Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Note:
Although the armature is an object in Blender, it is not a mesh object. Its shape
cannot be edited other than scaling it larger or smaller. It can be rotated and trans-
lated. It has a center like any other object, which may be repositioned, but for use in a
multibone armature it is best to maintain the center at the apex of the lower (smaller)
pyramid in the center of the sphere. With the manipulation widget turned on, the
widget is also positioned at the center.
15.3 Armature Display Types
The default armature display type is octahedral but there are four alternative display types:
stick, b-bone, envelope, and wire (Figure 15.2). The wire display option appears much the
same as stick. With the armature bone selected, see the properties window - “Object Data”
button - “Display” tab to choose these options (Figure 15.3). Which display type is used
depends on what you are doing with the armature. I won't go into the different uses at this
time but since the basic function of an armature is to deform a mesh object, we need to
understand how this happens.
15.3.1 Basic Procedure
The basic procedure for deforming a mesh object with an armature is to apply an armature
modifier to the object and then, in the modifier, name the armature that will do the defor-
Figure 15.2
Octahedral
Stick
B-bone
Envelope
