Foot locking in Blender

[Tyrian Slade 7]

Okay,

 

I'm using Jacek's animator.  I want to make an animation where the avatar sways from side to side without moving their feet.  I thought this would be easy, but I can't figure out how lock the feet in place and move the body.  Does anyone have some instructions or locations of instructions for me?

Tyrian

[Marielle Caerndow 7]

I think there are bad news: it's nearly possible to create such an animation without foot-sliding.

Even if your animation look perfect in Blender - no sliding feet - it will not always work in SL. 

The reason is that animations have the pelvis as root. From here now you rotate the legs. Unfortunately this brings the laws of geometry in: when the legs rotate, the distance the feet move will depend on the length of the legs. 

Means, you might be able to get an anim into SL with nealry no sliding - but if will only work on a particular avatar shape. Shapes with shorter or longer legs will cause foot sliding.

[Tyrian Slade 7]

Okay, I understand that the animation might not upload perfectly in SL.  Is there a process by which I can lock the feet in blender though so that *I* don't inadvertently cause foot-sliding?

[Medhue Simoni 529]

Well, I do not use Blender, but what I would do tho, is create a reference point for each foot. When you move that pelvis, then go back and readjust the legs to match back up to your reference points. You should be able to create this with minimal sliding. Unless the avatars are vastly larger or smaller than your default, any sliding should be non detectable.

[Tyrian Slade 7]

Sounds like that would work well enough.  I'll give that a try, Medhue.

[Marielle Caerndow 7]

I'm also no Blender user, but the general way would be to set your rig (skeleton) up to use inverse kinematic. This actually can do what you're looking for. It's maybe a bit hard stuff to learn, but it really saves time when you animate.

Described here: Blender:Inverse_Kinematics

[Medhue Simoni 529]

Just remember to turn it off when you save the animation. Inverse kinematic I mean. In Poser, if you don't turn this off, your animation will be wacky in SL.

[OptimoMaximo 1,532]

hi Tyrian,

i'm running a class at Builders Brewery on making animations in blender. you need to use the IK constrainer bonesthat are available near the feet. IM me in world, i also published a guide book 

 

Cheers