Animated Characters within the MPEG-4 Standard

Abstract

The first 3D virtual human model was designed and animated by means of the computer in the late ’70s. Since then, virtual character models have become more and more popular, making a growing population able to impact the everyday real world. Starting from simple and easy-to-control models used in commercial games, to more complex virtual assistants for commercial1 or informational2 Web sites, to the new stars of virtual cinema,3 television,4 and advertising,5 the 3D character model industry is currently booming.