Biomechanically-Inspired Motion Path Editing

Abstract

We present a system for interactive kinematic editing of motion paths and timing that employs various biomechanical observations to augment and restrict the edited motion. Realistic path manipulations are enforced by restricting user interaction to handles identified along a motion path using motion extrema. An as-rigid-as-possibledeformation technique modified specifically for use on motion paths is used to deform the path to satisfy the usermanipulated handle positions. After all motion poses have been adjusted to satisfy the new path, an automatic timewarping step modifies the timing of the new motion to preserve the timing qualities of the original motion.This timewarp is based on biomechanical heuristics relating velocity to stride length and path curvature, as well as the preservation of acceleration for ballistic motion. We show that our system can be used to quickly and easily modify a variety of locomotive motions, and can accurately reproduce recorded motions that were not used during the editing process.