A constraint-based approach to camera path planning

Abstract

In this paper, we introduce a constraint-based approach to camera control. The aim is to determine the path of a camera that verifies declarative properties on the desired image, such as location or orientation of objects on the screen at a given time. The path is composed of elementary movements called hypertubes, based on established cinematographic techniques. Hypertubes are connected by relations that guarantee smooth transitions. In order to determine the path of the camera, we rely on an incremental solving process, based on recent constraint solving techniques. The hypertube approach provides a nice global control over the camera path, as well as fine tuning in the image via cinematographic properties. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2003.