Rigging to Primitive Groups?

[goldleaf]

I'm articulating a mechanical beetle, and the model is one obj. I would like to bind the mesh to the bones based on primitive groups, but I haven't been able to find a way. Is this feasible in Houdini? There really isn't any mesh deformation, as the parts are metal and thus won't be flexing really. Or is there another way to import and bind individual pieces of geometry to bones?

In the image, I've been playing with capture regions, but they aren't working where meshes sit close together.

[michael]

in answer to your question - the capture SOP has a Group field...you can capture JUST that group to a bone(s) - note that this must be a POINT group. you can convert a prim group to a point group with the group SOP.

in your case this would mean having a capture SOP for each group you want to capture...might not be the best solution...

the alternative is to break out each group (separate metal chunk) as a separate object - and the make that object the child of a bone...no deform node required...this is pretty standard for hard surface rigging.

[goldleaf]

Thanks.

I'm swamped with homework, but when I get the chance, I'll work on it and see where I can get.

[goldleaf]

Thanks for the help!

I've only been able to do a swim cycle, and the articulation on the beetle is pretty basic, though I think I'll be able to do everything I need. Here's a video of what I've done so far.

http://www.vimeo.com/2049153

Edited October 23, 2008 by goldleaf

[michael]

haha

cool...keep up posted!

[stevenong]

That looks fun. Would love to see an animation with a fluid sim.

Please keep us posted.

Cheers!

steven

[michael]

has anyone done anything with a self-propelled char/vehicle in a fluid sim?

would be fun!