Deformations are operators that change the shape of geometric objects. This chapter covers:
• Applying simple deformations like Bend and Twist.
• Deforming objects by curves and surfaces.
• Using lattices as a scaffolding to deform an object.
• Deforming an object by arbitrary geometric cages.
• Deforming an object by spine curves.
• Smoothing and relaxing objects.
• Shrinkwrapping one object onto another.
• Using waves to deform an object over time.
• Using Quickstretch to make an object stretch, flex, or yield as it moves.
• Muting a deformation to temporarily disable it.
Other types of deformation are described elsewhere:
• Direct manipulation of points and other components are actually implemented as deformations in XSI and are described in Manipulating Components.
• Envelope deformations let you deform a character based on the movement of its skeleton. They are covered in Envelopes in the Character Animation guide.
• Soft body dynamics let you simulate the behavior of non-rigid objects as they are subjected to forces and collisions. It is described in Soft Bodies in the Dynamics guide.
• Cloth lets you simulate how fabric moves and drapes. It is described in Cloth in the Dynamics guide.
• Freezing transformation and moving object centers are also deformations. These operations are described in Transformations in the Transformations guide.
• Scripted operators let you create your own deformations by getting and setting the positions of an object’s points. They are described in Scripted Operators in the Customization guide.
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