Multi-level tree branch modeling and animation

We present a new approach for quickly designing 3D models of botanical trees using an iterative addition of new nodes to the tree branch structure. This process is guided by the proximity of points marking volume density data captured from photographs. Numerical parameters provide the user controls that are consistent with the characteristics of trees in landscaping and make it possible to generate a wide variety of tree styles. Meanwhile we synthesize visually believable motions for the generated tree models affected by a wind field. Our system enables the simulation of tree animation, by introducing physically-based transformation matrix calculations for hierarchical branch patterns. The system also supports the tree-shaping modes in which many branches and leaves are generated by interactively designed their distribution density. Experimental results show that our approach can design a variety of reasonably natural-looking trees and their motions.