Examining the Animation Offset Generator ( Dynamic Performer v1.06 )

This page explains the various parameters offered by the Animation Offset Utility. 
This utility shifts animation keys and generates duplicate joint hierarchies, IKs,
and bound skin clusters.  The utility enables a user to quickly create deviations
amongst instances by offsetting all geometry deformations influenced by joint
and IK animations.

Geometry Selection

	Selecting skin clusters from the text scroll list allows the user to
	choose which joint hierarchies will be affected by an animation shift.

Frame Range

Start Frame / End Frame

	The start and end frame parameters establishes the range of original animation
	keys requiring an offset.  All animation keys which fall between the start
	and end frame will be affected by the offset value specified in the
	offset text field.

Options

Number Of Dups

	This option determines the number of duplicate skin clusters,
	joint hierarchies, and IKs to generate from the source skin cluster.

Offset Value

	All animation keys within the requested frame range will be shifted
	by the offset value. Negative or positive values are accepted.

Dispersal

	Multiple instances can be generated from source geometry.
	Subsequent duplicates can each receive a uniform animation
	shift resulting in all generated instances receiving the same value.
	Additionally, the user has the option of generating incremental instances
	resulting in a subsequent duplicate receiving an increased animation shift.

Camtasia Demonstration

The Animation Offset Utility is most useful when generating additional "source" skin clusters from which instances will be generated using the Crowd Layout Utility. The resulting skin clusters can be automated using mode one of the A.I. Utility.

Ultimately the resulting skin clusters will function
as "blend shapes" creating variation amongst geometry instances used by the A.I. Generator

Original Animation

This example displays the original animation.

Animation Offsets ( Incremental 10 Key Shift )

This example displays an animation offset resulting from a 10 key shift. The resulting skin clusters would be used for instancing geometry.