In the variational approach to subdivision, refined meshes are not prescribed by static rules, but are chosen so as to minimize some energy functional. This section will describe the theory of variational subdivision and highly efficient algorithms to construct fair surfaces. The film marks the first time that Pixar has used subdivision surfaces in a production. In fact, subdivision surfaces were used to model virtually everything that moves. This section will describe what led Pixar to use subdivision surfaces, discuss the issues encountered along the way, and present several of the solutions developed.
Subdivision provides the mechanism for a multiresolution representation of smooth surfaces.
This section explains how multiresolution surfaces can be used to greatly improve the modeling and animation of complex organic forms. Examples are taken from two commercial applications, where subdivision surfaces are used to seamlessly join together hierarchical tensor-product spline surfaces. Aside from the usual slide and video projection used during the presentations we will have live demonstrations running on a PC illustrating some of the concepts as well as showing full blown applications using subdivision. While this is not new as such, we believe it will significantly enhance the learning experience of the participants. Course History This course has not been taught before.