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View Full Version : What is the Difference Between "Rig" and "Skeleton"?

mixermanic
10-23-2007, 12:53 AM
Hi guys,

Can someone please explain the difference between a rig and a skeleton, and where the muscle systems are located?

My understanding is that the "skeleton" is simply the bone structure, and the "rig" defines constraints, FK/IK connections, animation controls, and everything else necessary.

Is that right? And if so, where do muscle systems come in? Are they part of the skeleton or the rig?

Does that therefore mean that different rigs can be applied to the same skeleton/muscle system?

Finally, is it the skeleton that is bound to the skin? In that case, would it not mean that all constraints etc should be part of the skeleton?

Many thanks!

Martin
stewartjones
10-23-2007, 12:36 PM
Just like you said:

Skeleton = Bone structure of the character
Rig = Controls for the animator to move the character

As for a muscle system I think of this as part of the rig as I like to keep the skeleton completely seperate from any rig stuff!
eek
10-23-2007, 01:32 PM
The muscles ride the skeleton which is driven by the setup and controlled by the puppets. Essentially dynamics piggy-backs the skeleton, unless its driven by external sources or keyframed.

A good example is 'Hell Boy' where by they cached the muscle simulation and triggered 2 frames before the skeleton to by accurate. So:

Dynamics ride the skeleton
Procedurals drive the skeleton

both can be influenced by controllers, keyframes, external forces and each other. The controllers and puppets too can be driven dynamically and procedurally, but then you need the right balance of control to automation, doubling of transforms, gimbal, etc etc.
mixermanic
10-23-2007, 02:59 PM
Thank you very much!

Martin
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