topic Re: Deformation Problems in Maya Animation and Rigging Forum

Deformation Problems

Anonymous — Sun, 17 Apr 2016 01:20:31 GMT

Hello all. I'm rigging a cat for a future game and need some help. I'm an animator by trade, not a rigger, and this is only the second rig I've ever made. I'm having issues with mesh deformation and was hoping I could get some tips. Below is the skeleton I have, as well as some obvious deformation issues.

How do I fix pinching problems like this? I've tried to place the joints as close to the center of the mesh as I could, while still maintaining the anatomy. The only IK setup I have so far is for the legs. I would also like to know what's the best way I should go about skinning the back - should I just keep the joint chain, or include some sort of IK? I want him to be able to arch his back, crouch down, etc. Would really appreciate any help I can get on this!

Re: Deformation Problems

Anonymous — Sun, 17 Apr 2016 12:33:57 GMT

I am also new and facing same problem, I think I will reduce/remove skining on such odd deformated polygons.

Re: Deformation Problems

Anonymous — Sun, 17 Apr 2016 18:30:46 GMT

It can be also 'paint skin weight tool' you are looking for to set the weight.

Re: Deformation Problems

J450NP13 — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 13:24:23 GMT

Yep...it's paint weights.

Re: Deformation Problems

Anonymous — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 18:23:16 GMT

Is it okay to use the paint weights to redistribute weight WHILE the joint is moved into the problem position? For instance, if I lift the leg, is it okay for me to paint weights on the verts while it's not in its bind position?

Re: Deformation Problems

J450NP13 — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 18:26:07 GMT

Paint the weight before you move any joints in the areas that you want that joint to affect. If you turn the paint weight tool on you'll see that that area is probably black and not white.

Re: Deformation Problems

Anonymous — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 18:31:02 GMT

I did do that originally, but still had issues with how it deformed. I also tried using the weight hammer tool but that only helps minimally.

Re: Deformation Problems

J450NP13 — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 18:32:56 GMT

Post an image showing the paint weight tool on.

Re: Deformation Problems

Anonymous — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 23:38:45 GMT

Here's the weight for the left hip:

And the left knee:

Here it is deformed:

Re: Deformation Problems

J450NP13 — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 23:46:59 GMT

Looks like you need to bring the knee weight down some. The knee shouldn't affect the hip like that.

Re: Deformation Problems

Anonymous — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 15:26:54 GMT

In this position (problematic position), you need to paint

Re: Deformation Problems

Anonymous — Sun, 24 Apr 2016 04:43:35 GMT

That's what I ended up doing, along with using the weight hammer, smooth tool, and occasionally tweaking individual vertices. Seemed to work out for me. Thank you!