bhp2000 | 3 years ago | 4 comments | 534 views
First, I love these things and have been able to get through how to move and manipulate them as well as changing the color maps (thanks to the lads who came to my aid on colormaps.)
Now, I'm trying get my brain wrapped around how to attach something to the end of a robotic arm. I looked into containers/active layers etc. but keep coming up with strange results. Was hoping someone would be so kind as to suggest a simple step-by-step so I can get a basic idea?
FOR EXAMPLE:
Let's say I have a simple robotic arm and I want that arm to pick something up, turn it and drop it somewhere else. (I managed to get a 3d object into bluff so let's say that. Also, I DO understand how to turn and move the arm parts etc. etc.)
I just need to know if I would do something like create a container? Then put the 3d object into that container (attach?) and then have the arm interact with the container?
In essence one of those quick lists: do this, then this, then this.
AND......ONLY if you could spare a couple of minutes. NO RUSH needed whatsoever.
Just trying to learn all the ins and outs of this fabulous software.
Many thanks, Bob
Hi Bob, follow these instructions.
Go to Add Layer up top
Add Robotic Arm Layer
Attach a Container Layer to the Robotic arm
Now put your 3D object, or w/e you want the arm to move,
into that container layer that is attached to the arm.
You should see your object at the end of the arm.
Now you need to add another container layer to the arm for moving the arm.
So add a separate Container Layer
Do not attach it to the Robotic Arm Layer
Set Robotic Arm to Inverse Kinematics
Change Robotic Arm Target number
to the number of the empty Container Layer
Move and rotate Container Layer
to control Robotic Arm
---------------------------------
Now your problem is going to be every time you move the arm, your object will move.
I would say the work around would be to pick your object up out of a box or something, and place it in another box. Leave your object as Transparent when not in use.
Decentralized, 3 years ago
Another option is to change the TARGET LAYER prop of the robotic arm layer during the show. You can guide the arm with an empty container layer towards another container layer that has something attached. Then change the TARGET LAYER prop from the empty container to the non-empty container and you have picked it up!
To prevent the TARGET LAYER prop is being interpolated, use the NO ANIMATION tweening method (dropdown the the right of the layers dropdown) or place the keys immediately after each other (like for example 00:02.000 and 00:02.001)
michiel, 3 years ago
I like that option better, Michiel. Good to know that's possible, I wasn't sure.
Decentralized, 3 years ago
Many many thanks gents!
THAT'S exactly the kind of explanation this challenged mind needed!
Now it's back to the drawing board to experiment and implement said techniques.
Muchos Gracias!
bhp2000, 3 years ago
