Computer generated animation and movie production at LARC: A case study

The process of producing computer generated 16mm movies using the MOVIE.BYU software package developed by Brigham Young University and the currently available hardware technology at the Langley Research Center is described. A general overview relates the procedures to a specific application. Details are provided which describe the data used, preparation of a storyboard, key frame generation, the actual animation, title generation, filming, and processing/developing the final product. Problems encountered in each of these areas are identified. Both hardware and software problems are discussed along with proposed solutions and recommendations

Graphics mini manual

The computer graphics capabilities available at the Center are introduced and their use is explained. More specifically, the manual identifies and describes the various graphics software and hardware components, details the interfaces between these components, and provides information concerning the use of these components at LaRC

A tool for generating three dimensional animation on computers

Ankara : The Department of Graphic Design and the Institute of Fine Arts of Bilkent Univ. , 1991.Thesis (Master's) -- Bilkent University, 1991.Includes bibliographical references leaves 31-32.In this work, a three dimensional computer animation system has been designed to be employed in schools, for the training of art students on basic three dimensional animation techniques. Puppet Theater, as we have called the system, utilizes the flexibility and effectiveness of the low-end hardware, namely IBM PC™ computers supported with Targa 16™ graphics board and gives special emphasis to user friendliness. It Is basically a software to design three dimensional objects and choreograph the object data in the computer's memory, before rendering the resulting scenery with shading methods. The system is the result of reflecting the recent advances in the field of computer graphics and pushing the potentials of the existing platform. Software is Implemented in C language, thus the code is transportable. A custom designed object oriented windowing system called WODNTW is used as the user Interface. This open windowing system supports pull-down menus, interactive buttons, scalable windows and other popular user interface elements.Türün, Cemil ŞinasiM.S

Moving Map and Situational Awareness Capabilities of the DAGR

This paper presents an overview of the Moving Mapp and Situational Awareness capabilities of the Defense Advanced GPS Receiver (DAGR) military handheld GPS receiver (refer to Figure 1), and how these capabilities can be utilized for other applications. The paper first presents an overview of situational awareness and moving maps as provided by handheld GPS receivers, factors driving the DAGR\u27s requirements, and the requirements themselves. This paper presents the system design in a two-part approach corresponding to the two primary components of the system: 1) importing digital map products into the DAGR and 2) displaying moving maps and situational awareness on the DAGR\u27s display. A significant driver to the design is the requirement to import and display both vector map products and raster map products. The design also needs to allow the use of specialized digital map data, created by the Military\u27s Geospatial Engineers, containing real-time intelligence information and tailored to contain information relevant to a particular mission. The design also provides the ability to import nongeospatial images to allow digital images to be utilized in the field for assistance in identification (e.g. photo of target) or mission operation (e.g. floor plans of a building). The suitability of the ArcMapTM component of the Commercial Joint Mapping Toolkit (C/JMTK) in this design is also presented. This paper concludes with an overview from the user\u27s point of view of the operation of importing digital maps (pre-mission) into the DAGR and using moving map and situational awareness on the DAGR. The overview will also contain a discussion noting some of the possible ways the mapping capabilities can be used by other applications (e.g. adding a survey marker layer to a vector map product) or can be integrated with other systems (e.g. FBCB2/BFT). Reprinted with permission from The Institute of Navigation (http://ion.org/) and The Proceedings of the 18th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation, (pp. 322-332). Fairfax, VA: The Institute of Navigation

Current and future graphics requirements for LaRC and proposed future graphics system

The findings of an investigation to assess the current and future graphics requirements of the LaRC researchers with respect to both hardware and software are presented. A graphics system designed to meet these requirements is proposed

A study of the subjective differences between soft-copy and hard-copy proofing

The widespread use of Cathode Ray Tubes (CTRs) as soft-copy proofing devices in electronic imaging situations has raised serious questions as to their relevance, the appropriate viewing conditions and the necessary design, color and tone characteristics of the color monitors. Proofs are used at many different stages in the print production process. Each stage has different requirements in terms of color acceptance, detail, sharpness, composition and portability. At each level of the approval cycle various measuring devices are used to qualify acceptability. This thesis deals with every-day use and problems of soft-copy proofing. An electronic test pattern was displayed on a color monitor while the same test pattern in hard-copy proof form was displayed under industry standard 5000 degree Kelvin lighting. Fifty printing industry users of these proofing methods, comprising art directors, buyers, quality assurance representatives and electronic pagination users, evaluated the two proofs using the most common method of measurement visual assessment and completed a written questionnaire. This survey covered color and hue variations, detail, sharpness, design, size and portability descrepancies as they related to a soft-copy proof used as a design comprehensive, initial color approval, intermediate proof and/or the final proof. In general, the fifty industry decision makers found the soft copy proof to be acceptable for all the variables listed above when used as design comp, initial color and /or intermediate proof but rejected it in all cases when used as the final proof. The results of this study will enable monitor manufacturers, electronic pagination suppliers and users to better understand how soft-copy and hard-copy proofing differ, what the weaknesses are of each, and which areas are most objectionable. By having industry experts weigh the key differences and similarities between the new and the old proofing methods and by judging the shortcomings and the constraints of each, the soft-copy manufacturers will be able to better rank priorities in improving this developing science, and thus better meet the needs of the people they are serving