A. Opalach, "Implicit Surfaces for Modelling and Character Animation", PhD, 1996. (Supervisor: Dr Steve Maddock). [pdf]
PhD Abstract: This thesis presents the results of research into the use of implicit surfaces for computer generated character animation. The ABC approach is developed in order to maintain Appearance, to prevent unwanted Blending and to preserve Coherence for a character. In particular, the approach addresses the issues of surface deformation and formulates and tests a novel solution to precise contact modelling during collisions and self-collisions. Clay-like capabilities are introduced into the technique through coherence preserving distance constraints.
Inspired by the choreographic nature of the process of animation, a dance notation is proposed as a motion control method for a layered model. It is combined with a procedural motion generation to provide hybrid control over animation and to introduce automatic tunable traditional animation effects to computer generated animation sequences. This new control method incorporates the need for a balance and interaction between high and low levels of abstraction in character motion control.
Several animation examples are presented in support of the thesis. They show that this research has been successful in adapting the natural, visually pleasing, "organic" look of implicit surfaces to the task of animating or breathing life into simple expressive characters. The limitations of interactive display and taxturing of implicit surfaces are considered to be the main disadvantage of the technique that stops them from being applied in character animation systems. Some suggestions for improving the rendering process are given. Several extensions and applications of the techniques developed in this thesis are proposed and the role of implicit surfaces in character animation is discussed.