The use of finite element theory for simulating object and human body deformations and contacts

A method for combining image synthesis and modeling based on a finite element method (FEM) to get realistic intelligent images is presented. FEM is used for modeling both elastically and plastically, deformations of objects and impacts with or without penetration between deformable objects. The concept of deformable objects is applied to human flesh to improve the behavior of synthetic human grasping and walking. The authors also discuss the introduction of this method in an animation system based on the concept of intelligent synthetic actors with automatic motion control performed using AI and robotics techniques. In particular, motion is planned at a task level and computed using physical laws