392129 3D Scanning and Character Animation (V) (SoSe 2015)

Following digital audio, images, and video, 3D models can be considered the next wave of digital multimedia. Virtual geometric models are ubiquitous in computer games, computer-generated movies, and many other applications. In these fields, triangle meshes are the standard representation for geometric objects. Their conceptual simplicity enables highly efficient processing of geometric data sets.

In this course we discuss the geometry acquisition, triangle mesh processing, and computer animation in the context of virtual characters: We start with different methods for 3D scanninig, which typically yield a large amount of sample points. This point cloud is subsequently converted into a triangle mesh. The resulting meshes then have to be optimized with respect to different quality criteria: Mesh smoothing removes noise, mesh simplification reduces the number of triangles while preserving the overall shape, remeshing improves the shape of triangles. The end of this process will be a virtual clone of a real person. Following the reconstruction we will discuss how to animate virtual characters, both in terms of face animation and full-body skeletal animation.

Most of the techniques you understand much better if you work with them, i.e., if you implement them. Our exercises therefore consist of a sequence of mini-projects, where students can work on their own or in groups of 2-4 and implement the methods learned in the lecture. The overall goal is to scan, reconstruct, and animate our faces.

Our tutors have consulting hours each week, where students can get help if they have trouble with the implementation. At the end of each mini-project, students will present their results in the exercise course.

Teilnahmevoraussetzungen, notwendige Vorkenntnisse

- The lecture "Introduction to Computer Graphics" is required.
- Basic knowledge of linear algebra and calculus is required.
- The programming exercises will be done in C++.

Literaturangaben

Botsch, Kobbelt, Pauly, Alliez, Levy: Polygon Mesh Processing, AK Peters, 2010.

Externe Kommentarseite

http://graphics.uni-bielefeld.de/teaching/ss15/characters/