INTRODUCTION

Blob Man People is a set of macros to create humanoid figures, these figure can be Male or Female and almost every moving body part can be positioned, right down to individual finger joints.

The figures can be clothed by the use of externally created Costume Files.

INSTALLATION

Copy all files to one of the directories (folders) in your POV-Ray library path (as for example, the default include directory). If you don´t know what they are, open your POVRAY.INI. If you have a PC running Windows95/98 or WindowsNT, they probably look something like this:

Library_Path=C:\POV-Ray for Windows\include

QUICK START

Create a basic scene file, this creates the image shown:

global_settings { assumed_gamma 2.2 }

camera { 
   location <0, 1, -3.5>
   direction 1.5*z
   right 4/3*x
   look_at <0, 1, 0.0> 
}

sky_sphere {
   pigment {
   gradient y
       color_map { 
           [0.0 color rgb <0.7,0.7,1.0>] 
           [1.0 color blue 0.5] 
       }
   }
}

light_source {
   0*x 
   color rgb <1,.9,.95>*1.5 
   translate <-80, 40, -80>
}

cylinder {<0,0,0><0,-2,0> 20
   pigment {
       checker 
       pigment {rgb 0}, 
       pigment {rgb 1} 
   }
}

/***********************************************************
 The following code loads the Blob Man Include and Pose files 
 and creates the one Male and one Female Figure
************************************************************/
#include "bmpeople.inc"

Blob_Man(Male,2)
   object {BlobMan 
   transform BMO_Foot_R
   translate x*-.5
}

Blob_Man(Female,2)
   object {BlobMan 
   transform BMO_Foot_R
   translate x*.5
}

BASIC FEATURES

Blob_Man Macro

Before the Blob_Man Macro can be called the "bmpeople.inc" file needs to be included.

The syntax for calling the macro is as follows :-

Blob_Man( Gender, Height )

Gender [ FLOAT ]      0=Male, 1=Female (Note you can also use the identifiers Male or Female)
Height [ FLOAT ]      This is the overall height of the figure in POV Units.

Once called an object BlobMan is declared, this can now be positioned as required using the Origin Transformations.

Textures

In its basic form Blob_Man declares two default textures, but these can be user defined, along with an optional texture.

BM_Skin_Tex : This is the overall texture for the figure, if it is undeclared the default texture will be used.

BM_Skin_Tex= texture {
				pigment{rgb <.9,.7,.6>}
   				finish{phong .3 phong_size 40}
   			 }

 BM_Lip_Tex : This is the texture for the figures lips, if it is undeclared the default texture will be used.
     

BM_Lip_Tex = texture {
				pigment{rgb <.7,.3,.2>}
     			finish{phong .3 phong_size 40}
     			normal{crackle .2 turbulence .7 scale .7}
     		 } 

BM_Nail_Tex : This is the texture for the Finger Nails, if it is undeclared the default texture will be used.

BM_Nail_Tex = texture{
       			 BM_Skin_Tex 
				 finish { ambient -.25} 
			  } 

BM_Tooth_Tex : This is the texture used for the teeth, if it is undeclared the default texture will be used. 

BM_Tooth_Tex= texture {
				 pigment {rgb 1}
       			 finish {phong .9 phong_size 90}
       		  }

The following textures do not have defaults set, it is up to you to set them before the macros are called if you wish to use them.

In addition to these textures, there are also definable Image Maps that is used for each part of the body. Refer to Image Maps section.

Origin Transformations

The Blob_Man Macro declares the following Origin Transformations for you to locate the figure, when used they locate the given point to <0,0,0>. To see an illustration of how each of these transformations position the figure refer to the Origin Transformation Diagram

e.g.. transform BMO_Foot_R    
	   Would relocate the Right Foot of the BlobMan object to <0,0,0>

If you do not use any of the above transformations then you will need to include the following.

scale BM_Scale

This is necessary to re-size the figure to the correct size that you specified in the Blob_Man macro, it is already included in the above transformations so isn't required if you stick with those.

Positioning the Limbs

Blob Man is made up of 27 individually poseable parts. Each one needs to be declared before Blob_Man macro is called.

There are two ways of defining the poses.

Using Declarations

The following variables need to be declared to alter the position of the relevant body part if undeclared the default value will be used.
Note: If you are using multiple figures, you will need to re-declare these variables or else all the figures will be in the same pose.

