Character Rigging

1. Character Rigging Foot Pivot Points CS 490.006/582.001 Modeling and Animating Human Figures Page 82

2. Skinning CS 490.006/582.001 Modeling and Animating Human Figures Page 83

3. The Walking Cycle Recoil Position: Transfer body weight to the forward foot, bending the forward knee to absorb shock Extended position: the character’s weight shifting to the forward foot Passing Position: Forward knee straightens and the free foot passes the supporting foot Weight-bearing foot lifts off the ground at the heel, body starts to fall forward like a pendulum Free leg contacts ground, completing half cycle, followed by mirrored second half CS 490.006/582.001 Modeling and Animating Human Figures Page 84

4. The Running Cycle Recoil Position: Body moves faster than in walk, so momentum increases and bent leg is more exaggerated Contact position: Body leans forward and legs are farther apart than in walk Passing Position: Halfway through step, the Grounded foot pushes the body upward Body is now airborne and is at the highest point in the cycle Body lands and the next step starts, with second half of cycle mirroring first half CS 490.006/582.001 Modeling and Animating Human Figures Page 85

5. The Skip Cycle The weight is transferred to the forward foot, or, more specifically, the forward toe The skip starts like the walk, with the feet apart, but the emphasis is on the toes The foot pushes off, sending the character into a small hop; the other foot moves forward as the hips rotate The character lands on the rear foot, with the forward foot staying high The forward foot touches down and the cycle repeats in a mirrored fashion In mid-leap, the back leg moves forward slightly; the forward leg remains high and tucks under the body CS 490.006/582.001 Modeling and Animating Human Figures Page 86

6. The Sneaking Cycle Recoil Position: The feet stay close to the ground to maintain balance Starting on his toes, the character is slightly off-center, so the arms are extended to maintain balance Passing Position: The planted leg doesn’t extend nearly as much as in the walk Before the passing leg touches down, the character leans over at the waist to help maintain balance The cycle is finished and ready for the next leg CS 490.006/582.001 Modeling and Animating Human Figures Page 87

7. Leaping Anticipation Overshoot Follow-Through CS 490.006/582.001 Modeling and Animating Human Figures Page 88