Virtual camera planning: A survey

Abstract

Modelling, animation and rendering has dominated research computer graphics yielding increasingly rich and realistic virtual worlds. The complexity, richness and quality of the virtual worlds are viewed through a single media that is a virtual camera. In order to properly convey information, whether related to the characters in a scene, the aesthetics of the composition or the emotional impact of the lighting, particular attention must be given to how the camera is positioned and moved. This paper presents an overview of automated camera planning techniques. After analyzing the requirements with respect to shot properties, we review the solution techniques and present a broad classification of existing approaches. We identify the principal shortcomings of existing techniques and propose a set of objectives for research into automated camera planning. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2005.