Bool instead of float

posted to: IK FK Switch

Hi, coming from programming, I dont see the reason for using a float instead of a boolean here, is there a specific reason for this, like if the animators expect that, what is the reason for it would be?

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  • Dwayne Savage(dillenbata3) replied

    There are 2 common reason as far as I know.

    1. Some animation situations animators want a transition between the controls instead of binary switching.
    2. To match the float data type of the influence slider. The influence slider is a float to give more option to controlling the constrains. 

    Of course, you can use a boolean if that's what you want or need for your situation.  

    2 loves
  • Wayne Dixon replied

    Dwayne is spot on.

    Sometimes the animator will want to transition smoothly - other times not.  A float is the best of both worlds.


    A million years ago (when I first learned animation) I was always switching over 1 frame. And I would usually pick a nice easy spot to switch where I could match the jump by eye.
    It was only 2 years ago when someone showed me that it is about 100 times easier to blend the switch over 3 or 4 frames.
    Match the IK and FK on the start of the transition --> then the end
    And blend over those frames.

    The result is seamless animation without having to flick back and forth to solve that 1 frame shift.

    2 loves
  • Dwayne Savage(dillenbata3) replied
    Now I'm going to have to play with switching across 3 to 4 frames. I've only ever done the 1 frame switch. The only time I make use of float is dropping weapons/boxes from character hands to the floor or table.