9/2017)[/b]

---

paulg625,

Eye Rotation:.... also introduces you to building Facial User Interface... Like Reallusion's Face Puppet.
...using the previous example, "Brow and Head"


All makes sense Thanks so much, looking forward to more. I appreciate all your help!!!

I've met many programmers.... and those whom learn to rig.... Become GODS of CGI
You got this hands down! You just don't know it.

Here's what I've learned.... 
I do NOT know syntax from Cynthia! :P
...but I know how to control a bone. :rolleyes:

Sounds good Although not versed in scripting language and will have to learn the syntax. I do program and have for many years so when we reach this crossroad I will be ready willing and able...

I understand

I will work the next few weeks as I get time reviewing my Rigging tutorials and experimenting with a simple 2 bone rig.

paulg625,
Please maintain you course of action..... "Learning to Rig from SCRATCH."
I promise you.... you won't be sorry.

Again.... Controlling (2) bones with Lightwave's tools is the key!;)
I've only begun showing you "HOW" to control a bone.

1. The Brow example is "Position" control. (The simpliest)
2. The Eyes.... is where you REALLY start learning.

3D Rotation... is a Mother... to FULLY grasp (when you first start)
BUT....
I will make it easy for you.

Note:
If you continue to follow me..... YOU will slowly begin to see (FIX'S) for iClone.
You will solve many problems iClone users have, TODAY.
Simply by learning how to control (2) bones. :w00t:

Cool sounds great!!!

paulg625,

Eye Rotation:.... also introduces you to building Facial User Interface... Like Reallusion's Face Puppet.
...using the previous example, "Brow and Head"

Now when you skin the character the eye rotates correctly.

paulg625,

Crossroads.... there comes a time when serious artist (with a limited budget) MUST decide which way to go.
....meaning:

Goal: (CGI Animated Clip)
You want to save money... You learn to:
~ Model
~ Rig
~ Texture
~ Animate
~ VFX / Post

Use iClone and accept all of the awesome functionality SHE provides...
THEN.... make it better.

How??
I need to put a face rig on this one.
or...
I need to SCRIPT this baby.

Crossroads: "Do you learn a scripting language and script a face rig, or do you learn to Rig and create it yourself???":Whistling:
First, I am NO programmer.
BUT....
I can script the chit out of bones. (Using MaxScript)

why?
I did it over and over (1 million times)... copying and pasting script.... until it sunk in!

I can briefly explain the function and methods used to achieve an interactive execution of the script,
BUT....
I do NOT get into "SCHEMEA" or whatever the heck it's called.
I can NOT come close to people like "KellyToons", "animagic" and the likes.

I learned to rig for production.
with that said....

3D Rotations:
Certain rules remain constant.... No Matter what 3d software you use.

Bones: Parent / Child relationship (Hands & Fingers)
(X,Y,Z) .... the middle axis is (Y)
Rotate the child (BEYOND 90 degrees) and the bone will FLIP.

One way to fix this.... "Change the Axis Order" (From X,Y,Z) to (X,Z,Y)
Learn your software's tools.

BINGO!...   ...we are on the same page! :cool:
"Huston, Fire Up the Rockets!" :Wow::hehe:

I'm afraid to answer your question, pertaining to the use of controllers.
YES, Of Course You Can...
BUT....
Not right away..... you need to "Script the Bones."
THIS.... is not a beginner's task.

FIRST, you learn to control (2) bones, then you add (Advanced) functionality to those bones....
Then you embed the functionality into those bones with (Scripting).

Sir. I MUST be careful here or... "I will lose you."
why???
You need MORE Lightwave tool experience.
The only way to achieve it is... More Lightwave tutorials.

I will keep it simple... and the more you LEARN about Lightwave's tools,
The Sooner you advance to "Scripting Bones."
_________________________________________________________________________

paulg625,
Please maintain you course of action..... "Learning to Rig from SCRATCH."
I promise you.... you won't be sorry.

Again.... Controlling (2) bones with Lightwave's tools is the key!;)
I've only begun showing you "HOW" to control a bone.

1. The Brow example is "Position" control. (The simpliest)
2. The Eyes.... is where you REALLY start learning.

3D Rotation... is a Mother... to FULLY grasp (when you first start)
BUT....
I will make it easy for you.

Note:
If you continue to follow me..... YOU will slowly begin to see (FIX'S) for iClone.
You will solve many problems iClone users have, TODAY.
Simply by learning how to control (2) bones. :w00t:

ButOfCourse:  yes it is clear Ready for next step. Thank you this is great...

You are correct I have trouble and couldn't find info about Lightwave:  The bad : I love Lightwave it is my go to software. (I want it to be my go to ) 
The Good: when I was checking out Blender I discovered what I believe is a solution to my problem in Lightwave...

But I agree I need to stick to my main workflow because I'm too old to learn 10 different softwares.  Plus don't want to be Jack of all trades just master a couple...  I will follow this advice....

Question:  About the helper I know It would work in Lightwave as a controller.  Will it be usable as controller in Iclone?  Or just there in Iclone?

paulg625,

If you have the time to learn how to control (2) bones.... "That are NOT directly connected together...your rigging problems will be solved.
You will be able to rig ANYTHING.... human, creature, robot, etc., etc..
~ Place bones where YOU want them and zero them out for animation.

Logic: (Coordinate Axis)
Control a Parent and Child bone.

Remember, in ICLONE...
The child will inherit:
~ Position
~ Rotation
~ Scale

Example 1 (Easy)
1. Parent - Head bone
2. Child - Eyebrow bone

Link the eyebrow bone to the head bone.


Now if you move the eyebrow bone..... The Head bone WILL MOVE.


Control: You want to move the eyebrow bone and have the head REMAIN where it is.
BREAK the hierarchy.... add a null object.

Give the eyebrow bone a (Point Helper) as its parent.
Link the new parent (point helper) to the head.


NOW you can move the eyebrow and the head will NOT move.

You now have (2) points of control
~ Animate the bone
or
~ Animate the point helper


Let me know if you clearly understand and I'll continue.

NEXT: EYES

paulg625,

RIGGING: 
(Learn the LOGIC)
(Learn the TOOLS)
.....everything falls into place.

paulg625,
Just as you learned.... a motion is a motion..... how to add or subtract from it requires tool knowledge.
A bone is a bone and here is the LOGIC.

First and foremost.... DON'T JUMP THE GUN.
Yes, control points are created..
NO.... You can NOT use them in iClone (THE WAY THEY ARE)
Remember..... After all this.... you MUST adhere to what ICLONE NEEDS.
That is a simple FK skeleton skinned to bones. (No Control Points..... just FK bones and skin).