Animation suggestions

[glenn]

Hello,
I’m trying to make an animation for a client and have hit a wall.
Basically, I want to stand at a couple points around an object, then open and close a flap (actually starts closed, opens, then closes. Then move to the next position & repeat).
Currently, I have one scene tab with the flap closed, one tab flap ½ open, 1 tab fully opened.
The animation “snaps” the flap to each position (not a smooth/slow open).
However, my client wants a smooth transition for the opening & closing (the object is stationary, only the flap moves).
The only way I can figure out how to do that is to make many copies of the flap in various positions between open/close, using scene tabs, layers, etc.
Is there some setting I haven’t thought about?
I successfully made a walk around of the object using scene transitions of 7.5 and scene delay 0, (which gave the appearance of the object in a slow rotation).
Any ideas will be appreciated.
Thank you,
Glenn
Sketchup pro v7.1

[Gaieus]

@glenn said:

The only way I can figure out how to do that is to make many copies of the flap in various positions between open/close, using scene tabs, layers, etc.

Hi Glenn,

Yes, this is the only "native" SketchUp way for the time being (although with dynamic components, you can create animations in SU Pro but cannot export the animatioon).

There are several plugins however. I do not use them but as far as I know, keyframe animation is one of the most advanced in this area: http://forums.sketchucation.com/viewtopic.php?t=33417

[glenn]

Hello Gaieus,
Thanks for the reply, looks like keyframe or mover should do the trick.
Glenn
Correction, spoke too soon. Only keyframe will export, Proper animation & mover are internal only.
Looks like it will be the manual method.
Glenn

[SimFonIA_team]

Hello Gleen,

You can also try our tool. It deals with Keyframes too and it offers the possibility to define the movements of individual parts. You can learn more about on this topic:

http://forums.sketchucation.com/viewtopic.php?f=323&t=46540&p=416485&hilit=SimFonia#p416485

[DanYHKim]

I use SketchyPhysics to do this in a roundabout way, but it does not export. I use CamStudio to capture screen activity into an .avi video, but do not export from SketchUp.

Check the logo animation I prepared for a Project Lead the Way website:
http://pltw.nmsu.edu/cPage.aspx?pageid=main&queryid=aboutlogo

Your model might be made to move using SketchyPhysics, controlling the door hinges with an oscillating control, so they open and close repeatedly. Then change your camera POV using Orbit or by controlling the camera by having it "follow" and "track" a hidden object under control of a servo joint.

This is a rather complex set of controls, though, and tricky to implement. If you expect to do this kind of thing often, then it may be worthwhile to learn how to do it. Otherwise, you might be better off using one of the other suggestions in this thread.

Actually, if the open/close action does not have to be concurrent with the camera movement, a more simple series of actions can be recorded using CamStudio and then cut into a single sequence using some video editing software.

[glenn]

Thanks for all the replies, ended up doing it the manual way.
Glenn

[panixia]

@glenn said:

Only keyframe will export, Proper animation & mover are internal only.

doesn't smooth step animation export animation created by proper animation? i remember it does..

[glenn]

thanks for the idea, not sure if it will work for what I need..(from http://forums.sketchucation.com/viewtopic.php?p=97179
".....This plugin allows you to smooth out the jerky scene transitions in a SketchUp scene-tab animation. It is not intended for object animation, only native SkechUp scene animation..."
Glenn

[panixia]

i don't remember exactly how, but some time ago i'm sure i exported an assmbly sequence created with proper animation. search this forfum because your solution is somewhere here.

[panixia]

ok i tested it quickly, it works. you should:
set your sketchup desired scene transition time from view->animation->settings
move the flap to the start position and right click->proper animation->set position 1
move the flap to the final position and right click->proper animation->set position 2
go to plugins->proper animation->start scene observer
right click on the flap->get position 1-> create a scene (e.g. start)
right click on the flap->get position 2-> create a scene (e.g. end)
go to plugins->export smooth animation
choose your favourite export settings
export

this works fine for me.

[glenn]

thanks again, I will keep this in mind for the next one.
Glenn