Verbs and adverbs: multidimensional motion interpolation

TLDR

The paper presents a real‑time interpolated animation system designed to address limitations of existing animation techniques. The system defines verbs parameterized by adverbs, assembles them with verb graphs into a runtime data structure, and executes them via a discrete‑event simulator for real‑time animation. The method allows simulated figures to modify their motions according to mood, goals, or environmental stimuli, enabling smooth transitions and expressive variations such as happy or sad walking on slopes.

Abstract

The article describes a system for real-time interpolated animation that addresses some of these problems. Through creating parameterized motions-which the authors call verbs parameterized by adverbs-a single authored verb produces a continuous range of subtle variations of a given motion at real-time rates. As a result, simulated figures alter their actions based on their momentary mood or in response to changes in their goals or environmental stimuli. For example, they demonstrate a walk verb that can show emotions such as happiness and sadness, and demonstrate subtle variations due to walking up or down hill while turning to the left and right. They also describe verb graphs, which act as the glue to assemble verbs and their adverbs into a runtime data structure. Verb graphs provide the means for seamless transition from verb to verb for the simulated figures within an interactive runtime system. Finally they briefly discuss the discrete event simulator that handles the runtime main loop.