Motion interpolation (computer graphics)

Motion interpolation is used in data-driven character animation in order to create transitions between example motions and to extrapolate new motions. Example motions are often created through keyframing or motion capture. However, keyframing is labor-intensive and lacks varieties of motion, and both processes result in motions that are difficult to alter. Motion interpolation provides a much faster alternative to creating new motions through the same means.

Formerly, a popular method involved storing a variety of motions and choosing the most appropriate one during run-time. Unfortunately, storage limitations resulted in repetitive or imperfect results. With some additional computation, new, desired motions could be created by interpolating preexisting, similar motions. Using interpolation, motions can be generated in real time while preserving the realistic qualities of the example motions.

For large sets of example motions, methods have been developed to extract similar motions based on logical similarities.

References

• https://www.computer.org/csdl/mags/cg/1997/06/mcg1997060039.pdf
• http://research.cs.wisc.edu/graphics/Gallery/kovar.vol/ParamMotion/
• http://www.val.ics.tut.ac.jp/VAL05/project/geostat/geostat.html