Author:
Robert James Tucker
Affiliation:
The University of the West Indies, Jamaica
Keyword(s):
Forward-kinematics, Visual programming, 3D Animation, Adobe Flash.
Related
Ontology
Subjects/Areas/Topics:
Computer-Supported Education
;
Information Technologies Supporting Learning
;
Web-Based Learning, Wikis and Blogs
Abstract:
This paper describes the design and implementation of the initial prototype of Runaway: a visual programming system for an extensible, web-based, 3D animation framework. Runaway is the first known project to introduce jointed 3D character models as part of a visual programming system on the internet. The framework provides a flexible, programmable, forward-kinematic model of jointed virtual bones. This model consists of developer-defined discrete geometry and programmed behaviours that together enable scenes to be rendered and manipulated. Character definitions with an arbitrary number of joints are supported, giving the user fine-grained control. The system introduces beginner level programming to individuals, motivating them by placing 3D characters within a scene that can be manipulated through introductory programming concepts such as sequences, conditionals and loops. The current prototype of the Runaway framework is compact (less than 5,000 lines of code), and runs on the Adobe
Flash Platform.
(More)