ANIMENGINE

Abstract

Animation for engineering is very different from traditional animation for entertainment. We do not require realistic images and we cannot afford the cost, or the time, for their production. At the same time, there are other requirements which must be met. Firstly, it must be possible, in an engineering animation, to identify, unambiguously, each separate, mechanical part in a scene. Secondly, the animation must be produced quickly: ideally, in real-time.

As an attempt to satisfy these requirements, a new engineering animation system called ANIMENGINE has been implemented. To achieve clear visual identification of objects, we mark each of them with a unique, characteristic color or texture. For fast production and almost realtime display, we use a combination of on-line video display and recording. Algorithms have been developed for hidden surface removal with moving objects and a special, geometric model, the “template model” has been used to facilitate the production of scenes using many similar, common parts.