This script allows you to paint with artisan to smooth the deltas of vertex positions between
two polygonal objects. The result is that the local structure of vertices will be
reconstructed without moving them to their original place.
This is useful when modeling targets for blendShapes or
BCS
dataPoint geometry. When you've modeled a target, this tool can make the vertices surrounding the
main deformation area follow slightly, creating a nice falloff of the deformation in seconds. The
script can also be used to copy absolute vertex positions, like painting a blendShape (but without
any additional nodes).
Here's a screen shot of the UI:
Example
This is an example of a deformation falloff that was created in a few seconds:
Before
Artisan Smooth
PaintDeform
In the first image you clearly see that the movement only affects the lower
part of the jaw. What I now wanted to achieve was to ease out the deformation
with sort of a falloff effect, so that distant vertices move slightly with the
others to create a more organic looking effect.
The second image shows the result of using the “Edit Polygons->Sculpt
Geometry Tool” with the Smooth operation selected. This has a
similar effect as the “Polygons->Average Vertices” command. The
result is not ideal, as many vertices move out of their place. For
example, look at the 5-edged vertex near the ear or the dense area from the
nostril down to the outer part of the lips. They loose their structure and
don’t move logically with the surrounding vertices.
The third image took approximately as long as the second, but the result is
much more organic and harmonic vertex movement. It was created using the
Paint Deform tool with the Smooth Deltas operation. The
target object was the neutral face.
Since the structure is preserved, you can even use this tool on as complex
areas as the ear, nose, eyes, or mouth corners.
Version History
1.1.4
Updated links to the online help
1.1.3
Compatibility fixes for the new Maya 2011 Qt-GUI on Windows and Linux
1.1.2
Tiny change for x64 compatibility
1.1.1
Tweaked UI to work better on Linux
1.1.0
New Features:
New "PaintDeform Marking Menu"
New script for adding making menu hotkey commands to the Hotkey Editor:
"DPK_paintDeformHotkeys.mel"
Bug Fixes:
Fixed a small bug where errors occurred when the painted object's name wasn't unique in
the scene