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Foreword
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I am not a perfectionist, when it comes to doing things that need to
be done, given limited time both with regard to possible investment
within the daily duties, and concerning the duration of the whole
effort over periods of time. However, I do appreciate the fact that
things can be, if not perfected, certainly improved over time. Not
everything is always urgent, but it indeed is good to not overdo
deliverables for them to not be overdue. So I am very happy that this
work was finished and became acceptable, even though it is by no means
perfect, and gladly accept the relative favourable review it has
gotten --- after the guides(?, ohjaajat) had patiently waited and
commented on earlier versions of the work. Thank you.

Not only has the research done in the study weaknesses, but much more
the constructed system is by no means perfect, and that was never the
point. The point was as much to study how it is possible to make
something that works and makes some sense within a very short period
of time --- here in about a month from basically scratch to real
use. That was basically possible because of two friendly communities:
1) the field of open source 3d graphics and animation programming and
2) the Kyperjokki VJ-group, back then in 2003. The first provided the
basis, and continuous help during the development and continues to be
an inspiration all the way till today, closing in on the eve of 2008,
and certainly to the future. So kudos to all Python and Blender folks
out there! The Kyperjokki group, on the other hand, allowed this
researchy approach and beared with the risks and trouble in relying on
a new experimental tool, with challenges in getting gig worthy
material in on a tight schedule. That was a freedom also the techno /
dance / club scene could allow us too.

Finally, I thank my wife and family for allowing me to do things even
though I am not always the wisest about how it goes and not perhaps
interested in finding the easiest ways, nor achieving the usual goals.

So I hope this old thing is inspiring to someone --- at least it
continues to be it for me, and I look forward to returning to
character animation control in the near future again, given these new
exciting ideas that there are around now ..  realtime IK, small and
cheap motion sensor based controller devices, insanely cool rigs,
procedural animation etc., not to mention the variety in the
style of graphics and thematics/stories that there are in the world
today! Let's make good things with them.

Oulu, 19th of December, 2007
Toni Alatalo