Area Specific Polygon reduction

[THEJAB]

Is it possible to lower the amount of polygons in a certain area of a model, while leaving other areas detailed?
For example, I have modelled a bald head. The face has a lot of detail on it but the top and back of the head is almost half a sphere. Is it possible to reduce the polygon count on the smoother parts of my model while leaving the face untouched?
I have tried masking an area and using the optimize button but this still optimizes the entire model. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

[Frenchy Pilou]

Hi Jab
Look at this !
Hope this help (see the entiere post
Pilou

[THEJAB]

I was just hoping to reduce the polygon count in a specific area, not to completely delete them. But this has given me something new to play with.
Merci Beaucoup.

[juandel]

i think you will like to hear about the optimize function, JAB. here is a thread i recommend (impending shows the how-to )

- juandel

[THEJAB]

My hat is off to this community.
I am stunned by the level of feedback for problems. Maybe microsoft could take a few pointers from this site.

Thanks for the help.

[THEJAB]

Has anyone successfully used Impending's solution above? He says you can mask an area of a model and then as long as you optimize on 50% the masked area will be left alone? Can't say I got this working yet but I shall keep trying variations.

Keep the faith.

[juandel]

sorry JAB that this didnt work for you - me, myself and i being a non-modeller usually, cant share any experience myself (and thought that the info above would be sufficient). here are a few threads that came up when i entered "optimze mask" in the search dialogue:

as shown in this thread, impending was successful

some clarifications (and unresolved questions) by hanuman/thelonious

optimizing meshes created via zspheres seem to be a kind of their own - also, see this thread - i couldnt find any answers for this.

not sure, if thats all there is re: wisdom on optimize - i hoped i would find more

anyway: just visited your site and loved it!

- juandel