SKELETAL ANIMATION Meaning and
Definition
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Skeletal animation, also known as rigging, is a technique used in computer graphics and animation to create movement and realistic deformation of characters or objects. It is based on the concept of a skeletal structure, wherein a digital model is associated with an underlying skeleton composed of interconnected bones or joints.
In this animation technique, artists or animators map the vertices of a character or object's mesh to specific bones within the skeleton. These bones act as the control points that determine the movement and articulation of various parts of the model. By defining the relationships between the bones and their associated geometry, animators can create natural movements, such as walking, running, or complex gestures.
To make the character or object move, animators manipulate the positioning and rotation of the skeletal joints. The software then automatically interpolates the changes to smoothly deform the mesh, resulting in lifelike motion. Additionally, skeletal animation often incorporates weight painting, which assigns varying amounts of influence to different bones for each vertex. This allows for more precise control over the deformation of the mesh during movement.
Skeletal animation is widely used in video game development, film production, and computer-generated imagery (CGI) industries to bring characters and objects to life. It offers a flexible and efficient way to animate complex structures and achieve realistic motion, creating immersive and visually appealing experiences for users.
Etymology of SKELETAL ANIMATION
The term "skeletal animation" is derived from the combination of "skeletal" and "animation".
1. "Skeletal" refers to the skeletal system of an organism or a framework that resembles a skeleton. It is derived from the Latin word "sceletus" (the body's framework) and the Greek word "skeleton" (a dried-up body, bones).
2. "Animation" comes from the Latin word "animus" (spirit or soul) and "anima" (life or breath). It refers to the process of bringing life or motion to static or inanimate objects.
Therefore, by combining these two words, "skeletal animation" refers to a technique that brings movement or life to characters or objects in computer graphics or visual effects by using the concept of a virtual skeleton.
