Path: utzoo!utgpu!water!watmath!clyde!cbosgd!mandrill!abvax!gfs
From: gfs@abvax.UUCP (Greg F. Shay)
Newsgroups: comp.graphics
Subject: Real time video animation
Keywords: hard disk playback, run length, ANIMA II
Message-ID: <159@abvax.UUCP>
Date: 8 Jan 88 15:11:54 GMT
Organization: Allen-Bradley Company, Inc; Industrial Computer Division, Highland Heights, OH
Lines: 32

Does anyone know if there are systems/boards/companies for INEXPENSIVE 
real-time video animation for, for example, the PC?
	I am referring to the following type of scenario:
	1) Cartoon-like images, large areas of similar color, not gradual
shading.  This would allow large data reduction using run-length data 
compression.
	2) Frames built one at a time, recorded in sequence on hard disk,
	3) Frames played back in real time, ready for Video tape recording.

Given the data throughput of the hard disk, I theoretically calculate that
animation done in two's (i.e. 15 fps for video) with moderately complex
pictures is possible.
	
	One reference I do have is a mention of R.J. Hackathorn's "ANIMA II:
A 3-D color animation system," 1977 SIGGRAPH Proceedings, pp.54-64.  I have
not read this yet, but I believe it applies to the above outline.

	Does anyone know more about this, has anyone implemented something
inexpensively (<$1000) for a small computer?

	Personally, I would love to experiment with animation techniques and
be able to produce a reasonable cartoon-like final product without the hassle
of filming frame by frame off of the CRT screen and then convert to video.
(I consider video the final destination because of the ease of adding sound
and the availability of home VCRs and public access cable channels.)
Also, for animation, you need to see the real-time feedback to fine tune your 
animation technique.  (Most people resort to lo-res previews or wire-frame for 
real time animation checks.)

	What is thy wisdom, oh great and powerful net?

			Greg