Subdividing rotation in a character using quaternion interpolation for modeling and animation in three dimensions

Abstract

Subdividing rotation between two poses in three dimensions may be accomplished in three parts. First, data defining the two poses is obtained from the animation or modeling interface. Second, a path associated with the two poses is determined. Third, using quaternion interpolation, the roll between the two poses is interpolated at intermediate positions along the path. The amount of roll at each of these intermediate positions then may be applied to three dimensional structures used for character rigging.

1 . An apparatus for subdividing rotation, comprising: 
 means for receiving data defining a first pose and a second pose in three dimensions;    means for determining a. path associated with the first pose and the second pose;    means for determining an amount of roll at intermediate positions along the path using quaternion interpolation between the two poses; and    means for applying the determined amount of roll at the intermediate positions along the path to three dimensional structures associated with the intermediate positions.    
     
     
         2 . A method for subdividing rotation, comprising: 
 receiving data defining a first pose and a second pose in three dimensions;    determining a path associated with the first pose and the second pose;    determining an amount of roll at intermediate positions along the path using quaternion interpolation between the two poses; and    applying the determined amount of roll at the intermediate positions along the path to three dimensional structures associated with the intermediate positions.    
     
     
         3 . A computer program product comprising: 
 a computer readable medium;    computer program instructions stored on the computer readable medium that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform a method for subdividing rotation, comprising:    receiving data defining a first pose and a second pose in three dimensions;    determining a path associated with the first pose and the second pose;    determining an amount of roll at intermediate positions along the path using quaternion interpolation between the two poses; and    applying the determined amount of roll at the intermediate positions along the path to three dimensional structures associated with the intermediate positions.