Tim Glover wrote:

> I'm hoping to create my own simple character animation system and need
> some guidance in joint deformation.  I'm looking for some
> algorithms/conceptual explanations for deforming meshes around "joints"
> in a bones animation style system.  A web search gives only leads to
> sales of professional packages (and "Warez houses").  Anybody got some
> leads on the following:
>
> 1) how to scale deformation as distance from joint increases
> 2) how to treat interpenetration of meshes
> 3) how to add gridding on expanding side of joint to preserve shape
>
> I'm a FORTRAN programmer with nearly 20 years experience throwing
> formulas around, so hairy math is no problem.  I'm also very "creative"
> at crafting bizarre data structures within its limited repetoire.  In
> short - not a newby, not afraid of heavy comp-sci stuff.  Just not
> familiar with bending, deformable meshes.
>
> Any help greatly appreciated.
>
> tgl### [at] nettallycom

   There has been a new program written that you might want
to investigate. Developed by Warp, and currently is supported
by Chris Colefax, it is said to be able to dramatically reduce the
overall number of triangles used in a mesh object without any
noticeable loss of model resolution. It also has a built in feature
that will allow you to deform mesh objects in a variety of ways.
It may not feed your hunger for math but once you figure out
the kinematic actions you want to perform this utility may make
the road a little less rocky. There is a sister Pov macro file from
Chris that is supposed to work in harmony with Warps program.
I just haven't taken the time yet to figure out the relationship.

   You can find the programs available, for free, and ready for
download at the "Chris Colefax Incredible Include Files" web site.

http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Lakes/1434/

Ken Tyler

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