by the observer (e.g. advertising commercials and Sesame Street.) The development of the Visible Surface algorithm, by Watkins at the University of Utah, was the key to providing a mechanism for the computer to produce images of sufficient visual interest for stimulating films. The Watkins Algorithm produces half tone images of three-dimensional objects described by manipulating a collection of polygons stored 111 the computer. These objects may be realistic, completely abstract, or representative in appearance. The objects are akin to physical models or puppets in that they operate in a three-dimensional perspective space and are shaded by a controllable light source. They are also like two-dimensional animated drawings in that they are not constrained by physical laws or rigid body motions. The basic tasks accomplished in creating the environment for computer assisted Visual Communications were: System (breaking up the overall task into its major components and defining the communication paths between these components); Structure (defining the internal and external representation of objects to be manipulated and displayed); and Motion (finding ways of describing the dynamics of activities in effective, compact ways). An environment was constructed and used to produce several films. Special attention was given to human-like motion. No attempt was made to be anatomically correct hut rather to "characterize" activities such as walking and talking to convey mood and emotion to the observer. A film has been completed describing the goals of this research and showing the capabilities of the Computer-assisted Visual Communications environment created. |
