Siggraph 2005 Editors' picks.(Snapshot)(Editorial)

The staff of Computer Graphics World recently ventured to Los Angeles for SIGGRAPH 2005, from which the editors returned with information about a wealth of new products. Upon its return from the show, the editorial staff, including contributing editor George Maestri, submitted individual votes for the hottest and most innovative products introduced during the well-attended industry event. These two pages highlight the Editors' Picks for SIGGRAPH 2005.

* Face Robot

The public's increasing demand for realism in films and games has cast a spotlight on the need for more detailed, varied, and accurate facial and hand animation. It's no wonder, then, that Softimage's new facial animation technology drew so much attention from SIGGRAPH attendees. Duly impressed by the technology preview was contributing editor George Maestri. "Softimage Face Robot could revolutionize the way faces are rigged," he recognizes. Built on a computer model of facial soft tissue, it mimics a vast range of human emotions.

www.softimage.com

* Endorphin 2.5

Endorphin 3D character animation software incorporates NaturalMotion's Dynamic Motion Synthesis (DMS), technology that simulates the human nervous system using artificial intelligence controllers. Endorphin taps a system's CPU to imitate the brain and body of 3D characters, and thereby bring about more natural, lifelike, and interactive movements.

"NaturalMotion's Endorphin is innovative in its approach to motion," notes Karen Moltenbrey, executive editor. "And Version 2.5 gains a wealth of enhancements, such as improvements in the areas of transitions, dynamic blends, character rigs, and file support."