Patent ID: 7782324
Filing Date: 2010-08-24
Classification: G06T

Abstract:
1. A computer enabled apparatus for animation comprising: a memory operatively coupled to the computer enabled apparatus and storing a path including a set of nodes; a spline module defining the path including the set of nodes as a spline and having a variable geometry defined only by a consecutive order of the nodes, the nodes being non-hierarchical; a path module operatively coupled to the spline module and controlling rotation of segments of the path; a lock module operatively coupled to the spline module and associating an animated character or object with the path for movement along the path; and at least one body module operatively coupled to the spline module and defining a second set of nodes that characterize a shape of the character or object and having a variable geometry defined only by a consecutive order of the second set of nodes, the second set of nodes being non-hierarchical; wherein the path shapes itself to the shape of the character or object and the path serves as a pose for the character or object.