The Oral History of the Dinosaur Input Device (DID)
2 days ago
- #visual-effects
- #Jurassic-Park
- #animation-history
- The Dinosaur Input Device (DID) was created as a stop-motion armature with sensors to translate animators' movements into CG models for Jurassic Park.
- It allowed traditionally trained stop-motion animators to contribute to digital animation when the film shifted from stop-motion to CGI.
- The DID faced technical challenges, such as electromagnetic interference and joint mismatches between physical and digital models.
- Despite issues, the device was crucial for animating dinosaurs with realistic, animal-like movements, blending stop-motion expertise with new technology.
- The DID later influenced Tippett Studio's work on Starship Troopers, where it was used for bug animation and evolved into a more integrated system.
- Its legacy includes a Sci-Tech Award and pioneering mixed-reality techniques, bridging physical puppetry and computer graphics.