Method of modeling objects to synthesize three-dimensional, photo-realistic animations

A method of creating a three-dimensional model of a three-dimensional object for generating photo-realistic animation, the method comprising the steps of:

• a) defining a set of three-dimensional planes approximating an overall shape of the three-dimensional object and its surrounding area;
• b) recording a set of images of said three-dimensional object as it undergoes both rigid movement, defined as changes in pose, and plastic deformation, defined as changes in appearances;
• c) creating a bitmap for each recorded image;
• d) storing the created bitmaps in a database, the database used to create the three-dimensional model of said three-dimensional object;
• e) preparing an empty frame to receive a synthesized view of said three-dimensional object;
• f) choosing an arbitrary pose for the synthesis of said three-dimensional object and a desired appearance;
• g) selecting, for a three-dimensional plane from the set of three-dimensional planes, a bitmap with the desired appearance, chosen in step f), from those stored in the database and determining the pose of said three-dimensional object as it appears on that bitmap;
• h) re-projecting the three-dimensional plane of said three-dimensional object from its pose on the recorded bitmap onto its new pose on the empty frame created in step e);
• and
• i) repeating steps g) and h) for each three-dimensional plane in the set of three-dimensional planes.