Fundamentals of Computer Graphics, 4th Edition

Chapter 16

Computer Animation

Michael Ashikhmin

Animation is derived from the Latin anima and means the act, process, or result of imparting life, interest, spirit, motion, or activity. Motion is a defining property of life and much of the true art of animation is about how to tell a story, show emotion, or even express subtle details of human character through motion. A computer is a secondary tool for achieving these goals—it is a tool which a skillful animator can use to help get the result he wants faster and without concentrating on technicalities in which he is not interested. Animation without computers, which is now often called “traditional” animation, has a long and rich history of its own which is continuously being written by hundreds ...