Overview
Animation States
The Animation Graph allows users to define animation states that determine which animations are played based on the current state of the system. This state-based approach enables the dynamic selection and playback of animations, making it ideal for creating complex and interactive animations.
Blend Trees
In addition to animation states, the Animation Graph supports the creation of blend trees. Blend trees offer the ability to smoothly interpolate between different animations, resulting in seamless transitions and nuanced animations.
Animation Data Sources
Animations can be sourced from two main locations: 1) animations can be embedded within the Universal Scene Description (USD) file used to configure the microservice or 2) they can be provided dynamically through a gRPC API in the form of animation data and captured with a Pose Provider Animation Graph node.
Creation with USD Composer
The Animation Graphs are created using the Omniverse USD Composer application. This software features a visual animation graph editor that simplifies the process of constructing and configuring your Animation Graph.
Once the Animation Graph is constructed, it can be exported to a USD configuration file. This configuration file is then loaded by the Animation Graph microservice, enabling runtime playback and control.
Graph Variables and Control
The Animation Graph supports the use of variables, which provide a means to control the graph and transitions between states. These variables allow for dynamic adjustments to the animation behavior and enable real-time interaction.
HTTP API for Control
The Animation Graph microservice is equipped with an HTTP API that facilitates the manipulation of variables, enabling remote control and automation of the Animation Graph’s behavior. This allows for integration with external systems and tools.
Future Developments
As of now, the microservice supports only the default Animation Graph configuration, ensuring a straightforward setup. However, we have plans for expanding its capabilities in the future.
In future updates, we will introduce support for custom Animation Graph configurations, allowing for the creation of custom states and blend trees. This feature will grant even greater flexibility and control over your animations.