It consists of 3 nodes:
1. KineFX Ball Geometry (optional) node contains set of 6 pre-cached geometry presets for different types of balls: Tennis, Golf, Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball and Toy.
You can replace this node with any geometry that should be placed on the ground and be 1 unit in height.
Or don't use anything at all because next node contains a simple test sphere inside.
2. KineFX Ball Rig contains skeleton rig for a ball, controllers and shape library for them. You can change appearance of those shapes by diving inside the node and adjust Attach controls node's parameters.
3. KineFX Ball Animation gives you access to Rig Pose state for animating in viewport and set of parameters for precise control. The node also contains logic for calculating squash and stretch deformations of rig and Joint Deform to output final deformed(animated) geometry.
How to install:
1. Download the HDA files:
FaitelTech.KineFX_Ball_Geometry.1.0.hdalc
FaitelTech.KineFX_Ball_Rig.1.0.hdalc
FaitelTech.KineFX_Ball_Animation.1.0.hdalc
from attachments below.
2. Install them either through Houdini: File - Import - Houdini Digital Asset or copy them to the Houdini preferences folder (Documents/Houdini 19.5 on windows) - otls.
3. In SOP context in Houdini press TAB and type: KineFX Ball
FAQ:
How to animate a ball?
- The rig made and inspired to be used along with the tutorials for Maya:
FREE Ball Animation Rig for Maya [www.youtube.com]
Simple Ball Bounce Animation Tutorial [www.youtube.com]
Ball Bouncing Along Animation Tutorial in Maya - PART 2 [www.youtube.com]
But how to do the same in Houdini?
If you don't familiar with Houdini's animation editor watch the series:
Houdini Animation Editor 101 - Part I [www.youtube.com]
Houdini Animation Editor 101 - Part II [www.youtube.com]
How do I reset the animation?
In KineFX Ball Animation node right click on any parameter or parameters tab (Ball Animation tab for example) - Delete Channels, Revert to default.
Enjoy!
