CompuServe Thread

#Clothing Animation -HELP

16 messages in this thread
#25139From: Vatche KalaidjianOct 19, 1992 3:12 PM
I am currently engaged in modeling and animating a diverse cast of 3-d characters. The are several problems I'm encountering to which I would like some HELPFUL responses. The most difficult and urgent problem for me is modeling and animating believable clothed figures within the 3ds environment. 1. What methods are you aware of to create naturalistic figurative animation with fully dressed characters while keeping the material properties of the clothing. That is, can a figure be dressed in a suite which is hierarchically linked to the figure? How do you eliminate joint breaks and movement problems?? 2. Can a piece of clothing, such as a shirt, be constructed as a solid mesh without joints? Can specific vertices and or faces be linked together to allow for some sort of animatable envelope mesh ?? I realize that this is a difficult issue. I would appreciate any response on this subject matter. Artist, modeller, animator. Yoni Koenig at Personal Media International 10-19-92.
#25141From: Yost GroupOct 19, 1992 3:49 PM
If you want to buy some models of people with animatable clothes in 3D Studio format, call DVK at 408/436/0100 and ask about Tom Knights 3DS people models. They will solve all the problems you mentioned. – G
#25169From: MARTIN G FOSTEROct 19, 1992 10:52 PM
Gary, Is that the set of people by the company called Wizard? If not, they are selling a pretty good set of people which are the best I've seen available for 3ds. Greg Pyros will probably step in if he's reading this since he demo'd them at the SoCal user group last Saturday. Very good stuff esp. the lady in the sexy underwear (I'm not being sexist she was just very nicely modeled <g>). Martin
#25176From: Yost GroupOct 19, 1992 11:08 PM
Yup, that's the same set of models. VERY incredible stuff. Well worth it. – G
#25182From: Oct 20, 1992 12:35 AM
Since Martin asked for it… Yes, DVK is the parent company of Wizard. The 3D people are great, not only because of extremely good modeling and maps, but also because they are extremely economical in terms of faces and vertices. You can put a large number of them in a scene without detrimental effects on your available RAM. They will be uploading a few GIFS and FLICS here later this week for general review and comments. They are being sold mainly through Autodesk authorized multimedia dealers, but will sell direct if you don't have a local dealer. The pricing as of this date is $200 for a naked/leotard man or woman, and $400 for a clothed man or woman. Clothing choices are dress clothes, casual, sports, bathing suits, and custom for negociation. All are linked, and come with CELS for face maps, hair, and clothing. They must be seen to be believed!! Truely a professional job in every sense of the word. They might seem a bit pricey at first, but if you have ever tried to create lifelike people in 3DS, especially with less than 14,000 faces, you will find them priced about right!! Greg Pyros
#25178From: alec jasonOct 19, 1992 11:33 PM
I want to also heartily endorse Tom Knight's (Wizard) human models. Tom has advanced the human model far beyond anything previously available. The level of photorealism is astounding — and they come with clothing. They are, however, complex items but his models provide a much higher level of detail and control. I have just used them for a new homicide animation which will probably be in the news very shortly. Alec Jason
#25191From: doug wolfgramOct 20, 1992 7:54 AM
Are they complete with Heirarchy for animation? All the way down to finger joints? (I need one for a new movie project. Greg, since you're listening, the meeting is today…)
#25227From: alec jasonOct 20, 1992 11:35 PM
Doug, Wizard's models do have hierarchy. The standard models have simple hands (without finger joints) but they do sell a very good set of jointed and hierarchal hands separately. Alec Jason
#25232From: Oct 21, 1992 12:48 AM
Doug: Me listen in on a private conversation? Perish the thought! However, while I'm here… The Wizard people have two options – fixed hands by default, or fully articulated and linked for $100 more. How did the movie meeting go???? Greg Pyros
#25252From: doug wolfgramOct 21, 1992 10:46 AM
As you know, I didn't attend the meeting, my 'partner' did. He hasn't called in yet. Maybe later today we'll hear back… I'll look inot the Wizard hands…
#25262From: Seth LevensonOct 21, 1992 2:30 PM
Is there an address and phone for Wizard? Thanks, Seth
#25290From: Yost GroupOct 22, 1992 12:24 AM
Seth, try 408/436/0100. – G
#25323From: Seth LevensonOct 22, 1992 12:00 PM
Thanks, Gary!
#25261From: Vatche KalaidjianOct 21, 1992 2:24 PM
I appriciate the response and will check out your advice asap. I will leave another message detailing how these models work. thanks. yoni.
#25313From: David TaffetOct 22, 1992 10:58 AM
Yoni – I like your name! lingam
#25371From: ALAN J GARDEOct 23, 1992 10:17 AM
I am trying to find software to convert 2d patterns to 3d manniquens myself. My normal business is converting contour maps to 3d terrain models. If you find a solution to your problem, there are many jobs that I can get for us. Please leave mail to Linkscapes.