Improv

TLDR

Improv is a system for creating real‑time behavior‑based animated actors, filling a gap in recent networked autonomous agent efforts that typically ignore the author’s perspective. The goal is to equip authors with tools to build rich interactive worlds populated by believable animated actors. Improv comprises an Animation Engine that procedurally generates layered, continuous, non‑repetitive motions with smooth transitions, and a Behavior Engine that lets authors define sophisticated rules for actor communication, change, and decision‑making, all accessible via an English‑style scripting language.

Abstract

Improv is a system for the creation of real−time behavior−based animated actors. There have been several recent efforts to build network distributed autonomous agents. But in general these efforts do not focus on the author’s view. To create rich interactive worlds inhabited by believable animated actors, authors need the proper tools. Improv provides tools to create actors that respond to users and to each other in real−time, with personalities and moods consistent with the author’s goals and intentions. Improv consists of two subsystems. The first subsystem is an Animation Engine that uses procedural techniques to enable authors to create layered, continuous, non−repetitive motions and smooth transitions between them. The second subsystem is a Behavior Engine that enables authors to create sophisticated rules governing how actors communicate, change, and make decisions. The combined system provides an integrated set of tools for authoring the minds and bodies of interactive actors. The system uses an english−style scripting language so that creative experts who are not primarily programmers can create powerful interactive applications.