Abstract
Physically based simulations have become an essential tool for a variety of special effects in movie production and computer animation. Unlike conventional computational science, where simulation is conceived as a tool to replace experiments, the algorithms we develop for computer animation focus onto visual plausibility, robustness and art direct ability. The underlying governing equations are well understood in continuum mechanics and include linear or non-linear elasticity, plasticity and the Navier-Stokes equations. The numerical methods we employ encompass state of the art Eulerian or SPH type solvers for fluids, or discontinuous Galerkin FEM for elasticity. I will present various algorithms to achieve high visual fidelity at low computational cost by either synthesizing details into the computation or by combining high resolution geometry with low resolution simulations. I will also demonstrate how we compromise the laws of physics to achieve controllability of the simulation by the artist.
Abstract
Disney Research was launched in 2008 as a network of research laboratories that collaborate closely with academic institutions such as the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich and Carnegie Mellon University. Its mission is to push the frontiers of technology in areas relevant to Disney's creative entertainment businesses. Disney Research develops innovations for Parks, Film, Animation, Television, Games, and Consumer Products. Research areas include video and animation technologies, postproduction and special effects, digital fabrication, robotics, and much more. This talk gives an overview of Disney Research spiced with some examples of our latest and greatest inventions. The focus is on the collaboration between ETH Zurich and the Walt Disney Company displaying the synergies arising from this program. This talk will highlight a company perspective as well as a view from the academic angle.
