Object to Cluster

The Constraint->Object to Cluster command in the Actor and Motion modules constrains an object's position to the geometrical (virtual) centre of a cluster of points. If the cluster contains many points, this constraint creates a "nest" for the object in the cluster. Of course, the cluster can also be a single point, which means the object is constrained to the position of a single control vertex.

This constraint could be used for gluing features onto a face, such as constraining an eye to a cluster on a face. If you bulge the cluster out, the eye moves with it.

For more information about animating using constraints, see the Constraints section of the Animating User's Guide.

Procedure

1. Create a cluster of points on the constraining object by tagging the points and choosing the Tag->Set Cluster command.
2. If the object has more than one cluster, it is the active (current) cluster that is used as the constraint. Make sure you have selected the cluster to be current in the dialogue box that appears when you choose the Tag->Cluster List command.
3. Select the object to be constrained.
4. Choose the Constraint->Object to Cluster command.
5. Pick the object with the cluster that is to act as a constraint.
   
   The constraining object flashes red.
   
   
6. Right-click to end the mode.

The constrained object is repositioned to the virtual centre of the active cluster's vertices. When a transformation is performed on the cluster, the object moves with it.

Last updated 03-apr-1998