Abstract: Modern modeling systems enable artists to create high-quality content, but provide limited support for interactive applications. Although complex forms can be constructed either by hand or with geometry capture technologies, once they are created, they are difficult to modify, particularly at runtime.

Interpolation provides a way to leverage artist-generated source material. We present a methodology for efficient run-time interpolation between multiple forms. Linear plus radial basis functions provide the key mathematical support for the interpolation. Once our system is provided with example forms, it generates a continuous range of forms we call a shape. We also apply the shape interpolation methodology to articulated figures and human face models to create smoothly skinned figures that deform in natural ways. Unlike previous formulations, the one presented here is efficient enough to support interactive design of the abstract interpolation space as well as support runtime interpolation of the forms in interactive applications such as games.