Interaction between models

[udhills]

Hey ALL:
I had already posted this in a different forum. But I dont have any nails left to bite, while I wait for the reply..

How do I attach or make my 3d model interact with an object. Say A simple 3d figure trying to pick up a cup or a stick or whatever!?...Is it possible to link the 2 objects for a given time segment or use something like attachement constraint or dummies..Not sure how to go about doing this..

Please let me know if there is any tutorial on this. (I`m primarilly using 3ds max.. but any general advice would help)


Thanks in advace for your help

[Clalan]

create a control object and a helper, which is linked to the hand of your character. now constain the cup to both and animate the weights. for ease of use you can add a custom attribute that drives the weights.

so your cup is standing on the table, as soon as your character picks it up you shift the constraints to the helper, locking it in the characters hand. when the character is about to drop the cup, you first snap the control object to where the cup is at that time for a seemless transition and then shift the constraints back to the control object.

[udhills]

Thanks Clalan.. Will try out this method and will let you know how it worked.. thanks again