Animation

Animation is the rapid display of a sequence of images of 2-D or 3-D artwork or model positions in order to create an illusion of movement. It is an optical illusion of motion due to the phenomenon of persistence of vision, and can be created and demonstrated in a number of ways. The most common method of presenting animation is as a motion picture or video program, although several other forms of presenting animation also exist. Animation can sometimes refer to a way of activating a community, i.e. 'animating' the users. This means actions which encourages users to interact with a given service and is connected to moderation. Early examples of attempts to capture the phenomenon of motion drawing can be found in paleolithic cave painting, where animals are depicted with multiple legs in superimposed positions, clearly attempting to convey the perception of motion. The phenakistoscope, zoetrope and praxinoscope, as well as the common flip book, were early popular animation devices... full article at wikipedia