The Fingers are handled in a slightly different way, they are declared as 4 component vectors <x,y,z,t> x=Angle of 1st joint of the finger nearest the palm y=Angle of 2nd joint of the finger z=Angle of 3rd joint of the finger t=Side to side movement angle (Range: -10 to 10)

If you intend to use multiple figures in a scene each with differing poses, or if you want to use the same pose in different scenes, then you should declare these variables in a separate file, then include it just before you call the Blob_Man macro.

Using Arrays

The second method of defining the positions of the body parts is to use an array. For more information about arrays refer to the POV-Ray Documentation.

The following Arrays will need to be defined before the Blob_Man Macro is called.

BM_Pose = array[n][17] 

As you can have many entries in the arrays, before the Blob_Man macro is called you will need to specify the Array Entry Number

#declare BM_PoseNo = Array Entry Number (Remember that the first entry in an array is 0)

If you have used a figure that has been positioned using Arrays, and then you want to position the body parts of a new figure using the declaration method (Using Declarations) you will need to re-declare BM_PoseNo to a value of -1.

i.e.
#declare BM_PoseNo=-1;

Included in the distribution pack, you will find three includes "bm_pose.inc" and "BM_hands.inc" are sample arrays containing 12 (0-11) predefined poses, and 13 (0-12) predefined hand positions, and "BM_hair.inc" contains arrays for 5 (0-4) predefined Hair styles.

Blob_Man_Studio.pov and Hand_Studio.pov

To aid you in the creation of the Pose files needed for Blob Man, there are two Scene Files that you can use, "Blob_Man_Studio.pov" and "Hand_Studio.pov"

Blob_Man_Studio.pov allows you to view the predefined poses included in "BM_pose.inc" as well as create your own, it shows six views of the figure (Left, Front, Right, Back, Top and Underneath), you can change each of the variables and view the results (it doesn't take long to render at 320 x 240 No AA and you can easily see if the pose is correct). Part of this scene creates two external files "bmarray.txt" and "bmdeclar.txt", when you are happy with the pose rename the file you wish to use "bmarray.txt" defines the BM_Pose array with one entry (0) and BM_Hands array with two entries (0-1) and the Arrays for defining the Hair Style. "bmdeclar.txt" contains all the declarations needed to define the pose including Hair.

Hand_Studio.pov allows you to view the predefined hand positions included in "BM_hands.inc" as well as create your own, it shows six views of a hand, you can alter each finger and once you are happy with the results, rename the file "bmhand.txt" which contains a BM_Hand Array of one entry (0).

ADVANCED FEATURES

Each of the macros that make up Blob Man can each be called individually if required. This could be useful if you wanted to use body parts individually.

Note: If you use these macros in this way, you will need to scale them yourself BM_Scale will not work, nor will the Origin Transformations.

Call all of these macros from within an object{} definition. Skin_Tex and Lip_Tex need to be declared before the macros are called or the default textures will be used (see Textures)

Head Macro

The syntax for using this macro is as follows :

bmhead()

The following variables effect the head

Torso Macro

The syntax for using this macro is as follows :

bmtorso()

The following variables effect the torso (including the abdomen)

Hand Macro

The syntax for using this macro is as follows :
Call this macro twice, once for each hand.

bmhand( Hand )

Hand = [ FLOAT ] Right Hand = -1 / Left Hand = 1

The following variables effect the hands

Feet Macro

The syntax for using this macro is as follows :

bmfeet()

The following variables effect the feet

Hair Macro

The syntax for using this macro is as follows :

bmhair()

The following variables effect the hair

Optional Parameters

There are a few optional parameters available that will change the way Blob Man appears, these variables must be declared before the Macro's are called. (# = Default Setting)

