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Limits of human joints

 

The human form has, by nature of its structure, limitations on its range of movement. These constraints will affect how you construct your model.

 

Segment Joint Type X Y Z
Foot Ankle Rotational 65 degrees 30 degrees 0 degrees
Shin Knee Hinge 135 degrees 0 degrees 0 degrees
Thigh Hip Ball & Socket 120 degrees 20 degrees 10 degrees
Spine Hip & Spine Rotational 15 degrees 10 degrees 0 degrees
Shoulder Spine Rotational 20 degrees 20 degrees 0 degrees
Bicep Shoulder Ball & Socket 180 degrees 105 degrees 10 degrees
Forearm Elbow Hinge 150 degrees 0 degrees 0 degrees
Hand Wrist Ball & Socket 180 degrees 30 degrees 120 degrees

 

Source: Maestri, George, Digital Character Animation, New Riders Publishing, 1996, ISBN 1-56205-559-3, page 34


Last updated 28-nov-1998