View source for Content Dev:IC Maya Motion to iClone

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== Introduction ==

=== Important Precautions and Settings ===

* Make sure the FPS (frames per second) is set to 60.
* Use FBX 2012 to 2018 for export.
* Don't alter the skeleton proportions, e.g. scaling and stretching.
* Don't alter the skeleton bone names.
* Don't add or remove skeleton bones.

=== Simple Workflow ===

# Export an iAvatar from ''iClone 7'' with the Maya preset.
# Import the iAvatar into ''Maya''.
# Use the preexisting skeleton to adjust the motion.
# Bake the motion onto the skeleton and export the character in FBX.
# Bring the character into ''3DXchange'', re-target it to a Non-Standard character, and save as RLMotion.
# Open the same character in ''iClone 7'' and apply the saved RLMotion.
# Check if the motion is consistent with the animation in ''Maya''.

== Provisional Files ==

We provide some preconfigured files to help you bring ''Maya'' animations into iClone. You can download them [[Media:Maya Motion to iClone.zip|here]].

* '''Ready to animate.mb''': ready-to-use 2020 MB (Maya Binary) file for adjusting motion.
* '''mapping data.3dxProfile''': ''3DXchange'' mapping data for ''Maya'' exported motion FBX.
* '''Character.iAvatar''': iAvatar character that can be used with ''iClone''.

=== Usage Method ===

1) Inside ''Maya'', perform '''Menu > Open Scene'''  and select the provided '''Ready to animate.mb''' file.

 If the imported character is laying flat on the floor then change '''Settings > World Coordinate System''' to '''Y''' under '''Windows > Settings/Preferences > Preferences'''.

[[File:maya_motion_to_ic_world_coordinate_system.png]]

2) Too prevent us from moving the skeleton, we'll need to set the '''Display''' status to '''Template''' inside the '''Layer''' settings.

[[File:maya_motion_to_ic_template_display.png]]

== Motion Creation and Precautions ==

=== Control Rig Introduction ===

* Animate with the provided HumanIK system. You can also use a rigging system of your choice.

 ''Wikipedia'' describes IK/FK with the following passage: In computer animation and robotics, inverse kinematics is the mathematical process of calculating the variable joint parameters needed to place the end of a kinematic chain, such as a robot manipulator or animation character's skeleton, in a given position and orientation relative to the start of the chain. Given joint parameters, the position and orientation of the chain's end, e.g. the hand of the character or robot, can typically be calculated directly using multiple applications of trigonometric formulas, a process known as forward kinematics. However, the reverse operation is, in general, much more challenging.

* The HumanIK system allows you select controls within the view-port and the side panel. Selecting from the side panel is recommended because it makes it less likely that something will be mistakenly selected.

[[File:maya_motion_to_ic_control_rig.png]]

* The '''Character''' and '''Source''' settings have already been set. Under normal circumstances, these settings should be left untouched.

[[File:maya_motion_to_ic_fk_ik.png]]

* The HumanIK includes both the IK and FK control modes, and it's possible to blend between the two with the '''IK Blend T/R''' attribute, with 0 as full FK and 1 as full IK.

[[File:maya_motion_to_ic_pins.gif]]

* You can use pins to lock the body parts in place. For example, both feet will be lifted when the hip is moved, however when '''Pin Translation/Rotation''' is applied to both feet then they will stay locked in place when the hip is pulled.

 Note: '''Full Body''' mode has to be on in order for the pins to take effect.

=== Applying Human IK System in Maya ===

1) With the target character loaded in ''iClone 7'', perform '''File > Export > Export FBX''' with the preset set the '''Maya'''.

2) Import the exported target character into ''Maya''.

3) Switch ''Maya's'' mode to '''Rigging''' and select '''Skeleton > HumanIK''' to input a HumanIK skeleton.

[[File:maya_motion_to_ic_create_custom_rig_mapping.png|right]]

4) Press on the '''Create Custom Rig Mapping''' button to the right and click on '''Define''' in the subsequent pop-up window.

5) In order to map ''iClone'' bones to HumanIK, you'll need to click twice on the target bone in the mapping window and select the corresponding bone in the view-port.

 Using X-Ray mode is recommended to better access the joints.

6) Map the entire body including the feet, fingers, spine, shoulders, neck, and other miscellaneous bones.

[[File:maya_motion_to_ic_bone_mapping.gif]]

 Beware: Even though automatic detail settings for the fingers are available, it will often cause the hands bones to offset.

[[File:maya_motion_to_ic_mapping_guide.png]]

7) Once the mapping is complete, press the '''Lock Skeleton Definition''' button on top, then click on the '''Create Control Rig''' button to the right of it. This will implement the control rig onto the ''iClone'' character.

[[File:maya_motion_to_ic_skeleton_definition.png]]

=== Animation Precautions ===

* Make sure the FPS is set 60.
* Animation keys should be applied to the control rig and not directly onto the skeleton bones. The skeleton is locked and invisible by default (do not alter these settings, unless under special circumstances).
* Squash and stretch animations should be avoided because it is not supported in ''iClone''. Not only is the effect not able to imported into ''iClone'', it can cause some unexpected errors as well.
* You can use ''Maya's'' '''Graph Editor''' to help adjust animations.

== File Export and Inspection ==

=== Exporting FBX from Maya ===

1) Select all of the bones (115 in total) and the meshes.

 Note: Do not select any of the rig controls, custom bones, and Biped objects.

2) Open '''File > Export Selection > File type > FBX export''' and enable '''Bake Animation''' under '''Edit Preset > Animation'''.

[[File:maya_motion_to_ic_bake_animation.png]]

3) Set '''Edit Preset > FBX File Format''' to '''FBX 2018''' (any version from 2012 to 2018 is recommended).

4) Once the settings are complete, export the character.

[[File:maya_motion_to_ic_fbx_file_format.png]]

=== RL Motion Conversion ===

1) Import the previously exported FBX file into ''3DXchange'' with default import settings.

2) Press the '''Convert to Non-Standard''' button in the right '''Modify > Character''' menu.

3) Click on '''Load''' on the top right corner, select a RL mapping data file, and press the '''Convert''' button below.

4) Perform '''File > Export''', enable '''Export Animation''', and click on the '''OK''' button below to export a RL motion file.

==== Batch Export ====

1) Once the character is converted, drag a FBX for export from the '''Modify > Animation''' menu to the right.

2) Drag more animations to the '''Motion Library''' section, and click on '''Add All to Perform''' and all of the motions for export will show up inside '''Perform Editor'''.

3) Perform '''File > Export''', enable '''Export Animation''', and click on the '''OK''' button below to export all of the RL motion files.

=== Checking Animation Consistency in iClone ===

1) Open ''iClone'' and drag the character (*.iAvatar) into the view-port.

2) Drag the RL motion that was just exported onto the character or onto the timeline.

3) Check if the motions are different from the results in ''Maya''.

=== Verification Process ===

1) Please provide the RL motion and ''Maya'' (*.mb) file.

2) Once an RL representative has reviewed your files, he/she will offer feedback when needed.