Creating A Poser Figure
Part 5,



Naming Morph Dials



The name usually used for rotate X is Twist. Rotate Y and Z can have a variety of names according to how they move the body part. Some of the common names used for Y and Z are, Bend, Side to Side, Front and Back, Up and Down. But any name that describes the movement can be used.

The dials can easily be named using the Hierarchy Editor. With the Editor open the Show in Hierarchy options ( Show Figures and Show Parameters ) need to be enabled.
Show Options

Then if needed expand the elements parameters by clicking the white plus sign next to it's name. Which will show all the parameters for that element ( body part ).
Before Expanding After Expanding

Highlight the parameter to be renamed, then hold the cursor over it for one or two seconds and the type text block will appear for it. Type in the new name for the parameter, then click in null space inside the editor. Then the new name will appear for the parameter.
Highlight Parameter Type in New Name New Name


Creating IK Chains
Inverse Kinematics



Kinematics ( in figure rigging ) is the dependency of body parts moving according to how the parent is moved. Inverse Kinematics ( IK ) is the same dependency but in reverse. So the child object is moved and all the parents respond accordingly.

They can be created in the hierarchy Editor by highlighting IK Chains found at the end of the hierarchy list.
IK Parameter

When the IK parameter is highlighted, the New IK Chain button will become activated.
IK Chain Button

Press it and type in a name for it in the Set Name Dialog.
Name Dialog

A new IK Chain will be added to the Editor.
New IK Chain

Drag and drop the body parts names from the hierarchy editor into the new IK chain. The body parts need to go in hierarchy order starting from Root to Goal. The root is the head parent in the chain and the goal is the last child in the chain.
Example : a chain for an arm would start at the collar ( root )the shoulder, then the forearm and end at the hand ( goal )
IK Chain Example

Once the IK Chains are built they will appear on the Figure menu where they can be Enabled/Disabled.
Figure Menu IK Menu



This character creation tutorial is written and provided by : Stephen Ray
Goto Steves Art Gallery