We are going to use some stock flex props along with a 3D block prop to create a nonsensical character for use with the feature. This type of character could be background or filler for other scenes in a fantasy or magical setting:
1. Start a new blank project. Select the Set tab and click on the Props button.
2. Double-click on the Soft_Ball prop in the Spring props folder to load it into the scene.
3. Double-click on the Eye prop in the Spring props folder to load it in to the scene.
4. With the Eye prop selected use the Pick Parent button to attach it to the top of the soft ball.
5. Double-click on Antenna01 in the Spring props folder to load it into the scene.
6. Use the Pick Parent button to attach the Antenna01 spring prop to the top of the Soft_Ball prop.
7. Double-click on the Tail01 spring prop to load it into the workspace and attach it to the back of the Soft_Ball prop.
The following image shows our nonsensical creature created from spring props:
8. Double-click on the Ball_001 prop in the 3D Blocks prop folder to load it into the scene. Set its parameters as follows:
Move: X=125.0, Y=55.0, Z=80.0
Rotate: X=0.0, Y=0.0, Z=0.0
Scale: X=25.0, Y=25.0, Z=25.0
9. Select the Eye prop and click on the Pick Target button of the Look At section on the right side menu. Select the ball prop as the target.
10. Move the time scrubber to frame 100.
11. Move the ball prop slightly towards the left of the screen enough to see the Eye prop move as it tracks the ball prop.
12. Move the time scrubber to frame 200 and select the Soft_Ball prop.
13. Use the Pick Target button in the Look At section on the right side menu panel to select the ball.
14. Move the time ball towards the opposite side of the screen until it is almost off screen.
15. Save the project and press the play button.
The following image shows the progression of the scene as the Look At feature forces the Soft_Ball and Eye spring props to follow the target Ball_001 prop:
We created a creature out of spring prop parts and used the Prop Look At feature to make the Eye and Soft_Ball props track the target. The combination of the movement generated by the Prop Look At feature, plus the inherit spring properties add a lot of movement to the scene with very little animation on our part.
This author predicts there will be some very creative and even mind blowing uses of this tool when the iClone community has had time to work with it.