Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 15.3
Figure 15.4
Object mode
Edit mode
Widget
Field of influence
mation. It doesn't matter which armature display type is used; each armature
has a field of influence in which mesh vertices must reside in order to be
influenced.
Change the armature display type to “Envelope” and you will see a shape
like a cylinder with a sphere at each end (Figure 15.4). Tab into edit mode,
and you will see the field of influence surrounding the armature (you can
only see this in envelope display type in edit mode). In edit mode, you can
select the whole armature or the spheres at either end separately, then scale
them. This has the effect of reshaping the field of influence to encompass
vertices in a mesh.
Just file this information in your memory bank for the time being and go
back to the default single bone armature in octahedral display type in object
mode. Tab into edit mode and select the tip—now the widget is located at the
tip, which shows that the tip of the armature is selected (Figure 15.5). Turn the
widget off and you'll see that the sphere at the tip is orange; having the widget
on just makes it easier to see for demonstration purposes. With the widget on
you can translate the tip in the 3D window, which also changes the length of
the armature. The rotate and scale functions of the widget have no effect.
Figure 15.5
With the widget off,
the tip is orange.
15.4 Multibone Armatures
Turn the widget off but leave the tip selected. Now press the E key (extrude)
and drag the mouse; you will see a new bone being extruded from the tip
(Figure 15.6). Select the tip of the new bone, press the E key, and drag the mouse and a
new bone is extruded. Select the base of the original bone and repeat the process, creating
a multibone armature (Figure 15.7).
Edit mode
 
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