Creating content with Softimage XSI 1.5

Other improvements in the model module are the Snap tool and the reference planes, Snap tool allows the animator to align objects and components easily in a given scene, the radius of the Snap tool can be specified as well as the types of target (target): points, midpoints, axes, isolines, surfaces and many others. In addition, filters allow you to further specify the type of geometry for the Snap, polygonal surfaces, NURBS, or others. Datum planes allow the animator to define arbitrary planes to help build objects quickly and accurately. Multiple reference planes can be created and activated independently.

The animation module also includes new tools, the Animation Mixer is a complete non-linear animation editor that allows you to work with animations from any source that can be stored in an action scene and completely mixed with other animations including keyframes, motion capture, expressions and animation of geometries. This module also supports various audio channels to facilitate lip and sound syncing (lipsynck).

Within its new options the Animation Mixer allows you to build animation libraries that can be easily reused in other characters saving large amounts of time, existing animations can be adapted to build completely new animations dramatically accelerating the process itself.

Dynamic simulation is used to further accelerate the animation process, this simulation function includes a new and improved particle system, soft body and simulators for costume dynamics (fabric-clothing).

The simulation module is one of the novelties in the SOFTIMAGE XSI 1.5 Within this module, users will find all the necessary tools for particle systems, softbody and forces such as gravity and wind. New tools for fluid simulations have also been added making it easier to produce scenes with water and other liquid volumes. A new tool for fabric simulation is included in this module and converts any part of a geometry into a piece of fabric that can stretch, deform, bend and be affected by other forces such as gravity and wind, the explosion tool combines the effects of a particle system, natural forces and lights for a quick and easy production of these effects.