Importance

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Abstract

A system generates and arranges animation sequences of particle motion foreview and selection by a user. Motion of particles in an animation sequence is based upon input parameters, such as creation point, creation rate, velocity, direction, and lifetime. The system can be used to select appropriate parameters to obtain desirable motion of the particles. The system generates a set of input vectors containing parameters of the motion. The input parameters are then processed to determine animation sequences and corresponding output vectors. The output vectors include characteristics of the motion. The input vectors are selected to provide a dispersed set of output vectors. A large number of random input vectors can be generated and then culled to leave a dispersed set of output vectors. Alternatively, a set of randomly generated input vectors of a predetermined size are randomly perturbed, to further disperse the output vectors. The system includes an interface for representing the output vectors and animation sequences in a manner which is easily reviewable by a user. The output vectors are displayed so that positions represent distances between the output vectors. The user can then select specific output vectors so that the corresponding animation sequence is displayed.

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First Claim