Bones on Paths

[Goliath]

Can anyone tell me how to put a long line of bones, such as representating a spine. To follow on a path like a rollercoaster or something. I have an assignment due in less than two weeks and this is really essential. If anyone knows how, please tell me.

[Jenn]

What software are you using?






This thread was moved from the general cg discussion forum to the software help forum. Future messages posted in the wrong area will be deleted.

[Mike-3DT]

Try linking the end bone to a dummy & then linking the dummy to your path. Make sure that 'follow' is set for the dummy. Not sure if this will work with an IK chain or not but maybe worth a try.
Someone might be able to help further if we know what software you use as Jenn mentioned.

[Net Admiral]

I think spline Ik is the answer!! (search for it there r a lot of threads ) - if u use max!!-
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[Goliath]

I am using 3dstudio max 4.2

If you would, can you be really elaborate on how to do that dummy thing linked to the spline path, or anyone elses suggestions.

[Net Admiral]

oops!! I really do not know if max 4 has spilne IK function!! I think it is only available in MAX5!!
But could u please specify what r u trying to do ?? because maybe path deform could do the trick instead of bones!!
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[rage]

no my friend Net Admiral
max 4 doesnt have spline ik....maybe there is a kind of script or sumethin´ ...dunno?

[jbw]

Michael Comet's got a script for Spline Ik in MAX 4 go to his site at:

www.comet-cartoons.com

It'll be under the 3d help section I think.
Anyway I'm not sure that's what Goliath is after - looks to me more like what Mike was suggesting.

Create a dummy and link the root bone to the dummy - then in the motion panel for the dummy change it's position controller to path constrain. Then click the add path button and select your path... you'll probably have to experiment after that to get exactly what you want.

ta,
jbw

[Goliath]

Can you be a little more in depth with the dummy thing. I have the dummy following the path and the front bone linked to the path. The line of bones follow the dummy, but the bones done really conform or "wiggle" alone the path. I;m trying to get a snake like ship made up of vertebrae like pieces to travel in a wave like manor. Every time I try path deform it rotates my ship on a new gismo path. I try to select the gizmo to rotate it back, but it just wildly destorts my model. I would like help with both ways as much as possible. thank you.