Siggraph: CAT Shows Version 2 of the Character Animation Toolkit

Archive notice: This article was originally published on August 4, 2005. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.

In addition to the “Motion Data Import” and “Animation Capturing” functions already introduced and improved with version 1.4, the new version of the Character Animation Toolkit (CAT2) also contains various new features:

• F/IK makes it possible to pose the character regardless of whether it involves inverse or forward kinematics
• the Limb IK Position Slider makes it possible to place the IK target along the Bones
• a new foot-pivot system considerably simplifies the animation of the feet
• Stretchy Bones permits cartoon-like Squash & Stretch to be animated directly in the viewport
• a new “Retargeting” makes the work easier
• several CATMotion Layers provide more flexible working
• Timewarp curves allow the speeding up and slowing down of animations
• animations can be looped
• Character can be cloned
• with the new CATBone Locks, characters’ arms and legs can be torn off
• all Bones can have their own geometry
• Extra Bones for Facial Animation
• with FK Spines they have the possibility of controlling each Spine Bone individually
• Spine Bones can be scaled individually
• expanded saving of animation clips inclusive 3dsmax contraints and scripts

According to the manufacturer, the product is available immediately, but the final price has not yet been stated. Like that of the previous version, it will probably be 995 US dollars.

Further Links:

• More information