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ATEC 4371.001 Procedural Animation

Discover the history of digital computers, human-computer interface, and the evolution of programming vs. scripting. Learn why Houdini is a powerful tool in computer animation, with a focus on its node-based approach and automation capabilities. Dive into the world of procedural methods in animation with this course.

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ATEC 4371.001 Procedural Animation

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  1. ATEC 4371.001Procedural Animation Introduction to Procedural Methods in 3D Computer Animation Dr. Midori Kitagawa

  2. In class • Pay attention • Take notes • Learn • Be ready for a pop quiz

  3. Week 1: Introduction • Why Houdini? • History of digital computers and human computer interface (HCI) • Program vs. script • Scripts vs. graphical user interface (GUI) • So, why Houdini? • Have you taken required CS courses?

  4. History of digital computers and human computer interface (HCI) • 1946 The first programmable general-purpose computer ENIAC was revealed.

  5. Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer ENIAC • Occupied 1,000 square foot space. • Performed 5,000 operations per second.

  6. ProgrammingENIAC • Plugs and switches were used to rewire and restructure the machine.

  7. ENIAC’s I/O • Punched cards were used for input/output.

  8. ENIAC’s HCI • The user punched binary code on punch cards. • ENIAC read and processed the cards and punched results on other punch cards • The user deciphered the output on the cards.

  9. IBM SSEC (1948)Selective Sequence Electronic Calculator • Equipped with paper tape readers and a printer.

  10. BNIAC Binary Automatic Computer (1948)Manchester Mark I (1949) • Used teleprinters(electro-mechanically controlled typewriters) for input and output.

  11. MIT Whirlwind (1951) • Debuted with a cathode ray tube and magnetic tape.

  12. 1970’s • Keyboards were introduced to mainframe computers.

  13. Macintosh 128k (1984) • 128 KB memory • 400 KB single-sided 3.5” floppy disk drive • B/W monitor resolution 512 x 342 • Single button mouse • Keyboard with no arrow keys, function keys or numeric keypad • Ignited desktop publishing

  14. PC, Mouse and GUI • Introduction of PC, mouse and GUI (graphical user interface) accelerated the development of sophisticated graphical applications in late1980’s. • Photoshop 1988 • Wavefront1988

  15. Program vs. script • Difference between program and script is becoming blur. • Program’s source code (ASCII) is complied into the executable in binary format. • Script is interpreted but not compiled. • Script runs inside a program.

  16. Script vs. GUI • Both script and GUI are ways that the user communicate with software (OS and applications). User Scripts GUI Applications OS Hardware

  17. Script vs. GUI for common graphics applications

  18. Houdini’s node based approachbridges between scripting and GUI

  19. Why Houdini? • Houdini’s node based approach allows the user to create a complex procedure by building a network (chain) of nodes that looks like a flowchart by connecting a node to other nodes using GUI.

  20. Why Houdini? • Houdini’s node networks can be linear or non-linear. Non-linear networks allow procedures to be more complex than linear networks.

  21. Why Houdini? • Node network can be automated and repeatable. • Node network can be easily modified to produce variations. • Houdini is highly customizable.

  22. Why Houdini? • Houdini has a higher learning curve than other comparable 3D animation tools (e.g. Maya) due to its node based approach. • Benefits outweigh drawbacks especially in the special effect industry where procedural methods prevail.

  23. Have you taken CS courses? No, I have not. Yes. I loved them. Yes. I did fine in the courses but didn’t understand by they were required. Yes. I worked really hard but had a very hard time in the courses. You will be very motivated in the courses after taking this course. You will love this course and Houdini. You will understand why in this course. This course might not be for you…

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