BM_Ears = [ FLOAT ]	2 = Normal Ears (#) 1 = Replace ears with small lumps as if under a swimming cap 0 = No ears
BM_Eyes = [ FLOAT ]	1 = Normal Eyes (#) 0 = No Eyes
BM_Face = [ FLOAT ]	1 = Normal Face Structure (#) 0 = Removes Nose and Lips
BM_Jaw = [ FLOAT ]	Jaw Opening Range: 0 (Closed) - 1(Open) Default = 0.5
BM_Mouth = [ FLOAT ]	Mouth Size Range: 0 (Small) to 1(Large) Default = 1
BM_MouthShape = [ FLOAT ]	Turns the corners of the mouth +Up / -Down Range: -1 - +1 Default= 0.5
BM_Teeth = [ FLOAT ]	0 = No Teeth 1 = Teeth (#)
BM_Jowls = [ FLOAT ]	Amount of mass added to sides of jaw, Jowls. Range: 0 - 2 Default=0
BM_Nose = [ FLOAT ]	Size of Nose. Range: 0 - 1.25 Default = 0.5
BM_Navel = [ FLOAT ]	-1 = Inverted Navel 0 = No Navel (#) 1 = Protruding Navel
BM_Nipples = [ FLOAT ]	0 = No Nipples (#) 1 = Nipples
BM_Flex = [ FLOAT ]	(Male Figure Only) When the Torso is rotated some of the muscles flex in the abdomen, this makes Costume Definition difficult if there are objects located near these muscles. 1 = Flex On (#) 0 = Flex Off
BM_TShirt = [ FLOAT ]	(Female Figures Only) This adds extra mass between the breasts to give the impression that the figure is wearing a T-shirt. Useful for Costume Definition 1 = On 0 = Off (#)
BM_EyeCol = [ R,G,B ]	This is the Eye Colour vector Default= <.22,.69,.87>
BM_EyeLids = [ X,Y,Z ]	X=Left Eyelid Range 0 (Open) - 1 (Closed) Y=Eye Rotation Angle (Left to Right) Z=Right Eyelid Range 0 (Open) - 1 (Closed) Default = <0,0,0>
BM_Nails = [ FLOAT ]	1 = Finger Nails (#) 0 = No Finger Nails
BM_Map_R_Finger = [ FLOAT ]	1 = Apply Right Hand Image Map to Fingers(#) 0 = Do Not Apply Right Hand Image Map to Fingers
BM_Map_L_Finger = [ FLOAT ]	1 = Apply Left Hand Image Map to Fingers(#) 0 = Do Not Apply Left Hand Image Map to Fingers
BM_R_Foot = [ FLOAT ]	1 = Normal Right Foot (#) 0 = Missing Right Foot
BM_L_Foot = [ FLOAT ]	1 = Normal Left Foot (#) 0 = Missing Left Foot
BM_R_Hand = [ FLOAT ]	1 = Normal Right Hand (#) 0 = Missing Right Hand
BM_L_Hand = [ FLOAT ]	1 = Normal Left Hand (#) 0 = Missing Left Hand

The following parameters all have the same options

BM_Head_Mass BM_Neck_Mass BM_Torso_Mass BM_Abdomen_Mass BM_R_Upperarm_Mass BM_L_Upperarm_Mass BM_R_Forearm_Mass BM_L_Forearm_Mass BM_R_Thigh_Mass BM_L_Thigh_Mass BM_R_Calf_Mass BM_L_Calf_Mass

Head Neck Torso Abdomen Right Upper Arm Left Upper Arm Right Forearm Left Forearm Right Thigh Left Thigh Right Calf Left Calf

[ FLOAT ] 1 = Normal Limb(#) 0 = No Limb -1 = Guides

Image Maps

In addition to the basic Skin, Lip,Nail and Body Part textures (see Textures), image maps can also be applied to each of the Body parts.

The image maps need to be in PNG format, with the alpha channel being used for transparent areas.

The following variables need to be set prior to the macros being called, the image map files need to be in the POV-Ray library path, or the same folder as the scene file.

Bump Maps can also be defined in the same way, however these will only be used if the above image maps are defined.

The bump maps need to be in PNG format.

The following variables need to be set prior to the macros being called, the bump map files need to be in the POV-Ray library path, or the same folder as the scene file.

The following options can also be set, these only effect the above image/bump maps.

BM_Map_Finish = finish {}    : 	Set the finish you wish to apply to the image maps. 
   										 				There is no default finish.

BM_Map_Normal = normal {}    : 	Set the normal you wish to apply to the image maps. 
   											 			There is no default normal.

BM_Bump_Map_Size = [ FLOAT ] Bump Map Size, Default = 0.25

Refer to POV-Ray Documentation for more information on image and bump maps.

COSTUME OBJECTS

Limb Objects

The following parameters are used to create clothing and props for Blob Man, they need to be declared prior to the macros being called, and they must all be valid objects located around <0,0,0>.

Note : If no texture is given to these objects they will adopt the Skin_Tex or relative Body Part texture plus any image maps assigned to that limb.

The Objects defined above will be included even if the Mass parameters (i.e. BM_Torso_Mass etc.) are set in such a way as to be missing, this is useful, if for example you wished to give Blob_Man a "Peg Leg". It could also be possible to create a Skeleton, by defining all the bones as objects, and then removing the original body parts by setting their Mass=0

Costume Definition File

The best way to define how Blob Man will look is to create a Costume Definition File (.cdf) this is basically an include file with all the optional settings declared. The advantage of using this method, is that the same CDF can be used in multiple scenes and likewise multiple CDF's can be used in the same scene. All that needs to be done is include the correct CDF before the macros are called.

e.g..
#include "bmpeople.inc"
#include "BM_pose.inc"

#include "example1.cdf"
Blob_Man(0,2)

#include "example2.cdf"
Blob_Man(1,1.8)

etc.

