Post 1 - My First Blog

I am a Masters student studying an MSc in Computer Animation Technology. This is the first of many Blogs (my first ever), that I shall be posting in order for anyone to follow my research and development of my 3D Animation Module.

My first task is to conduct research into the motion, or the act of walking. Sounds simple enough, but there are many issues to take into account, such as weight, momentum, balance and a basic understanding of observational physics. I have started this research by simply sketching out a walk and run cycle, with a brief description of each movement. I have tried to not clutter the dissemination too much and merely highlight the motion of the major limbs and joints. Feet, hands, pelvis and head are elements, which at this time I have not taken into account.  This has been done with no observation, other than from memory (FIG 01).



FIG 01

 This research will be implemented at next week’s session (13th Oct 2010) where I shall be animating a pre-constructed rig. Along side this research, I have also been briefly looking into the history of Motion Capture; with You Tube TM clips of Edweard Muybridge's 'A Horse in Motion' and Étienne-Jules Marey early motion archive. This will be followed up with research from other sources plus critical evaluation.

In the up coming weeks, I shall be adding to this and several other blogs as it is my intention to combine my final animation product with my 3D Computer Technology module. At this stage my plan is to construct a couple of full figured characters in one module, then animate them in another. This is subject to Tutor approval, but so far I believe that there is scope in this idea.

You Tube Clip 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrRUDS1xbNs&feature=related
You Tube Clip 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11lKItGNuiY