An animation method for creating 3D motion effects from a single realistic, fluid-like 2D image/photo is developed. Several 3D basic velocity patterns with 3D Navier Stokes equations are designed to provide a timedependent motion for a 2D image. Their velocity patterns are transformed onto a 2D image plane using perspective transformation and a 2D advection equation is used to generate a new image sequence. Two GUIs are also developed to allow quick motion generation by mouse, integrated with image-matting and image in-painting methods. For continuing textural changes, source and sink regions can be defined and used as well. Experiments with 3D visual effects using single images, such as a cloud and a waterfall, are described. Results show that our proposed image generation method and GUI have quick operability with less distorted textures.
