BVH File – What is .bvh file and how to open it?
BVH File Extension
Biovision Hierarchy Animation File – file format by Biovision
BVH (Biovision Hierarchy Animation File) is a file format used to represent 3D skeletal animation data. It is a text-based format that describes the hierarchy of bones in a skeleton, as well as the motion of each bone over time. BVH files are commonly used in computer animation and motion capture.
Biovision Hierarchy Animation File (BVH)
The BVH file format, short for Biovision Hierarchy Animation File, is a specialized file format designed for storing motion capture data. Created by the company Biovision, this format enables the storage and exchange of skeletal animation data, commonly used in computer animation and biomechanics. A BVH file typically includes a hierarchical representation of the animated object’s body, composed of a series of connected joints and segments. Each joint stores information about its position, orientation, and any associated motion data, such as rotation and translation values. This hierarchical structure allows for precise control over the movement of each body part, facilitating the creation of realistic and detailed animations.
BVH files are widely used in various industries, including motion capture, computer graphics, and video game development. Motion capture studios employ BVH files to record and store human or animal movements for use in digital animations. Film and game developers utilize BVH files to create character animations for movies, video games, and other interactive media. Researchers in the field of biomechanics also leverage BVH files to analyze and understand human movement patterns, aiding in the development of ergonomic products and rehabilitation techniques. The BVH format’s simplicity, versatility, and widespread support make it a valuable tool for motion capture and animation applications.
Opening BVH Files Using Specialized Software
BVH files, or Biovision Hierarchy Animation Files, can be opened and edited using specialized software that supports this file format. One popular program for working with BVH files is Blender, a free and open-source 3D creation and animation software. To open a BVH file in Blender, go to File > Import and select BVH (FBX). Blender provides tools for viewing, editing, and animating skeletal animations defined in the BVH file.
Another option for opening BVH files is MotionBuilder, a commercial 3D animation software from Autodesk. MotionBuilder supports a wide range of motion capture data formats, including BVH. It offers advanced tools for editing and manipulating motion capture data, making it a popular choice for professionals in the animation industry. To open a BVH file in MotionBuilder, go to File > Import and select BVH.
Using Online Tools and Converters
If you do not have access to specialized software, there are online tools and converters that can open and convert BVH files. One such tool is BVH Viewer, a free web-based application that allows you to view and analyze BVH files. To use BVH Viewer, simply drag and drop your BVH file into the browser window. It will display the skeletal animation in a 3D viewport, providing controls for zooming, panning, and rotating the animation.
Another option is to convert the BVH file to a more accessible format, such as FBX (FilmBox) or Collada (DAE). Online converters like CloudConvert and Convertio support BVH conversion to various formats. Once converted, you can open the animation in a wider range of software applications that support your desired format.
BVH File Format
BVH (Biovision Hierarchy Animation File) is a motion capture data file format primarily utilized in computer animation. It was designed by Biovision, a company specializing in motion capture technology, and stores skeletal animation data, which describes the positions and orientations of a jointed figure over time. BVH files are commonly employed in 3D animation software, facilitating the creation of realistic and fluid movements for animated characters.
BVH files follow a hierarchical structure, where the root of the hierarchy represents the base of the skeleton and subsequent nodes correspond to different joints. Each joint is defined by its name, position, and orientation, and can have multiple child joints to create complex skeletal structures. The motion data is stored as a sequence of keyframes, each specifying the joint positions and orientations at a particular point in time. BVH files also support additional information, such as root motion and motion constraints, which can enhance the accuracy and realism of the animation.