Volume animation using the skeleton tree

b this paper, w describe a technique to hate volumes using a volumetric skdeton. The skdeton is computed born the actual volum~b=ed on a reversible thinning procedure u~ing the distance transfom Polygons are never computed, and the entire proc-remains in the volume domain. The skeletal points =e connected and arranged in a 'skeletontree", which can be used for artictiation in an animation program. The ti volume object is regrown Corn the trf omed skdetti points. Since the skdeton is an intuitive mechanism for animation, the animator deforms the skeleton and causes corre~onding deformations in the volume object. The volumetric skdeton can *O be used for volume morphing, automatic path navigation, volume smoothing and compresGon/decimation. Kepor&I'olurne Graphics, Skdeton, Animation, Volume Deformation.