AL(ID:4956/al:006)

Animation Language 

for Animation Language

Language featuring constructs called articulation functions to help create effective animations
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References:
  • May, Stephen F.; Carlson, Wayne; Phillips, Flip; Scheepers, Ferdi "AL: A Language for Procedural Modeling and Animation" OSU-ACCAD-12/96-TR5, ACCAD, Ohio SU, December 1996. view details
  • May, Stephen Forrest "Encapsulated Models: Procedural Representations for Computer Animation" PhD OSU 1998 view details Abstract: This research defines the term “encapsulated model” or “emodel.” An encapsulated model is an animated object containing an integrated set of dynamic attributes — e.g., shape, motion, materials (surface properties), light sources, cameras, user interfaces, sound — represented by a procedural data format (i.e., a program written in a procedural animation language).
    A set of properties that characterizes encapsulated models is presented. From these properties, a set of requirements for an appropriate procedural animation language is derived. Chief among these requirements is the requirement for mechanisms that permit interactive manipulation of the procedural specification of an  emodel. To satisfy this requirement, a new programming language mechanism called “articulation functions” (or “afuncs”) is proposed.
    To demonstrate the practical application of the concepts in this research, a prototype procedural animation language, called AL, was developed. The AL language incorporates the best features of previous animation languages and includes several new features including
    the articulation function mechanism. The AL software environment includes an AL language interpreter and graphical user interface tools for interactive manipulation of encapsulated models via articulation functions.

    The results of this research are given in the form of working examples of encapsulated models that can be manipulated in real-time using current workstation technology. These examples demonstrate that articulation functions are a more powerful and general mechanism for interactive animation and manipulation than previously developed  mechanisms.

    Further, these examples illustrate the benefits of encapsulated models over existing, static data formats. In particular, emodels are shown as an enabling technology for the (possibly commercial) exchange of models that are parameterized (i.e., reusable), have high-level interactive controls, and have self-contained, integrated components such as animation and modeling. These traits potentially lead to reduced costs in the production of photorealistic
    computer animation.