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Tying a String to a Key, then Hanging it Around a Character’s Neck
Posted: 12 November 2018 05:42 AM   [ Ignore ]  
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Hi Doc,

I hope you’re well, my friend!

I’m about to enter a realm that I know very little about.  I have a skeleton key object and I’d like to be able to tie a string to it so that I can hang it around a character’s neck (like a necklace) and have the “key necklace” move dynamically when I pose the character into a stationary pose.  Since there are several parts to this process, I’m wondering if you can point me in the direction of tutorials or examples that show me how to properly model the string, tie it to the key, and hang the resulting necklace dynamically around a rigged character’s neck?

Thanks for your guidance!

Mark

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Posted: 12 November 2018 06:01 AM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 1 ]  
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Hi Mark,

Thanks, I’m OK, I hope you do fine as well.

The first tutorial that comes to mind is the following:
https://www.cineversity.com/vidplaytut/cv-dynamic_connector_automatically_place_dynamic_hinges_motors_and_springs

Download the files as well, and check out file 05_loop.c4d.

Place the object under the Cloner that should be included, create a MoGraph Selection where that specific item should be and set the Cloner to “Sort” instead of “Iterate”. With a Plain Effector, including that selection, while position is checked off, the Modify Clones is checked on. This replaces the perl with the key object.
Since this a CV file, I have send a modified copy/link to your PM. Please don’t share in public.

In the MoGraph Dynamic Tag, the Shape might better set to Moving Mesh with the Key Object inside. Which will slow down everything. Note that the Axis of the Key element is crucial.

All the best

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Posted: 12 November 2018 08:23 AM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 2 ]  
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Thanks so much, Doc!  I’m excited to explore this tomorrow.  I’ll get in touch if I get stuck.

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Posted: 12 November 2018 09:34 AM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 3 ]  
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Yes, Mark, let me know either way.

If there is something else, I’m happy to look into it.


Have a nice evening!

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Dr. Sassi V. Sassmannshausen Ph.D.
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Posted: 12 November 2018 09:39 AM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 4 ]  
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Doc, if I wanted to do this with a string/rope rather than a set of pearls, I’m guessing that I would not be using a cloner, but rather a spline/sweep.  If I’m not using a cloner, how would the setup differ?

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Posted: 12 November 2018 09:54 AM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 5 ]  
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Mark,

You might explore Spline Dynamics, but I’m not certain that you will be happy with it for this kind of use.

The idea of 100 little “probes”, AKA spheres, will allow to defines points on a spline, and with that you have all you need to create any rope you need.
Check your PM. Example is send.

Besides that, have a look here:
https://www.cineversity.com/vidplaytut/siggraph_2016_rewind_-_chris_schmidt_creating_advanced_controllable_dynamic

Scene files
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/TXIWkDLisYUS42NlJKSxQeWzF0IlrAMSMXlEBUcgtKa
Whereby the “…_21.c4d” is more to give an idea why I suggest the other route. Especially the “…_02.c4d” with the heavier “hunger” shows the effect.
The core problem with the spline, or even with an joint based set up is, that the part that pulls on the chain/rope will have to have its very own dynamic, but at the same time the object pulls on the rope, the object is constrained. A combination that is not really solve-able. Kind of chicken egg problem, dynamic-wise. Hence my Cloner suggestion with just one cloner and two child objects.

All the best

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Posted: 13 November 2018 03:11 AM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 6 ]  
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Doc, I’ve been trying to reproduce the necklace effect all morning, but my necklace keeps breaking upon impact with the collider object.  I’ve checked and rechecked settings, but can’t figure out what I’m doing wrong.  Would it be possible for me to send you my file so you can take a peek?  Thanks!

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Posted: 13 November 2018 03:16 AM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 7 ]  
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Hi Mark, if the attaching the zip file doesn’t work here, use the upload link I just have send you.

Typically I love to have files here in the forum, so more people might have an advantage from it.

Let me know if I have to keep it private.

Cheers

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Posted: 13 November 2018 03:25 AM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 8 ]  
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Doc, the file size with no materials or lights is 5.4 MBs.  Therefore, I’ll have to send via a private message due to the forum size limitation.  I’ll upload right now.

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Posted: 13 November 2018 03:40 AM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 9 ]  
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Hi Mark,

The size is much different than the initial example. Attribute Manager> Mode> Project> Dynamics> Expert.

Besides, I would set the Cube to Moving or at least Static Mesh.

All the best

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Posted: 13 November 2018 03:44 AM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 10 ]  
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This is the size that I need for my project.  Are you saying that changing the settings under Attribute Manager> Mode> Project> Dynamics> Expert is what I need to do?  So far, every time I’ve set the cube to Moving Mesh, C4D has stalled for so long that I need to restart.  Static Mesh hasn’t changed anything.  I’ll keep experimenting.

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Posted: 13 November 2018 03:46 AM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 11 ]  
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Doc, I just saw your screen capture.  I plugged in the settings that you have and now I have a necklace that looks like a long piece of stretching taffy.  I’ll keep playing around with the settings.

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Posted: 13 November 2018 03:56 AM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 12 ]  
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Doc, I was able to get this to work by setting the Attribute Manager> Mode> Project> Dynamics> Expert settings to .01, .01, 5, 0, 50, 50, and 5.  I also set the Follow Position dynamics setting for the CV-Dynamic Connector Object to 4.  Now it’s time to see if this works when I hang the necklace on my character and begin posing.

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Posted: 13 November 2018 04:11 AM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 13 ]  
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Mark, the shape setting was supposed to beset for the collider, as in the scene I had sent you. The necklace are set already in the CV Dynamic Connector Object.

The settings in the screen shot are without the large key. I have yet to find a good balance for these. Perhaps even replacing it with a different copy, and take the matrix from it only.
Alternative to this, have a Dynamic Tag on each of the two clones, and reduce the “Density” and the “Rotational Mass” on the key lower.

Scene file:
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/6aX8zZim43tq1ieYCdh6ohFtWUWuoaP7kmKFoOKxlFX
Not including the key.

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Posted: 13 November 2018 05:41 AM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 14 ]  
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Doc, I thought dynamics would make this process easier, but what I’m discovering is that I should change gears and simply build this using a spline, Reeper, and the key.  Since this will be printed as a still image, I don’t need the movement…just thought dynamics would make hanging the key easier.  Thank you so much for all of your help with this.  You’re a good man and a BIG help!

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Posted: 13 November 2018 05:49 AM   [ Ignore ]   [ # 15 ]  
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Mark,

For a still, of course. This time I avoid asking for a manual approach, as I have done so often, and then you suggest this. Of course, manual, especially for a still has so much more for art directions. With dynamics, we can get for sure some impressions and ideas, but yes, it moves it more to the technical part of the creations than on the expressive, from my point of view. Don’t get me wrong, I certainly enjoy dynamics a lot.
I had just set up a dummy key to be used as an Cloner Object> Mode> Object, Polygon center. To keep it simple.

Anyway, your initial descriptions pointed more to an animation. Information is key to find the most workable solution.
Perhaps this discussion here leads at least to get the necklace shaped in the right way, so the pull from the key will look right. Alternative to this, project the spline on the body.

My best wishes

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Dr. Sassi V. Sassmannshausen Ph.D.
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