AnimationWorld
AnimationWorld is a framework for learning how to create objects
and use graphics in Java. AnimationWorld is modelled after the process
of creating an animation. The process itself is comprised of four tasks:
- Creating Sprites. A Sprite is an object that moves in an animation.
We need to have a library of Sprites before we can create an animation.
This is like having gathering people to tryout for a movie. Before we can
cast a movie or play, we need to have actors and actresses who can participate.
- Creating Animations. An Animation is similar to a script for a play.
It includes information such as which Sprites are involved in the animation,
when they are visible on stage, when they move, etc. Creating an Animation
is comparable to creating a videotape of the production. We're recording
who is where at what time doing what, etc.
- Creating Animation Players. An Animation Player is like a VCR.
There may be many different kinds of Animation Players (like different kinds
of VCRs), but they can all play animations. In order to view our animation,
we need to put the animation in an Animation Player.
- Creating HTML pages. Animation Players are Java applets. We need to write
HTML pages in order to be able to see the applets. This is similar to saying
that we can't just watch our tape if we have a VCR. Instead, we need a place
to watch our tape...a place to put that VCR.
An animation is created by showing a sequence of frames. The frames are
numbered starting from 1. After the first frame, the following frames are
derived by updating each Sprite, and then painting the Sprite on a
new frame (default white background).
The four steps above are described in more detail in the pages below.
Examples are given after each description. Animations discussed in
these pages can be viewed in the
BuggleShowcase.