Included in the Blob Man package are sample .cdf files; "layout.cdf" lists all the optional parameters and their settings, "sample.cdf" and "croft.cdf" are basic Costume Definition File

More Costume Definition Files are available on from CDF Library

HINTS & TIPS

To help in the positioning of Blob_Man, there is a BM_DeBug variable that can be set, this generates visible locators to the ends of Blob Mans limbs, note that this will only work
if any limb objects created contain the current object as part of the definition

e.g.
#declare BM_Head_Object=    
	union { 
		object{BM_Head_Object}
   		Costume Objects ...
		....
	}
   

See "sample.cdf" and "croft.cdf" for further examples.

When testing scenes avoid using hair, as the parse time increases considerably, if you declare a variable e.g.. HairTest=0, then multiply Hair setting by this number you only need to set HairTest=1 to turn the hair back on for all figures.

E.g.. 
#declare HairTest=0 // 1= Hair On 0=Hair Off
#include "BM_hair.inc" // Hair Arrays Already Defined

#declare BM_Hairstyle=2*HairTest
Blob_Man (0,2) 
   
#declare BM_Hairstyle=3*HairTest
Blob_Man (1,1.8)

Use "Body_Part_Viewer.pov" in conjunction with a CDF file to model clothing/props for Blob Man.

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

Creating Face Image Maps

The image maps used for Blob Mans face are PNG format which uses the Alpha Channel. Use an Image Editor that allows you to edit the Alpha channel (e.g.. Paint Shop Pro, PhotoShop) then create the areas that you wish to be mapped, in the alpha channel. In the main image roughly colour the same areas the colours you want, it doesn't matter how accurate you are as the alpha channel will make unwanted areas transparent.

Creating Limb Image Maps

As with the face image maps, these need to be in PNG format with the Alpha channel being used for transparency. There are no sample limb image maps, but below are the dimensions for the different limbs:

Head, Neck, Torso, Abdomen, Hands, Feet = 1:1 (e.g.. 600 Wide x 600 High)
Upper Arms, Forearms, Thighs, Calves = 1:2 (e.g.. 300 Wide x 600 High)

Note about hands :
Because the Image maps are applied after the fingers have been positioned, if the image map has a pattern, it will not look the same if the finger positions are changed.

BM_Map_R_Finger and BM_Map_L_Finger can be set to 0 and this will not map the image map onto the Fingers (1 is the default)

Bump Maps

Bump maps should be Grayscale and in PNG format. Alpha Channel is not used for Bump Maps. They should be the same scale as the Image Maps

Blob Man's Future

Here are just a few ideas I have for improving Blob Man.

• Different ages ( 2 Years, 6 Years, 12 Years)
• A More configurable face model.
• An optional Hair Macro
• An animation system ( I will probably need help with this, any offers...)

Known Problems

At this time I am unaware of any major problems, except that old CDF Files need to be rewritten to be usable by this version, as will any Pose Files created for earlier versions.

HISTORY

CONTACTING THE AUTHOR

If you wish to contact me with bug reports, bug fixes, criticisms, comments, suggested improvements, questions, etc. you can reach me by email at:

E-mail : houston.graphics@iname.com

ICQ# : 8770407

Homepage: http://welcome.to/HoustonGraphics
-or-
http://members.xoom.com/HoustonGraph

If you do make any improvements to these macros please let me know, so that I can include them in future releases.

Also if you design any Costume Definition Files that you would like to share, please send them and I will include them in the CDF Library.

CREDITS

Thanks go to the following :-

• POV-Ray Team for producing such fantastic software, and FREE too !!!!
• Govert Zoethout who without his original model, this work would never have come about.
• Yasunari Iwanaga who created his own lady include file which I drew heavily on for the version 4.0 release.
• Toni Bratincevic for his eye macro.
• Chris Colefax for producing excellent include files, and inspiring me to contribute to the POV-Ray community.
• All the helpful POV-Ray users around the world, who frequent the POV-Ray Newsgroups. ( news.povray.org )
• Suggestions: Jo Grant for the idea of Body Part Textures.

POV-Ray™ and Persistence of Vision™ are registered trademarks of the POV-Ray Team™