A practical animation language for software development

A practical language for creating real-time, two-dimensional, smooth, color animations is described. Animation can be a valuable component in a variety of domains, such as user interface design, on-line help information, and computer-aided instruction. The animation language produces aesthetically pleasing, smooth imagery, and is easy to learn and use. The language is based on four abstract data types: locations, images, paths, and transitions. Animation designers create and modify objects of these types in order to produce animation sequences. In addition, a precise specification and semantics are provided for all the data type operations. This rigorous definition helps simplify animation design by formalizing the actions resulting from the operations. A prototype algorithm animation system that utilizes this design language as its basis has been implemented.<>