bones.inc

I have decided to finally release bones.inc to the world. This is an "include" file that works with POVray 3.5 or higher, and allows the user to create skeletons and hang POVray object skins on them.



I have uploaded a zip file to my new website containing bones.inc, a readme file that explains how to use it, two example POVray programs that use bones.inc, and the GNU licenses allowing anyone to use, distribute, modify etc. the code or documentation. Now anyone can create their own animated 3d characters.

Animation of these characters is accomplished by setting key poses for the character and interpolating between a series of poses as the clock runs. As more skeletons and poses and movements are created, a library is built up that makes further animations easier and easier - some very complex animations are reduced to just a handful of macro calls.

A true inverse kinematics system is still lacking on bones.inc, but it may not be strictly necessary, either. Test renderings can help the animator to determine the necessary character poses fairly quickly, without using a full IK system or motion capture.

If you want to add some realistic-yet-cartoony mouths to your characters, I recommend using Rune's Lip Synch System. He also has an Inverse Kinematics Neck include file which may be useful for such things as tongues, tentacles, etc.