Problem with animated mesh & flow lattice on motion path

# 1 01-06-2012 , 07:12 PM

Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2012

Posts: 4

Problem with animated mesh & flow lattice on motion path

Hello,

I created this arrow and attached it (by the tip) to a motion path, then added a flow path object. When it passes through the beginning of the lattice, it deforms incorrectly. Anyone know why? I suspect that it’s because the front axis of the arrow isn’t parallel to the curve tangent, but I don’t know how to set it exactly parallel. If that’s not the problem, or if someone knows how to align the arrow to the curve tangent correctly, I’d greatly appreciate it!

I also notice that the other end of the arrow deforms in the last few frames of the animation (heading towards the opposite end of the curve). I hope the two problems are related.

Thank you,
Chris

Attached Thumbnails

Click image for larger version

Name: arrow_problem.png
Views: 1201
Size: 87.6 KB
ID: 51512

Click image for larger version

Name: arrow_problem_2.png
Views: 1218
Size: 98.9 KB
ID: 51513

Quote

# 2 01-06-2012 , 08:42 PM

The thin red line
Join Date: Aug 2009

Location: England

Posts: 4,472

Could you give us a idea of what you are trying to do..............dave

Avatar Challenge Winner 2010

Quote

# 3 01-06-2012 , 09:03 PM

Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2012

Posts: 4

Hi David,

I'm doing exactly this: https://www.swinburne.edu.au/design/t...-curve/ID-160/

Thanks,
Chris

Quote

# 4 01-06-2012 , 09:14 PM

The thin red line
Join Date: Aug 2009

Location: England

Posts: 4,472

Cool little tut, could you expand your view so I can see all the curve.............dave

Avatar Challenge Winner 2010

Quote

# 5 02-06-2012 , 10:49 PM

Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2010

Location: Uk

Posts: 193

this might help you
Maya 2011 Curved Text on Flow Path Tutorial by Stuart Christensen - YouTube

Quote

# 6 06-06-2012 , 12:28 PM

Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2012

Posts: 4

Thanks, all! I learned elsewhere that the "ffd" node in the Attribute Editor (for the lattice) has a dropdown menu called "Outside Lattice," with its options being "Inside," "All," and "Falloff." It was originally set to Inside, but switching it to All fixed my problem, and now the arrow bends with the curve properly without deforming erratically. user added image