HOWTO: Make a 2D morph in SOFTIMAGE 3D
  
PSS ID Number: Q175819
Article last modified on 11-07-1997
 
IRIX:3.51,3.7; WINNT:3.51,3.7
 
IRIX winnt
 

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The information in this article applies to:
 
 - Softimage 3D for IRIX, versions 3.51, 3.7
 - Softimage 3D for Windows NT, versions 3.51, 3.7
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SUMMARY
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This procedure shows you how to create a 2D morph:
 
1. Load the morph source image (the image where the morph starts) as a
   background image with rotoscope (wire).
 
2. Model a polygon grid according to the shapes in the image. Change the
   shading model of the material to Constant.
 
3. Make a copy of the grid (grid2).
 
4. Load the morph target image (the image where the morph ends) as a
   background image with rotoscope (wire).
 
5. Move the vertices of grid2 to match the shapes in the target image. Do
   not add or remove vertices or edges.
 
6. Create shape animation where grid1 transforms into grid2 (Shape ->
   Select Key Shape). We will refer to this as "layer1."
 
7. Copy the layer and its shape animation to layer2 and move it slightly
   underneath layer1.
 
8. Move the time slider to the first frame of the shape animation and map
   the source image to layer1 with Texture -> 2D Global. Make sure the
   texture projection and rotation match the modeled grid.
 
9. Move the time slider to the last frame of the shape animation and map
   the target image to layer2 with Texture -> 2D Global.
 
10. Animate the transparency of layer1 from opaque to transparent with
   Material -> Key.
 
11. Now render.
 
Now you have two images on top of one another, the upper one slowly
revealing the lower one. The uppermost source image starts at a normal
state and is distorted by the time it is completely transparent. The lower
target image starts distorted and is normal by the time it is revealed.
 
Modeling the first grid is the most complex part; it must be compatible
with both the source image and the target image (with enough vertices for
the target image). Also, the edges must not block the movement of the
vertices when you start moving them according to the shapes in the target
image (edges must not cross each other!).
 
REFERENCES
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If you have any questions concerning the information contained in this
article, contact support@softimage.com by e-mail.
 
Additional query words: si si3d si3dmat
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Keywords          : si si3d si3dmat
Version           : IRIX:3.51,3.7; WINNT:3.51,3.7
Platform          : IRIX winnt
Issue type        : kbhowto
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Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1997.