Note: While this is still a valid approach, a new automated method is available via our OpenAvatar specification and software.

Creating Custom Avatars¶

The process for creating custom avatars is outlined below for both default and custom bone configurations. Using a custom bone configuration will require custom animations to also be produced.

VastPark have developed an open specification and toolset for avatars called OpenAvatar. As at September 2011, it is available to developers by request as part of a closed beta testing phase.

Creating a Custom Avatar using the Default Bone Rig¶

The default animations within the Avatar Controller Plugin is accomplished via referencing the default LIXA animation file. This animation file references bone names within the avatar, so if you wish to use the default avatar animation sequences, this bone rig must be used.

You can download a 3ds Max scene containing the default bone rig and a proxy mesh here. (Requires 3ds Max 2009 or above)

The rig contained in this scene should not be modified in any way. You should align and skin your avatar to this rig before publishing the model.

When publishing your avatar model, it is important to check "Model contains animation data or bones" under the "Animations" tab. This ensures that the models bones are included with the asset.

Creating a Custom Avatar using a Custom Bone Rig¶

For those wanting to create a custom avatar using a custom rig, this will also require producing your own animations for the plugin to reference.

VastPark uses the LIXA animation file format for its avatar animations. Currently the only available exporter for this format is for 3ds Max, however a Maya version is also in development.

The installer for the LIXA Animation Exporter for 3ds Max can be downloaded here.

Once installed, and Max has been restarted, help can be accessed via 3ds Max's "Help" menu, selecting "Additional Help" and choosing "LIXA Animation Exporter" from the list.

The help file is currently still in development, however contains enough information to get started exporting animations.

Once the zip file containing the LIXA .xml file has been placed online, it can be referenced in the plugin via the AnimationSource parameter, for example:

<Plugin Name="AvatarController" Enabled="True" Source="...">
    <Parameter Key="AnimationSource" Value="http://www.example.com/animation-file.zip"/>
</Plugin>

When publishing your avatar model, it is important to check "Model contains animation data or bones" under the "Animations" tab. This ensures that the models bones are included with the asset.