Algorithms to Generate Cel-touch Images Using 3D Computer Graphics Images

Abstract

This paper describes a series of algorithms which makes 3D image data look like conventional cell animation images. The techniques of producing cell animation have not changed much from when movies were invented. It has essentially been a typical labor-intensive manual industry. That industry started to disappear in the 70s in the USA because of the rising cost of labor. The same thing happened in Japan in the 80s. Digital ink and paint systems were introduced to the industry in the late 80s, but the system was not yet powerfull enough to bring back the jobs that had once fled from the USA, Europe and Japan. This research started when PCs became cheaper and fast enough with a variety of 3D software packages. Making cell animation-like images by using 3D image generation software would not be practical at all if PCs were still expensive and available 3D software were slow and complicated for artists to operate.