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From: v134kkut@ubvmsb.cc.buffalo.edu (David W Tinklepaugh)
Newsgroups: comp.graphics
Subject: Luxo lamp jumps hurdles
Message-ID: <41853@eerie.acsu.Buffalo.EDU>
Date: 21 Oct 90 07:42:26 GMT
Sender: news@acsu.Buffalo.EDU
Reply-To: v134kkut@ubvmsb.cc.buffalo.edu
Organization: University at Buffalo
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first, let me say this article is directed more towards computer visual
3D simulation than computergraphics in general...

I read this fascinating article once but can't remember where.  I was
wondering if someone could give me a reference for it or information on 
something similar:

ok, these guys were animating a luxo lamp on a computer.  they gave each joint
a certain amount of maximum strength.  told it it had to jump over an invisible 
hurdle placed a certain height a certain distance in front of it.  Assuming 
natural laws of physics (gravity, etc.).   The lamp would crouch in a certain
way and, jump and maneuver itself as it flew through the air to go over the
hurdle.  the more odd the placement of the hurdle, the more oddly the lamp
jumped.  until the guys told  the computer 'jump', they had no idea what it would
do.  

also, what is this called?  parameterization?  goal orientated programing? 
object/environment interaction?  

something similar to this is simulating a chain hanging vertically, swaying in
the 'wind' or two tops spinning, hitting each other.   The person specifies 
starting conditions and the rest of the action is calculated from a set of
physical laws of their interaction.   


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