Artificial Intelligence in Three-Dimensional Computer Animation

Abstract

Recent developments in hardware and software have led to the production of complex computer-generated images and films. Sophisticated algorithms like ray-tracing, fractals or particle systems allow the generation of very realistic natural scenes. However, the design of images and films is still a painful task for designers, because of the inadequacy of person-machine interfaces. A large number of parameters is necessary to build objects (curves, surfaces) to define their properties (orientation, size, colour, transparency, texture, reflectance), to specify the viewing angle, to control the lights and shadows, to define and synchronize motions.The technology of artificial intelligence and more specially knowledge engineering makes possible the development of intelligent human-machine interfaces for image synthesis and animation. Designers may communicate with design and animation systems using natural language. Basic geometric rules may be given to the computer, making it an expert in 3D geometric modeling. Languages based on the concept of frame simplify the intelligent description of complex objects. Expert systems allow the designer to specify the conditions of an image using goal-directed specifications for cameras and lights. Scripts and actors are particularly appropriate for the description of motions- the impact of these concepts on 3D computer animation is considerable. Finally, the complex problem of animation of articulated bodies may be solved using knowledge-based animation. Examples are presented using our new language EXPERTMIRA. This language is based on MIRA and PROLOG and incorporates concepts of artificial intelligence, image synthesis and animation.