CompuServe Thread

#To bone or not to bone..

12 messages in this thread
#148687From: M. G. BATCHELORJan 24, 1995 12:32 AM
Hi Connie, << one more question: can you give me an example of a "deformation" one might use? >> Sure. A deformation would be a bend, stretch, squash, etc., on a *global* level (affecting the entire mesh), or on a *local* level using selection sets of vertices. Any modification of the geometry, other than *transformations* (move, rotate, etc.) could be considered a deformation of that geometry, I guess. And you can perform *linear* or *non-linear* deformations, whereby the deformation maintains a proportional relationship between the vertices as they're relocated….or not,….hence, a non-linear deformation. An example would be the classic character animation concept & technique of "squash & stretch", as pioneered primarily by Disney's staff in the 20's-30'. A simpler example would be to simply bend a cylindrical mesh into a letter "c". Does that help ? Regards, BILL
#148702From: Constance R. RothJan 24, 1995 1:46 AM
Thanks once again, Bill. Thorough explanation!:) I'm pretty together on the IK/Bones thing now. I'll be getting my copy of Bones Pro tomorrow!<gggg> I'm hoping to have a "killer" character animation by April 14 (my personal deadline for this project). Regards, Connie
#148778From: MARTIN G FOSTERJan 24, 1995 11:52 AM
Connie, do you know if Bones Pro has a dongle or not? I think I'll get it too, if it doesn't.
#148816From: ANIMATEKJan 24, 1995 3:28 PM
Hi Martin, No BonesPro does NOT have a dongle. Get it and Enjoy! Mike Tsoupko-Sitnikov (the author)
#148861From: MARTIN G FOSTERJan 24, 1995 10:26 PM
Mike, >> No BonesPro does NOT have a dongle. Get it and Enjoy! << Excellent! I love your name – now I just need to learn how to pronounce it <G>. Just kidding, it's not that hard. May I suggest a demo (crippled) version of the product, so people on the forum can try it first. I'm hearing good things about it, but would like to see how it works with my models. Martin
#148887From: ANIMATEKJan 25, 1995 12:43 AM
Thanx for good words, Martin! Crippled version is in Asoft libraries, Ipas usage section. Named BonesPro Demo! You're welcome to send me any questions! Good luck, Mike
#148864From: MARTIN G FOSTERJan 24, 1995 10:41 PM
Mike, ignore my last request for a working demo. I just looked in the libraries and found one <g>
#148878From: John K. JordanJan 24, 1995 11:35 PM
Hello Mike Tsoupko-Sitnikov the Author! >>No BonesPro does NOT have a dongle. Get it and Enjoy! Thank you for not dongling the program. I got it and will definitely enjoy it. I've just had a little time to play with the Bones Pro and I love it! As I mentioned to someone else, I can't wait to see this year's Siggraph tape. <g> I'm building a big list of comments and suggestions that David said to send to him. I'm in a big work crunch right now but I can probably get it together next week. I had a little trouble when I tried about 20 bones in a hand object. The bones would move a lot but the mesh would move just a little, like the bones were not influencing the vertices enough. The Visualize confirmed this, even though I turned the influence WAY up. I made most of the hand a single element, but just attached some of the finger segments for a cheap shortcut. I ran out of time to experiment that day, so I have not yet given it a fair chance. With just this sketchy description, can you guess what I might be doing wrong? Thanks again for the great new toy! Most likely the most fun an old coot like me can get for $300. <g> JKJ
#148888From: ANIMATEKJan 25, 1995 12:44 AM
Thanx Jordan, I'll think over your question and send you answer soon, Mike.
#148817From: Mike KelleyJan 24, 1995 3:40 PM
It doesn't have a dongle and I recommend you get it. Actually, that's why I was so annoyed (well, that's the polite word) that Digimation would have a dongle on other products. I realize about third party developers, but who's in charge here? (I'd love to be able to dictate to MY employer how my products would be sold <g>)!
#148862From: MARTIN G FOSTERJan 24, 1995 10:28 PM
Mike, >> Digimation would have a dongle on other products << it would be nice to have some consistency there. I guess I'll have to ask before I buy, because I don't want to support developers who put dongles on low-cost software. I can live with it for 3ds, but not <$500 products – it's just nonsense.
#148840From: M. G. BATCHELORJan 24, 1995 6:43 PM
You're welcome, Connie. BILL