.BVH File Extension
Biovision Hierarchy Animation File
| Developer | Biovision |
| Popularity | |
| Category | 3D Image Files |
| Format | .BVH |
| Cross Platform | Update Soon |
What is an BVH file?
The .BVH file extension stands for Biovision Hierarchy Animation file. It is commonly used in motion capture and animation software to store and exchange motion data.
.BVH files are particularly significant in fields like 3D animation, video game development, and virtual reality, where they provide a standardized way to describe complex motion sequences and skeletal structures.
More Information.
Biovision was established in 1983 and became a leading company in the motion capture industry. The BVH file format was designed to address the need for a standardized method of storing and sharing motion capture data.
Before BVH, animators faced challenges in transferring motion data between different software and hardware systems.
The BVH format allowed for the effective exchange of data by providing a common structure for motion capture information.
Initially, the BVH file format was used primarily within Biovision’s own motion capture systems. However, as the motion capture industry grew and the need for interoperable data formats became apparent, the BVH format gained widespread adoption.
It became a standard in the industry due to its simplicity and effectiveness in representing hierarchical motion data.
Origin Of This File.
The .BVH file format was developed by Biovision, a company specializing in motion capture technology.
Biovision was one of the pioneers in capturing and processing motion data, making it easier for animators and developers to create realistic animations by using real-world motion data. The format was introduced in the early 1990s as part of Biovision’s motion capture solutions.
File Structure Technical Specification.
The .BVH file format consists of two main components: the hierarchy and the motion data. The structure is text-based and relatively straightforward, making it both human-readable and machine-processable.
1. Hierarchy Section: This section defines the skeletal structure used in the animation. It includes information about each bone or joint in the skeleton, such as its name, position, and orientation relative to its parent bone. The hierarchy is defined in a tree-like structure, with each joint being a node connected to its parent joint.
- JOINT: Defines a bone or joint in the skeleton. Each joint has attributes like name, position, and orientation.
- OFFSET: Specifies the position of the joint relative to its parent.
- CHANNELS: Lists the types of data (such as rotation or translation) that are associated with each joint. Common channels include Xposition, Yposition, Zposition, Xrotation, Yrotation, and Zrotation.
2. Motion Section: This section contains the actual motion data recorded for the skeleton. It includes keyframes of motion data, where each frame provides values for the channels specified in the hierarchy section.
- Frames: The total number of frames in the animation sequence.
- Frame Time: The time duration of each frame.
- Motion Data: The actual values for each channel, representing the movement of the joints over time.
How to Convert the File?
Converting BVH files to other formats or vice versa can be necessary for compatibility with different software or to utilize specific features not supported by BVH. Several tools and methods are available for converting BVH files:
- 3D Animation Software: Many 3D animation software packages, such as Blender, Maya, and 3ds Max, offer built-in support for importing and exporting BVH files. These tools often provide options to convert BVH data into proprietary formats or other common formats used for animation.
- Conversion Tools: Dedicated conversion tools and scripts are available for converting BVH files to other formats like FBX (Filmbox) or COLLADA (DAE). These tools can be found online or as plugins for popular animation software.
- Custom Scripts: For users with programming skills, custom scripts can be written to convert BVH files to other formats. This approach allows for greater flexibility and customization based on specific needs.
Advantages And Disadvantages.
Advantages:
- Standardization: The BVH format provides a standardized method for representing motion capture data, facilitating compatibility across various software and systems.
- Simplicity: The text-based nature of the BVH file format makes it easy to understand and edit. This simplicity also aids in debugging and modifying motion data.
- Interoperability: Due to its widespread adoption, BVH files can be used in many different animation and motion capture tools, making it a versatile choice for animators and developers.
- Human Readable: Being text-based, BVH files can be read and modified with basic text editors, which is advantageous for quick tweaks and adjustments.
Disadvantages:
- File Size: BVH files can become quite large, especially for complex animations with high frame rates and detailed skeletons. This can lead to inefficiencies in data storage and processing.
- Limited Data Types: The BVH format primarily focuses on skeletal motion data and may not support more advanced features like facial animation or complex physics simulations.
- Text-based Limitations: While human-readable, the text-based format can be prone to errors during manual editing. Errors in formatting can lead to issues when importing the file into animation software.
How to Open BVH?
Open In Windows
- Blender: An open-source 3D modeling and animation software that supports BVH files. Users can import BVH files to view and edit animations.
- Maya: A professional 3D animation software that supports BVH file import and export through its animation tools.
Open In Linux
- Blender: Blender’s cross-platform nature means it is also available for Linux, providing robust support for BVH files.
- K-3D: An open-source 3D modeling and animation software that can handle BVH files through its import features.
Open In MAC
- Blender: Available for macOS as well, Blender offers similar functionality for importing and editing BVH files.
- Cinema 4D: Another option for macOS users, Cinema 4D supports BVH file import and provides powerful animation tools.
