1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of computer generated animation and, in particular, to a system and method for simulating object weight when generating motion of an animated character.
2. Description of the Related Art
Users of game systems have come to expect increasing complexity in gameplay and increasing complexity in graphics associated with such gameplay. In many games, the visual impact on the user is as important as any other aspect of the game, creating interest in the user and aiding in explanation of the plot. Increased graphic complexity and realism additionally allows more detailed interactions within the game. The increased expectations of users of game systems for improved realism in game graphics have also increased the burden placed on animators to generate characters that are visually stimulating and to include details that were previously impossible to animate in a gameplay environment.
In addition, users demand that characters and objects move in a physically accurate manner and that interactions within the game are believable. In a conventional system, when a character carries an object, such as a weapon, the object usually appears to be weightless.
As the foregoing illustrates, there is a need in the art for an improved technique for simulating the weight of an object in an animation.