Menu Cells

Path -> Tag2Path

The Path -> Tag2Path command in the Motion module allows you to define curve paths. Simply animate a model, then tag one or more of its points. Tag2Path converts the motion of those points (between the start and end frames you set) into a hierarchy of curves, one for each tagged point.

This is very useful for creating motion paths that are linked to particular points of a model, or for converting animated patch or NURBS surface deformations, dynamic simulations, or flock animations into curve paths. Tag2Path is also useful in conjunction with other effects such as Sweep.

Tag2Path is a little different from other Motion effects in that it is used as a modelling tool. However, since SOFTIMAGE 3D needs information at several frames, Tag2Path needs to be a Motion effect.

Procedure

1. Create a model and tag one or more of its points.

2. Animate the model as desired.

3. Choose the Path -> Tag2Path command.

The Tag2Path dialogue box is displayed.

4. Set the parameters as desired.

5. Pick the model with the tagged points.

The Tag2Path icon appears, indicating that the effect is active.

6. Play back the scene to see the curves gradually appear.

The effect converts the motion of the tagged points on the model into a hierarchy of curves. The resulting curves can be used as motion paths.

Note:
You can freeze the effect by selecting it and choosing
Effects -> Freeze Effect. This removes the effect from further activity, but leaves the curves in their final form.

Parameters

Start and End Frames

Sets the start and end frames for the animation applied to the model.

Number of Control Points

The number of samples used for each curve (spline). This corresponds to the number of control points used to define each resulting curve.

Spline Type

Sets the type of curve (spline): Linear or B-Spline.

Next, Previous, Delete, Key, and Frame

For the animated effects, Next advances to the next keyframe, Previous goes back to the previous keyframe, Delete removes a keyframe, and Key sets a keyframe at the frame you specify in the Frame text box. These controls are only be accessed after you have set the initial parameters in the dialogue box and clicked Ok. To return to the dialogue box and edit keyframes for the effect, select the effect icon and choose the Effects -> Edit Parameters command in the Motion module.

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SOFTIMAGE 3D Reference - 19 APR 1996