Modelling and Animating Cartoon Hair

ABSTRACT

In this paper we present a technique for the modelling and animation of cartoon hair based on its tendency to be drawn and animated in clumps. In our approach the primary shape and motion of the hair is defined by an animated NURBS surface, thus allowing animators greater artistic control. The basis of the hair clumps is formed by key hair curves that are generated along the isocurves of the originating surface and which follow its motion. Profile curves of the hair are then extruded along the length of the key hairs to create the geometry details of the hairdo. A layer of particle dynamics is attached to each individual key hair to achieve some of the animation of the hair automatically. The finished animated hairdo is rendered non-photorealistically in cartoon style shading.
Keywords: Hair modelling, physically-based computer animation, non-photorealistic rendering, cartoon shading.