9
Using Props 899
Position and rotation space controls
Impor ting Motion-Capture Prop Data
If your motion-capture file includes prop data,
character studio can read that data and apply it to
apropobject.
Upon loading a CSM file (page 3–925),the
motion data will be applied to the prop. If the
prop switches from one hand to another, the
program will automatically determine the switch
oftheprop’scoordinatespacesasthepropis
exchanged between the hands. This can be easily
changed once the data is in the scene: go to the
desired frame, choose a new coordinate space
(as described in the previous section), then set a
key. When loading a BIP file for retargeting onto
other characters, the props move w ith each of the
hands. The software ensures that the hands come
together at the precise position on the prop during
transfers.
Props can b e animated with 3ds Max controllers
and that animation can then be collapsed onto
the prop’s transform controller for editing with
motion flow or the mixer.
Procedures
Ex ample: To anima te a biped swi nging a prop with
one ha nd:
1.
Create a biped with a single prop.
The biped appears with a single prop displayed
as a box positioned near the biped’s right hand.
2. OntheMotionpanel,ontheBiped
rollout, tur n on Figure Mode.
3. Scalethepropsoitisthecorrectsizeand
proportion to be a sword.
4. Rotateandmovethepropsoitisinthecorrect
orientation in relation to the right hand.
5. Tu r n off Fig ure mode.
6. Setakeyforthepropatframe0. Todothis,
make sure the prop is selected, then use the Set
KeybuttonintheKeyInforollout.
7. Now animate the biped as you like, or open a
BIP file of a character swinging a sword.
8. Turn on Auto Key, then select the prop.
9. Animate the prop using standard 3ds Max
transforms.
Example: To animate the biped switching the prop
to the other hand:
1.
Follow the steps in the previous procedure to
animate the biped swinging the prop.
2. Movetotheframewhereyouwantthebipedto
switch the prop the other hand.
3. Move the biped’s other hand so it is in contact
w ith the prop, and set a key for the hand.
4. Select the prop and set a key for it.
5. Movethetimeslideraheadoneframeandset
anotherkeyfortheprop.
6. On the Key Info rollout, expand the Prop
section.
The lists for Position and Rotation coordinate
spaces should be available. Change the Position