Animation / Timeline Enhancements

1. UI with Search Field (Attach / Look at / Link / Motion Layer Key)

Attach, Look at, Link, and Motion Layer Keys all have their tree lists that were hard to navigate in the prior version of iClone.  Therefore, we now have a Search function that can be used to easily locate a specific object. 

[Demo]:

• Archer holding a bow walks into the stage.
• The Motion Layer Editor is used to inspect the bow held in the character's left hand.
• The Link panel is opened and the new Search field is used (in this case, several times).
• The hierarchy and list structure is displayed.
• The Search field is used to quickly locate the bow and link it to the Spine.

2. Motion Layer Key Alignment

In prior version of iClone, the Motion Layer Key can only be adjusted on a per clip basis.  Assuming that the timeline has two clips, then the first clip layer key can not reach the second clip.  The new Motion Layer Offset function can be used to align the layer key for the current clip to the previous clip.  View Manual >

[Demo]:

• This scene contains a puppet walking forward.  As it walks forward its head invariably bumps into the trees.
• The Motion Layer key is adjust so the puppet dodges the first few trees, however, it does not dodge the rest for the second and third consecutive motion clips.
• The second clip is selected and Align Previous Motion Layer is executed from the context menu.
• The second and third motion clips are selected with Align Previous Motion Layer executed to show that it works on multiple clips.
  

3. Clip Sample Optimize Options

Normally, iClone motion clips will undergo sampling optimization with the likelihood that some keys are removed in process.  The new Sample Optimize option can be used to determine whether or not clip keys undergo optimization during the sampling process.  View Manual >

[Demo]:

• The scene contains a character with motion.
  
• By right-clicking on a clip, one can view the following:
  
• Sample All Parts - Optimized: Keys will fill in parts where needed by the clip.
• Sample All Parts - Per Frame: Keys will fill the entire range of the clip.
  

4. Clip Resize
5. HIK Local Axis Gizmo Transform

The local and world RTS (Rotate, Transform, Scale) transformations will often be manipulated in the 3D space.  IK in the prior versions of iClone only supports transformations in world-space.  Now in version 7.7, one can manipulate IK elements in local-space.  View Manual >


[Demo]:

• Within the scene, an archer is getting ready to fire an arrow from a bow.
• When the arrow hand is moved in world-space, alignment between the arrow and the bow becomes very difficult.
• Once the gizmo is switched to Local, the hand can now move in alignment with the bow.
  

6. Viseme Key Flexibility

Prior to version 7.7, Viseme animations had some serious limitations like the inability to create Lip keys without audio.  Now, for version 7.7 and beyond, Lips Clip keys can be added by using the Lips Editor.


[Demo]:

• The current scene contains a character that has no lip motion.
• By clicking on a Viseme shape within the Lips Editor, Lip keys can be added to the timeline at any moment
  

7. Custom Preview Range

Originally, the playback region is determined by the Export Range.  Now in version 7.7 and beyond, the Preview Range can differentiate from the Export Range in order to preview a different section of the motion.  View Manual >


[Demo]:

• A DOF (Depth of Field) project is loaded and the export time-frame range from start to end frame.
• When Preview Range is changed (Camera01), the Export Range does not need to be adjusted.
• Or preview can be made for two time-frames.  For example, Camera01 for the Preview Range and Camera03 for the Export Range.
• One can examine the seamless transition between the Preview and Export ranges during playback.
  

8. Timeline Snap (Indicator / Clips)

Clips now automatically snap to the one in front when dragged around.
Clips will also automatically snap to the indicator when dragged around.


[Demo]:

• A character in the scene is purposely given disconnected motions.
• Under default conditions, clips can easily overlap without the user knowing it when attempting to align them.
  
• When the Auto Snap Timeline Clip is activated, the clips automatically attach to the end of the clip in front.
  
• It is usually really hard to align keys to the start time after adjusting it with changes to the Export Range.
• When the Auto Snap to Start, End, Current Time is enabled, the clip can snap to the said nearby Indicators when dragged about.

9. Keys & Clip Scale

New timeline key scaling makes it convenient to scale the keys proportionally.  View Manual >


[Demo]

• The scene contains a character with motion clips along with transform, layer, and lip keys.
• By selecting the keys (Hotkeys: Ctrl+LMB+Drag) and dragging the flags, one can scale and pan from the middle.
• This feature supports layer key scaling and clip scaling across multiple tracks and clips.
  

Digital Human Shader, SSS (Sub-surface Scattering), Micro Normal

75% of original size (was 668x19) - Click to enlarge

In version 7.7, you can utilize Digital Human Shader for Skin, Eyes, Teeth, and Hair, along with SSS (Sub-surface Scattering) and Micro Normal technologies to create true-to-life high-end human characters. Real-time rendering can indeed be fast and high quality!
What's more, to best present the Digital Human Shader, we have embedded additional DH (Digital Human) content such as new male and female characters, stage, atmosphere, eyes, teeth, etc.
All of your existing content can be converted to the Digital Human Shader to look even better.

*Both iClone 7.7 and Character Creator 3.2 benefits from this release. 

• New DH Character - Male x 1, Female x 1

75% of original size (was 668x19) - Click to enlarge

• Stage - New DH Lightroom x 5

• New DH Atmosphere x 1

75% of original size (was 668x19) - Click to enlarge

• Eyes are converted from PBR to DH Shader

75% of original size (was 668x19) - Click to enlarge

• Teeth are converted from PBR to DH Shader & various New Teeth Styles are added

75% of original size (was 668x19) - Click to enlarge

iClone v7.7 (7.7.3518.1) released on November 18th, 2019

75% of original size (was 668x19) - Click to enlarge

75% of original size (was 668x19) - Click to enlarge

75% of original size (was 668x19) - Click to enlarge
75% of original size (was 668x19) - Click to enlarge