TECHNICAL ARTICLE Virtual Mechanics Simulation and Animation of Rigid Body Systems with AERO

AERO is an animation system using physically based modelling. It allows the creation of virtual environrnents from scenes with simple three-dimensional geometrical objects (sphere, cylinder, box, point, plane). Objects can be linked to each other by a variety of methods (rod, spring, damper, joint). Realistic object movements are achieved by a simulation procedure, where forces can be applied to the objects in addition to gravity, friction, and air resistance. Wire frame animations can be generated in real time, depending on scene complexity and computer system performance. AERO generates scene description sequences, which can be used as input for ray tracing programs to generate photorealistic animations. AERO also enables stereo graphics output, camera control, and the mounting of the camera to an object in the scene