Placement of animated elements using vector fields

摘要

The placement of one animated element in a virtualized three-dimensional environment can be accomplished with reference to a second animated element and a vector field derived from the relationship thereof. If the first animated element is “inside” the second animated element after the second one was moved to a new animation frame, an existing vector field can be calculated for the region where it is “inside”. The vector field can comprise vectors that can have a direction and magnitude commensurate with the initial velocity and direction required to move the first animated element back outside of the second one. Movement of the first animated element can then be simulated in accordance with the vector field and afterwards a determination can be made whether any portion still remains inside. Such an iterative process can move and place the first animation element prior to the next move of the second animation element.