The integration of subjective and objective data in the animation of human movement

Animation of human movement can be based either on analog inputs derived directly from actual movements or on symbolic inputs chosen to produce the desired movement. The former type of input can be quite accurate and objective but is a description of the required movement whereas the latter is often quite imprecise and subjective but provides an analysis of the required movements. Two existing systems for a computer based animation are being used to explore the problems involved in integrating such inputs. Specifically, animation driven by analog signals from electro-goniometers is integrated with animation derived from Labanotation commands; the results are illustrated with a short movie.