Evolver (website)

Last updated
Evolver
Type of site
 3D Avatar Web Portal
Created byDarwin Dimensions Inc
URL evolver.com
Commercialyes

Evolver was the first solution to provide a central portal to design, manage and transport 3D digital avatars. [1] Evolver enables social media experience through "avatars or user's representation" across applications which use them, [2] such as virtual worlds, video games and social networks.

Contents

Overview

Evolver users may move creations across virtual worlds. [3] Because each Evolver avatar is created with a custom face and body animation rig, it can be transported to many 2D or 3D platform. [4]

The site allows users to create a 3D avatar or clone quickly and for free, exportable for use in many destinations. Advanced 3D artists can export high resolution models rigged for animation. [5] For example, the University of Southern California uses it for its class on performance-capture, co-instructed by producer Robert Zemeckis. Evolver allowed the class to create six mocap-ready character skeletons, with textures and skinning, without knowing how to build 3D characters. [6]

Avatars are built by morphing different ready made avatars (called ancestors) together using sliders. It is possible to select a specific feature to adjust, such as an eye. [7] Alternately, users can upload a headshot photo to create a custom 3D clone. The user can then make subtle or major changes to the "clone" avatar by tweaking the facial and physical attributes. It also includes a complete library of clothing options to give each character an individual style. [8] The final characters are rigged for animation.

The characters come in four resolutions, from game quality, all the way up to feature film quality. All resolutions are fully skinned to a customized skeleton. [9]

The service is entirely web-based, requiring no downloads. Avatars can also be transported server to server and dropped into existing animations. [10]

Technology

The Evolver web browser interface gives access to its server-side components. [11] The builder has been developed as a complete professional software family first [12] and then made accessible by a web interface.

Evolver uses a "virtual gene pool". The gene pool is a set of pre-designed body types and facial features that can be fed into special morphing bins and used as a modeling tool. [13] Facial features, including overall face, eyes, ears, mouth, chin, nose and cheeks, and physical attributes including overall body, arms, shoulders, chest, stomach, hips and legs, can be customized along with skin tone, eye color and hair. [14]

History

Evolver emerged from the reorganization of research in the media arts, driven by the process of technological innovation and promoting interdisciplinary teamwork between artists and researchers. Hexagram was the consortium with the mandate of renewing the field and is a collaboration between two universities in Montreal: University of Quebec and Concordia University. [15]

Darwin Dimensions is the developer of Evolver. The Montreal, Quebec, Canada-based company emerged from the Darwin Research Project directed by Michel Fleury, PhD and associate professor at Université du Québec à Montréal. The commercial viability of Evolver software led entrepreneur and co-founder of LavaLife David Chamandy to join Fleury in the launch of Darwin Dimensions. [16]

In 2008 Brian Nilles became the firm's CEO after leaving Vicon as Chief Executive Officer and being there for ten years. [17]

Funding

Evolver received USD$800k in seed funding on August 1, 2008. [18]

Recent

Evolver technology was acquired by Autodesk and the official website (evolver.com) was folded into Autodesk online resources on February 1, 2012. All previously created user content was deleted, and the use of the free service was discontinued by Autodesk at that time. Evolver will be relaunched on October 6, 2013. [ citation needed ]

Related Research Articles

Computer animation art of creating moving images using computers

Computer animation is the process used for digitally generating animated images. The more general term computer-generated imagery (CGI) encompasses both static scenes and dynamic images, while computer animation only refers to moving images. Modern computer animation usually uses 3D computer graphics, although 2D computer graphics are still used for stylistic, low bandwidth, and faster real-time renderings. Sometimes, the target of the animation is the computer itself, but sometimes film as well.

Autodesk Maya 3D computer graphics software

Autodesk Maya, commonly shortened to just Maya, is a 3D computer graphics application that runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, originally developed by Alias Systems Corporation and currently owned and developed by Autodesk. It is used to create assets for interactive 3D applications, animated films, TV series, and visual effects.

Autodesk 3ds Max, formerly 3D Studio and 3D Studio Max, is a professional 3D computer graphics program for making 3D animations, models, games and images. It is developed and produced by Autodesk Media and Entertainment. It has modeling capabilities and a flexible plugin architecture and must be used on the Microsoft Windows platform. It is frequently used by video game developers, many TV commercial studios, and architectural visualization studios. It is also used for movie effects and movie pre-visualization. For its modeling and animation tools, the latest version of 3ds Max also features shaders, dynamic simulation, particle systems, radiosity, normal map creation and rendering, global illumination, a customizable user interface, new icons, and its own scripting language.

Poser 3D computer graphics program optimized for modeling of human figures

Poser is a 3D computer graphics program distributed by Bondware. Poser is optimized for the 3D modeling of human figures, and has gained popularity due to beginners being able to produce basic animations and digital images, as well as the extensive availability of third-party digital 3D models.

Motion capture tracking procedure which makes it possible to detect any type of movement and convert it to a digital format

Motion capture is the process of recording the movement of objects or people. It is used in military, entertainment, sports, medical applications, and for validation of computer vision and robotics. In filmmaking and video game development, it refers to recording actions of human actors, and using that information to animate digital character models in 2D or 3D computer animation. When it includes face and fingers or captures subtle expressions, it is often referred to as performance capture. In many fields, motion capture is sometimes called motion tracking, but in filmmaking and games, motion tracking usually refers more to match moving.

Havok (software) physics engine developed by Irish company Havok

Havok is a middleware software suite developed by the Irish company Havok. Havok provides a physics engine component and related functions to video games.

Avatar (computing) Graphical representation of the user or the users alter ego or character

In computing, an avatar is the graphical representation of the user or the user's alter ego or character. An icon or figure representing a particular person in a video game, Internet forum, etc. It may take either a three-dimensional form, as in games or virtual worlds, or a two-dimensional form as an icon in Internet forums and other online communities. Avatar images have also been referred to as "picons" in the past, though the usage of this term is uncommon now. It can also refer to a text construct found on early systems such as MUDs. The term "avatar" can also refer to the personality connected with the screen name, or handle, of an Internet user.

Autodesk Media and Entertainment is a division of Autodesk which offers animation and visual effects products, and was formed by the combination of multiple acquisitions. In 2018, the company began operating as a single operating segment and reporting unit.

Autodesk Softimage 3D computer graphics and animation programme

Autodesk Softimage, or simply Softimage is a discontinued 3D computer graphics application, for producing 3D computer graphics, 3D modeling, and computer animation. Now owned by Autodesk and formerly titled Softimage|XSI, the software has been predominantly used in the film, video game, and advertising industries for creating computer generated characters, objects, and environments.

Facial motion capture is the process of electronically converting the movements of a person's face into a digital database using cameras or laser scanners. This database may then be used to produce CG computer animation for movies, games, or real-time avatars. Because the motion of CG characters is derived from the movements of real people, it results in a more realistic and nuanced computer character animation than if the animation were created manually.

Shark 3D game engine

Shark 3D is a 3D software program and engine developed by Spinor for creating and running interactive virtual 3D worlds. It is used for video games, films, animated series, broadcasting graphics, and 3D industry applications.

FrameForge 3D Studio

FrameForge Storyboard Studio is previsualization storyboard software used by directors, cinematographers, VFX Supervisor and other creatives in the fields of filmmaking, television production, filmed advertising, industrial videos and other filmed or video content.

MotionBuilder is a 3D character animation software produced by Autodesk. It is used for virtual cinematography, motion capture, and traditional keyframe animation. It was originally named Filmbox when it was first created by Canadian company Kaydara, later acquired by Alias and renamed to MotionBuilder. Alias in turn was acquired by Autodesk.

iClone is a real-time 3D animation and rendering software program that enables users to make 3D animated films. Real-time playback is enabled by using a 3D videogame engine for instant on-screen rendering.

