Programming Dynamic Character Animation

This addition to the "Advances in Computer Graphics and Game Development" series provides guidance for intermediate and advanced programmers looking to add photorealistic animation to their multimedia/entertainment renderings and animation source code. Using the popular applications 3D Studio Max and Milkshape Modeler, detailed tutorials teach programmers how to create 2,4,6, and 8 legged creatures that can walk and interact within a virtual environment that appears solid and real. Moving from the creation of a 3D model that requires bones for articulated animation of the arms and legs, to the finished animation sequences, step-by-step exercises explore the various techniques of animation. The techniques used in the tutorials can be easily applied to other professional 3D software. Key features of the text include: a detailed exploration of complex animation techniques including - forward and inverse kinematics, key frame animation, scripted animation, and dynamic animation; a chapter on tracking the head and eyes of a model during the dynamic animation process; and extensive information which clarifies the physics of animation including explanations of the concepts of rigid body dynamics, soft body deformation, and resting contact using 3D Studio Max and Milkshape Modeler. The CD (Windows) includes the images from the book, tutorial support files and more.