HEAVi: High End Animation and Visualization

HEAVi: High End Animation and Visualization (Image: CAD CAM Center Cologne)

Pictures say more than 1000 words - and animated pictures can do much more! Whether for training and coaching purposes, for the evaluation of ergonomics and assembly processes or as a communication strategy in marketing - the animated film is the medium with the highest information density and therefore suitable for many purposes. For technical applications, however, it is important that the systems presented reflect the physical reality accurately. The goal of this project is to combine physically evident simulations with artworks of high-end rendering of the media industry.

Project content

Due to the different cultures of the two disciplines simulation and animation, the first step is to identify the interfaces and conceptualize the data flow. The different software environments play a decisive role in this process. For example, a specifically developed tool for the node-based analysis of movements according to LAGRANGE formalism of the second kind is used to illustrate mechanical, kinematic systems. The evaluation and subsequent transfer of the resulting equations of motion already ensures that everything rotates and moves as in reality. A developed color management system takes over the task of assigning the visualization properties to the optical materials in a partially automated way. Real light scenarios are automatically recorded and transferred to the virtual scenario as corresponding lighting settings, et voilà: The system moves correctly, looks accurate and is in the suitable environment!