340
Video Game Design Composition
Particle animations can also be used to simulate solid objects. Usually the
default is to render particles as points moving along a path or vector. However,
static particles are rendered simultaneously along the entire vector. This is
called a strand. The lifespan of the static particles determines the length of the
strand. Static particles allow realistic simulation of fur, hair, grass, and other
similar materials. Figure 11-16 shows a model with fur simulated. The benefit
of animating these with particles is that physics can be applied to material.
This means that the wind will blow each of the static particle strands to create
movement of the fur.
Inverse Kinematics
Kinematics is the science of motion. In terms of 3D modeling, kinematics
refers to how the movement of an object either controls or is controlled by the
movement of another object. There are two basic types of kinematics in 3D
modeling software: forward and reverse. Forward kinematics is a parent object
Figure 11-16.
Particle systems can
be used to simulate
hair (A), fur (B),
and other similar
materials.
MAXON/Per-Anders Edwards (www.peranders.com) and S. Scatola (www.boxy.co.uk)
A
B