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ZBones Version 2.0 a Digits Widget Zscript

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#1

After working on my first full bodied image Robo Bladin I contemplated on how to pose, align and proportion all the different robo parts. I understand that some 3D software packages have what they call “Bones” that help the user position the skins of thier models in 3D space. Using this idea I created a stick figure on another layer to use as a guide for my robot image. It worked like a champ. Thus the idea for ZBones festered in my mind.

After thinking about Zbones for awhile I thought about good ole Leonardo De Vinci and his Vitruvian Man. He very helpfully created an image in which to measure anatomical proportions. I used this image to figure out the proportions and wrote this script that will create body parts based upon this ratio.

[img]http://www.cyber-webs.com/zbrush/Digits/zbonesmenu.jpg[/img]

To use this script:

  1. Determine how tall your creation will be if he/her or it was standing at attention. (your final image may be crouched or bent over etc.) You can either enter this number in the “Total Height” Slider (number is in pixols) or you can create a object and size it in the Z direction then press the “Set Height” buttone to automatically store the Z size of the object you are currently using.

  2. Set the diameter of your body parts in the “Diameter” Slider.

  3. Create each Zbone by pressing the corresponding button in the script and placing it on the canvas in the pose you wish to create.

The numbers in the sliders for each body part is a percentage of the Total Height you have set for your character. By manually changing these default values, which are base upon “Vitruvian Man”, with your own you can lengthen or shorten each body part to your own design.

I have also included MakeALine and the 3D Plane function in the script as well.

Here is a crude example of using the ZBone script that I threw together. When I have some more time I will make a better example

[img]http://www.cyber-webs.com/zbrush/Digits/zbonexample.jpg[/img]

And ole robo (using Mentat’s robo parts) using the bones as a guide

Here is the Script:

Digit’s Zbones Widget Version 2.0

UPDATE Version 1.1

Added Offset Pos and Offset Neg buttons
what this does is change the center of the body part so that it rotates from the end instead of the middle of the part.

Using this feature it is super simple to angle your body part by attaching the end of it to something. Then press “T” to enter Transform Mode and then drag the mouse to orientate it. Try it and you will see what I mean.

Note:
you only have to press an Offset button once. To return the rotation point to the center press the other button to restore it.
Use it also to align the end side to side.

UPDATE Version 2.0

Added the “Use Mouse” switch. With this selected the script will remind you to position the part with a mouseclick on the canvas. The part will then be drawn there

Example:

  1. Set “Use Mouse” on
  2. We want to add a upper arm to the shoulders so we press “Upper Arm”
  3. A note will remind you to use the mouse
  4. using the mouse click once on the end of the shoulders you place earlier.
  5. The upper arm will be then added at that spot.
  6. Use the Offset Pos or Offset Neg to move the center of the Upper Arm so that it rotates and is aligned right at the shoulder socket.
  7. The gyro is visible so drag outside of it to adjust the objects Z position so that it is at the correct Z Depth.
  8. Press “T” to enter Transform mode and then you can freely rotate the upper arm to the angle you wish.
  9. Press “T” again to exit Transform mode and you are ready to place the next part.

Hope this will be of use!

#2

am i supose to click a 3d object first?
im not sure i fully understand it i messed with it a bit and some of my object dissapear

#3

Hi EZ

It shouldn’t matter what tool you have selected, it will automatically select a 3D Cylinder and draw it on the canvas and size it. When it is done it should show the gyro in the Move Mode.

It is not working that way for you?

Don’t have any other tool selected with a gyro or a red circle, perhaps that is the problem

The workflow should be like this

Create a Torso
using the gyro position it on the canvas
exit the move mode so no object is active

Create shoulders
using the gyro position it on the canvas
exit the move mode so no object is active

and so forth

if you still have an object selected i.e. gyro visible or Red Cursor then pressing one of the buttons will replace the old one and it will seem like it disappeared

If this doesn’t solve your problem please give me a hoot

#4

Thank you Digits. I’m sure this cool script will come in handy! :+1: :sunglasses: :+1:

#5

pretty creative utility digits… kinda like drawing in stick figure but only with 3d parts… very cool buddy and thanks…

#6

Just a bumpypoo to inform you that Version 2.0 of the script is now available.

The new version allows you to construct your Stick figure by placing the parts together with a click of the mouse.

See Post #0 for further details

Happy Z-Boning!

#7

Just passing by and I must say, this caught my attention.

Way cool, Digits! A truly useful tool. Okay, there. I’ve added this page to my “Favorites.”

Adman

#8

:slight_smile: Thanks for the zbone script digits, just downloaded it and will open later :+1:

#9

Well, it’s very interesting.
Good idea and beatiful script.
You are a Master of ZScript.

Thank You to share.

cameyo

#10

okay, being a complete and utter NEWBIE to Z, i’m not exactly sure what this script will do, but i’m HOPING it will help me in posing my Z-created models…is that correct?

you see, i’m trying to find any excuse to dump poser to make more time to play in Z, but since i have to pose some objects in poser first and import into Z, i’m kinda stuck…so, it would be way cool if this is the answer to my dilemma…can i now pose my models in Z with this script?

thanks! :smiley:

#11

Hi Mizzthangg! welcome to the forum.

I don’t have Poser but am I correct when you export a poser figure it is the whole body? Head, arms, legs etc… as one unit? My script would not be much help I don’t think because what it does is help you position and scale each individual bodypart into a pose.

If you could export each poser appendage separately, then I could see it being useful for poser. You could create your stick pose and then position it into your scene. Then take each part of your figure and use the Zbones as your guide to making your pose.

I hope this answers your question

love your handle!

#12

eeeek, that sounds incredibly difficult…i guess i’m just stuck posing my poser models in poser and exporting them already pre-posed…i had just hoped this was some sort of script that would help me in posing the standard OBJ’s within Z…it seems there is no getting around the need for poser :frowning:

so, your script is basically a frame to use when building models from scratch in Z, that will help you get the basic pose constructed? :confused:

#13

Thanks Digits I’ve been waiting for this script. You are very helpful to us beginner zbrushers. I’ll work on some work to post later today. :smiley: