Interactive Quadruped Animation

An animation system entitled CAT (Cat Animation Tool) has been developed to explore an alternative workflow for novice animation, specifically focusing on quadruped animation. The system adds 3D interaction to the traditional animation pipeline with the intent of easing authoring and thereby widening the authoring audience. Users initially create high-level locomotion by specifying a 3D input curve to which kinematic methods are applied to create locomotion. Subsequently, users layer detailed animation to add expressiveness via 3D input tools. A user study was conducted that indicates embodied motion control decreases the effort required to make complex animation. The results also suggest a proper balance between manual motion specification and automation significantly enhances enjoyment and supports an animator’s creativity.