Invigorator Object Animating

[Edward Wu]

Hi Chris,

Aside from setting keyframes or moving the object around the Effect Controls panel, there are two other ways to animate your objects. The first is to use the Set command to “Track 3D Layer”. By applying a Set to track a 3D Layer, you can keyframe either the 3D layer or Null object and you can try working like that. The other way to animate is to use Expressions.

When you import a 3D object, make sure that the 3D object has been created to import with multiple pieces. If the object was exported as one piece it will import the same way, meaning you will only be able to apply one material to the entire object.

Best,
Edward

[Christopher Rotter]

I’ve followed the manual step by step for creating a 3D tracking plane, but no matter what I do the controller object is off and there not “stuck” together. I don’t know what is going wrong.

[Edward Wu]

Hi Chris,

When using the 3D tracking, make sure that the 3D Invigorator object is positioned in the center. Then, when you move the Null Object or 3D plane around, your 3D Invigorator object should move along with the controller.

To position your 3D Invigorator objects to the center, you can enter Object Mode, and use the “Move To Center” or “Reset” command.

Best,
Edward

[Christopher Rotter]

I did what you suggested, I recall even doing what you suggested. Either way it’s not working my controller object moves but not the 3D mesh, I have another question how come my 3D mesh object is not standing up vertically it’s aligned all off ?

[Edward Wu]

Hi Chris,

I’m not sure what you mean based on your descriptions. Can you upload a screenshot? Or you can send your project to ed@zaxwerks.com and I’ll take a look at what you’re running into.

Best,
Edward

[Christopher Rotter]

Hello, Ed thank you for helping me out. After reading the manual and resetting the object, I can’t get the controller object to control my 3D object in the scene. When I move the controller object after following the steps either the controller object just moves or the 3D object is offset from the controller object, even after resetting it as you suggested. Also when I import my 3D object it’s not standing up vertically but rather laying down what axis does it need to be in for invigorator to load it standing up ?

I hope you can help me solve those two problems.

[Edward Wu]

Hi Chris,

When you first set up the controller object, it can be just a small Solid, or a Null Object. Make sure that it is in the default (center) position, and make it a 3D layer. Then, create your object inside of 3D Invigorator. Use the “Reset” or “Move to Center” command to make sure that the object is in the center position as well.

Now, you should see that both the 3D Invigorator Object and the Controller Object are in the center position. Next, add a camera and set 3D Invigorator to “Use Comp Camera”. When you start changing the position of the Controller, you will see the object move in the Effect Controls panel as well. However, it might not update on screen. If you click the “Update Lights” button, it will update the scene for you, and you will be able to see the changes.

I attached a screen shot below that shows the setup of the Controller Object and the 3D Invigorator Object. You’ll see that both objects are positioned together.

In regards to the 3D Object you are importing. The model gets imported the same way the model got exported. So be sure that you have the camera set up to look from the default position from your 3D program that you are exporting out of. Then, you should be able to get the model to look the same as when you export it.

Best,
Edward

[Christopher Rotter]

I’ve followed the steps you provided, as soon as I set the invigorator object 3D tracking layer it’s center position is moved. As well within the invigorator window the invigorator object appears to animate but within the composition the invigorator object is off center from the controller object and this is even after I hit the update lights button.

I’m going to check the alignment of my 3D mesh to see what could be wrong.

[Edward Wu]

Hi Chris,

I’ll send you an example project. You’ll be able to see the setup of what everything looks like.

Best,
Edward

[Christopher Rotter]

Hello, Edward the project won’t load as it was saved in CS4 and I’m on CS3.