Reallusion

Reallusion is a 2D and 3D character creation and animation software developer with tools for rapid creativity from cartoon characters to digital humans and animation pipelines for films, real-time engines, video games, virtual production, archvis, serious games and training. 

Mixamo Technology company

Mixamo is a 3D computer graphics technology company. Based in San Francisco, the company develops and sells web-based services for 3D character animation. Mixamo's technologies use machine learning methods to automate the steps of the character animation process, including 3D modeling to rigging and 3D animation.

CrazyTalk is Reallusion's brand name for its 2D animation software. The product series includes CrazyTalk, a 2D facial animation software tool, and CrazyTalk Animator, a face and body 2D animation suite.

Adobe Fuse CC is a 3D computer graphics software developed by Mixamo that enables users to create 3D characters. Its main novelty is the ability to import and integrate user generated content into the character creator. Fuse is part of Mixamo's product suite and it is aimed at video game developers, video game modders, and 3D enthusiasts.

Faceware Technologies is an American company that designs facial animation and motion capture technology. The company was established under Image Metrics and became its own company at the beginning of 2012.

References

  1. ↑ CIX Top 20: Darwin Dimensions & Evolver , Blog, by Rob Lewis, techvibes, 02 dec 2009.
  2. ↑ Evolver , CrunchBase, 30 jui 2009.
  3. ↑ Virtual worlds are getting a second life article, by Vic Keegan, The Guardian , 29 Jul 2009.
  4. ↑ CIX Top 20: Darwin Dimensions & Evolver , Blog, by Rob Lewis, techvibes, 02 dec 2009.
  5. ↑ Evolver Exits Alpha: Avatars For All Uses by Jordi R. Cardona, Hiperia , 25 July 2009.
  6. ↑ "Focusing on the Face: Zemeckis Teaches Mocap at USC" Archived 2010-03-02 at the Wayback Machine by Karen Raugust, Animation World Network , 19 April 2007.
  7. ↑ "Evolver web-based alpha launched...introducing an easy and fun way to build multi-platform avatars" Archived 2009-12-27 at the Wayback Machine by Jani Pirkola, Maxping, 19 May 2009.
  8. ↑ "Evolver.com automates 3D Avatar and digital clone creation" Archived 2009-11-25 at the Wayback Machine , Press Release, by Jani Pirkola, Maxping, 02 Aug 2009.
  9. ↑ "Software Review: Evolver", Review, by George Maestri, Animation World Network, 01 Aug 2006.
  10. ↑ "Evolver", CrunchBase, 30 Jul 2009.
  11. ↑ "Avatar Developer Speeds Time-to-Market By Choosing Windows, .NET, Over Linux", Case Study , Microsoft, 05 Jan 2010.
  12. ↑ "Evolver Debut", Product Review, by Ko Maruyama, Digital Game Developer, 06 Aug 2006.
  13. ↑ "Modeling: Evolver Character Builder", by J-A Boulay, VRoot, 07 Aug 2006.
  14. ↑ "Evolver Exits Alpha: Avatars For All Uses" by Jordi R. Cardona, Hiperia, 25 July 2009.
  15. ↑ "Governig Artistic Innovation: An Interface among Art, Science and Industry" by Jean-Paul Fourmentraux, LEONARDO, Volume 40 Number 5, 2007.
  16. ↑ "Darwin Dimensions Introduces Evolver Software Enabling Automated Creation of 3D Character Models" Archived 2011-07-13 at the Wayback Machine , press release, Darwin Dimension, DCCCafe, 24 Jul 2006.
  17. ↑ "Interview with Brian Nilles, Evolver", interview by Benjamin F. Kuo, SocalTech, 21 May 2009.
  18. ↑ Evolver , CrunchBase, 30 Jul 2009.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.