Human Figure Animation: A Historical Perspective

Computer Animation, has advanced significantly as well as spectacularly over the last two-to-three decades. The interesting field has innovated tremendously moving from first-generation i.e. purely geometric models where motion was developed using kinematic techniques, to second-generation i.e. physical-based models (direct versus inverse dynamics and hybrid systems), towards the development of the third-generation i.e. autonomous behaviour through learning and perception. The simulation and animation of a variety of real-world objects appear with stunning realism. However, the main issue here is not on what we have achieved but rather, based on what we have achieved, what is to follow. The emerging results are expected immensely by researchers in the field, worldwide. The paper delivers a survey on human figure animation and in particular a classification framework of the work done on the control of locomotion.