3.01B Types and Effects of Computer Animations

1. 3.01B Types and Effects of Computer Animations 3.01 Develop Computer Animations

2. Types of computer animations

3. Frame-by-Frame Animation Frame-by-Frame animation uses the same principle as live video. What appears to be continuous motion is actually a series of many frames. Frame-by-Frame animation can: • Simulate action in games • Demonstrate procedures • Call attention to images

4. Frame-by-Frame Animation (Continued) Like video, quality of frame-based animation depends on frame rate.  FPS= Smoother Action Each frame shows the same graphic with a tiny amount of position change to simulate motion. It is also called flip-book animation because it is similar to the way old-fashioned animation works. GIFsupports frame-by-frame animation.

5. Vector Animation • Movement in vector animation, as with vector graphics in general, is defined by formulas. • Vector animation, sometimes called “path animation,” can be combined with frame-by-frame GIF animation to create professional effects even in small files. • The small file size and clean graphics make vector animation very popular on the Web. Most of the banner ads and embedded animations viewed on web sites use this technology because it loads so quickly and is easy to use.

6. Effects of computer animations

7. 3D Graphics • The most common way to see 3D Graphics animation is in multimedia used in video games. • A 3D environment can make players feel as if they are part of the action, rather than mere observers, therefore creating a virtual reality.

8. Virtual Reality through 3D Graphics Virtual Reality is the use of technology to immerse a user into an artificial environment. In virtual reality interaction occurs when the user moves around and manipulates simulated objects. Most virtual reality programs concentrate on high-quality graphics, often using 3D technology. Virtual Reality requires graphics with high frame rates for smooth motion, and high resolution for realistic detail.

9. Rollovers • Web designers often use rollovers with navigation buttons. • When the cursor is moved over a navigation button, it might appear to light up, change its shading to look as if it has been pressed, or display a different image. • When the cursor is moved away from the button, it reverts to its original appearance.

10. Rollovers (Continued) • A rollover is actually two or three images that are controlled by a small program. • The program replaces one button image with another one, but it happens so quickly that it looks as if the change has occurred in a single instant. • Rollovers are extremely important for user interface design on Web pages, CBT programs, kiosks, CD-ROMS training, gaming, and much more.

11. Morphing • The term morphing comes from the word metamorphosis, which is the transformation of one thing into another. • Morphing software accomplishes this effect by creating a sequence of images, each of which is slightly different from the one it follows. • For example, a photograph of one person might gradually morph into a picture of another person.

12. Animation and 3D Tools • The leading graphics programs designed specifically for creating and editing 3D images are: • Xara • 3ds Max 4 • Maya • Ulead Cool 3D • In addition to live-action animation, these 3D software programs allow users to rotate or bounce an object, zoom in or out of a scene, and fade text or pictures in or out to create other animated effects.

13. Review Types and Effects of Computer Animations • Types of computer animations • Frame-by-Frame Animation • Vector Animation • Effects of computer animations • 3D Graphics • Rollovers • Morphing