What is UltraKiss?
UltraKiss is a computer program that implements the Kisekae Set system, KiSS. This is a Japanese graphics system originally conceived in the 1990′s to facilitate costume changes for virtual dolls. In some sense UltraKiss is only a computer paper doll system. But, as a presentation tool, the Kisekae Set system implements a non-procedural event model and other characteristics that enable interactive presentation and programmable content.
What does UltraKiss do?
The software simplifies many of the technical details of building Kisekae sets. It works with images of dolls, clothing, and many other objects. The original KiSS model defined a special image format called the KiSS cel format, but this was eventually superceded by other more popular formats. The KiSS model also proposed separate image palettes for color variations, but this innovation was not particularly successful. The paper doll images and other related files were traditionally packaged in the LHA compressed file format popular in Japan, so UltraKiss implements integrated LHA, ZIP, and JAR archive file formats for file compression. UltraKiss has also improved the FKiSS programming language by implementing structured logic, local variables, and label parameters for recursive logic. Some media enhacements for MP3 music and video were also provided.
How does UltraKiss work?
UltraKiss reads and interprets KiSS data files. These files contain computer graphics images, color palettes and data control files. KiSS drawings often contain front and back layers such that clothing can be placed on dolls in a more realistic way. Objects are constructed from layered image components that usually show only parts of the complete image. These objects are manipulated through user actions or through a simple event processing model that enables timed animations or special actions when objects are touched or dragged across the screen.
The original KiSS development model required that artists and programmers develop their content in external tools and then test the work in a KiSS viewer. UltraKiss developed a graphical user interface so that the KiSS configuration file would be automatically developed for the artist. UltraKiss offered an undoable edit-test process to simplify working with new objects and developing FKiSS program logic.
The Kisekae concept became popular in Japan because of the anime connection. It also had a small active English speaking community of artists from around the world. Paper dolls, in a traditional sense, has been a source of entertainment over the years. But it was interesting to explore image movement and control as a new application development methodology. Various games and other applications could be built with the system as shown below.
Where does the name Kisekae come from?
The KiSS model was first proposed as a graduate thesis in Japan, in 1991. Kisekae takes its name from the Japanese term kisekae ningyou, which refers to playing dress-up with dolls.
Where do I find KiSS material?
It’s difficult to find much material now as this discipline has essentially disappeared. There are many more interesting innovations to explore with technology and communication. The primary Japanese website for the World KiSS Project is still active. I also have a few KiSS sets in my library.
