3D Computer Animation for Mathematicians
By Mary HobsonMary.Hobson@animationschoolreview.com
Animation School Review Columnist
Animation jobs can span many areas, from drawing by hand to creating the 3D computer animation software that is used by so many animators today. You may know about the skills that animators need, but what about the software engineers?
Software engineers’ skills range from an in-depth knowledge of what animation is all about and how it is used, to knowledge of math that enables them to create the animation objects that animators manipulate to create their effects.
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The Math of 3D Computer Animation Software
A 3D computer animation software engineer has to have knowledge of many applied math subjects. The basis of most computer animation is algebra and trigonometry – these two math subjects allow you to find unknowns from a simple set of equations, and to work out aspects of geometric figures from the knowledge of other aspects – basic operations when you are dealing with objects that move and change.These two subjects allow a 3D computer animation software engineer to use linear algebra, the basis of many aspects of an animation software program. Linear algebra is about vectors and matrices – the way that an object is rotated and shifted and made larger and smaller – all major actions in animation.
Other math subjects that are used extensively in animation software programs include calculus – a math language that describes problems and their solutions – and differential geometry – equations governing the geometry of smooth surfaces and curves. 3D computer animation software engineers also use numerical methods, sampling theory and signal processing, all ways of using approximate values.
Of course, you don't need math for most animation jobs – just those animation jobs involved with writing the software necessary to make animation work in today's computerized world. So brush up your math if you want to enter the world of writing 3D computer animation software, otherwise, leave math to the applied mathematicians.
Source:
http://www.cc.gatech.edu/~turk/math_gr.htmlAbout the Author
Mary Hobson is a consultant for technology start-ups in Russia. She has also worked as an executive officer in a defense facility and as a university lecturer in computer science and management information. Mary earned her first degree in textile marketing and subsequently studied education and computer science at a Master’s degree level.Posted on September 19, 2005 at 6:19 PM
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