Practical experiences with pose space deformation

Pose Space Deformation (PSD) [Lewis et al. 2000] is a shape interpolation technique for animation. This method uses radial basis functions (RBFs) to perform per-vertex, multidimensional scattered-data interpolation. This formulation effectively interpolates a driven shape according to a set of targets, each at a particular driver value. In the case of correcting a pinched elbow, the skinned geometry is the driven, the targets are the sculpted adjustments, and the driver is the elbow joint. This paper presents some practical experience with PSD acquired while creating the film BOLT.