New ETHZ masters thesis project available: Design of a modular character animation tool
Alec Jacobson
June 20, 2011
Daniele Panozzo, Olga Sorkine, and I are beginning a new collaboration with Cédric Pradalier of the Autonomous Systems Lab here at ETH Zurich. We're hosting a masters thesis project.
The project, entitled Design of a modular character animation tool is now available, and we are eagerly awaiting applications. In this thesis you will design and produce an innovative input device for interactive animation of virtual 3D characters. The device will consist of a skeleton that will imitate the structure of the character the user wants to animate. The device will be constructed of modular bones and joints which may be rearranged and repositioned on the fly. Movements of the device will be registered with the animation system and will result in corresponding movements of the virtual character. The project will present novel mechanical and electronic challenges, and will be developed in collaboration with the Interactive Geometry Lab. We will provide the required mesh processing software components. This innovative interface will improve the animation workflow used in the videogame and film industry, which by and large relies solely on keyboard and mouse interaction. A fully modular puppet, which could take the form of any character or shape, would not only present a novel interface but also provide a research instrument for evaluating human perception of 3D and 2D poses.
Please don't hesitate to contact me for extra details.