Save Start/End

The Simulate->Save Start/End command in the Actor module allows you to set the desired start and end frames for the selected object's simulation, and generates its transition curve.

For an example of how this command can be used, see the The Bouncing Ball section of the Animating User's Guide.

Procedure

Once basic physical properties have been assigned to a chain or model, you can create a simulation. A dynamic simulation is achieved by manipulating physical forces that produce motion in objects over time.

1. Select the object you want to simulate.
2. Set the start frame number on the time line.
3. Choose the Simulate->Save Start/End command.
4. Set the desired end frame number on the time line.
   
   If you want your simulation to end at the last frame of your sequence, you don't have to set the end frame number.
   
   
5. Choose the Simulate->Save Start/End command again.

Notes

• The transition curve generated shows when an object's motion is simulated with dynamics and when it is animated with standard (including inverse kinematic) techniques. The generated transition curve can be viewed using the FcrvSelect->Dynamics->Transition Curve command. It cannot be edited like a regular function curve, but it can be deleted and regenerated.
• A value of 1 in the transition curve shows that the animation is calculated using dynamics; a value of 0 shows that the animation is calculated using keyframing or other standard animation techniques.
• To ensure proper velocity/acceleration continuity, you should let the keyframed motions extend one frame past the point where the simulation is set to start.
• SOFTIMAGE 3D increases the size of an object's centre of mass icon to indicate when motion is simulated.

Last updated 02-apr-1998