Abstract: A method and system provide for operating a three-dimensional (3D) computer animation and visual effects application (3D application). Execution of a multi-step 3D animation, modeling, or visual effects operation is initialized. Progression of the operation is controlled via a node-based state machine having a plurality of stage nodes daisy-chained via defined dependencies, each stage node including a condition attribute. Upon activation of a first stage node, a script associated with the first stage node that configures behavior of the 3D application is activated. Application events are monitored. A determination is made that the condition attribute of the first stage node has been satisfied. Upon satisfaction of the condition attribute, execution transitions to a subsequent stage node and a corresponding script is executed that modifies a scene state or animation state.

Abstract: A method and system provide the ability to operate a three-dimensional (3D) computer animation and visual effects application (3D application). An interactive tutorial is initialized to perform an operation in the 3D application. The operation consists of a series of two or more steps and is a 3D animation, modeling, or visual effect operation. A text instruction for performing a first step of the two or more steps is displayed. User input is received, and a determination is made regarding whether the input successfully completes the first step. If not successfully completed, the tutorial waits for additional user input. If the user input results in a successful completion of the first step, the tutorial repeats until additional steps of the operation are also completed.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for transporting both behavior and related geometric information for an animation asset between different animation environments. A common virtual machine specification with a specific instruction set architecture is defined for executing behavioral traits of the animation asset. Each target animation environment implements the instruction set architecture. Because each virtual machine runtime engine implements an identical instruction set architecture, animation behavior can identically reproduced over any arbitrary platform implementing the virtual machine runtime engine. Embodiments of the present invention beneficially enable reuse of animation assets without compatibility restrictions related to platform or application differences.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for transporting both behavior and related geometric information for an animation asset between different animation environments. A common virtual machine specification with a specific instruction set architecture is defined for executing behavioral traits of the animation asset. Each target animation environment implements the instruction set architecture. Because each virtual machine runtime engine implements an identical instruction set architecture, animation behavior can identically reproduced over any arbitrary platform implementing the virtual machine runtime engine. Embodiments of the present invention beneficially enable reuse of animation assets without compatibility restrictions related to platform or application differences.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for transporting both behavior and related geometric information for an animation asset between different animation environments. A common virtual machine specification with a specific instruction set architecture is defined for executing behavioral traits of the animation asset. Each target animation environment implements the instruction set architecture. Because each virtual machine runtime engine implements an identical instruction set architecture, animation behavior can identically reproduced over any arbitrary platform implementing the virtual machine runtime engine. Embodiments of the present invention beneficially enable reuse of animation assets without compatibility restrictions related to platform or application differences.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for transporting both behavior and related geometric information for an animation asset between different animation environments. A common virtual machine specification with a specific instruction set architecture is defined for executing behavioral traits of the animation asset. Each target animation environment implements the instruction set architecture. Because each virtual machine runtime engine implements an identical instruction set architecture, animation behavior can identically reproduced over any arbitrary platform implementing the virtual machine runtime engine. Embodiments of the present invention beneficially enable reuse of animation assets without compatibility restrictions related to platform or application differences.