Director, Computer Animation Research Centre Bournemouth University United Kingdom jzhang <at> bournemouth.ac.uk http://nccastaff.bournemouth.ac.uk/main/staff/jian/

Prof. Jiang J. Zhang

Understanding Physics-based Computer Animation

Computer animation, as a relatively new story telling means, has in the recent decades substantially transformed many media forms, such as feature film special effects, computer games and visual simulation (e.g. flight simulation). It is also an effective visualisation tool for medicine, e-learning and virtual environments, to name a few. One of the key elements of a successful piece of animation is its believability, namely, the ability to convince the viewer to accept the intention of the animator / producer of the artefact. Often, this believability comes from the match between the animation and the viewer’s perception or expectation. Exaggeration is acceptable, as long as it flows with the story line. In many cases however, especially if one tries to replicate a real-life phenomenon graphically, believability relies on how close a CG (computer graphics) representation matches its real counterpart.

Physical objects behave the way they are when subject to external influences, such as forces, because they obey the laws of physics. This has been a subject of study and indeed forms the basis for many engineering sciences. Natural phenomena, such as deformation, vibration and fracture, can be simulated. It in essence ‘reconstructs’ part of the physical world using mathematical equations and/or computer algorithms. However, does this mean one can repeat such simulations for computer animation? If so, how useful they are to computer animation? How practical if one mechanically migrates the engineering simulation strategies to animation? How does the animator feel about it - is it a help or a distraction?

In this presentation, we will look into the basic principles of physics-based computer animation and encourage a debate on the above questions. By analysing what the animator exactly needs, we also discuss how we can devise the best strategy for algorithm development and software tool production to benefit the creation of believable animation artefacts effectively.

Short biography

Jian J Zhang is Professor of Computer Graphics and Director of the Computer Animation Research Centre at Bournemouth University, United Kingdom.

His main research interests include human character modelling and animation, motion capture and synthesis, physics-based computer animation, medical visualisation and simulation.

He has been giving keynote and invited lectures internationally including Europe, America, Australia and China.

He is a member of many international programme committees and has chaired several international conferences and symposia.

He also serves the editorial boards for a number of international journals.