LIVE PERFORMANCE CONTROL OF COMPUTER GRAPHIC CHARACTERS

摘要

A method and apparatus are provided for performing a computer graphic character live in a manner homologous to a live puppetry performance. Character representation information is created and stored using a first computer. Performer movement information is received at the first computer from a manual input device that receives live manual manipulations and converts the manipulations into the performer movement information. Character motion information is created and stored based on combining the performer movement information with the character representation information. The character motion information is communicated in real time to a second computer. The second computer converts the character motion information into movements of a computer graphic character, which is displayed substantially synchronized to the live manual manipulations. Control objects define elements of the manual input device. Actuators define movable elements of the computer graphic character. Expression objects tie controls to actuators and may be used to develop and store complex character expressions. The system may also drive robotic or electromechanically actuated puppet creatures.