Scripting Keyframes

A keyframe can contain many elements, but, for efficiency, it is recommended that you include only animated geometry in a keyframe.

The frames in-between keyframes are computed through a process called “in-betweening” or “tweening.”

The following can be computed:

• In-between frames that involve both movement and rotation.

• In-between versions of an element that has been modified.

General Procedure — To script keyframes

1. Create a keyframe(s). See To create a keyframe.


2. Insert a keyframe(s) in the open script. See To insert a keyframe in the open script.

To create a keyframe

1. Position the geometry to be keyframed as desired, using MicroStation's element manipulation tools, or the Manipulate Actor tool.


2. Select the element(s) to be included in the keyframe.


3. In the Animation Settings tool box, click the Keyframes dialog icon.
   or
   From the Animation Producer dialog box's Settings menu, choose KeyFrames.
   The Animation KeyFrames dialog box opens.

   Animation KeyFrames settings box



4. Click the Create button.
   The Create KeyFrame dialog box opens.

   Create KeyFrame dialog box



5. In the Name field, key in a name for the keyframe.


6. (Optional) In the Description field, key in a description for the keyframe.


7. Click the OK button.
   Focus returns to the Animation KeyFrames dialog box. The new keyframe is listed there.

Alternative Method — To create a keyframe

1. Position the geometry to be keyframed as desired, using MicroStation's element manipulation tools, or the Manipulate Actor tool .


2. In the Animation Settings tool box, click the Keyframes dialog icon.
   or
   From the Animation Producer dialog box's Settings menu, choose KeyFrames.
   The Animation KeyFrames dialog box opens.


3. Click the Create button.


4. Identify the element to be included in the keyframe.


5. Accept the element.
   The Create KeyFrame dialog box opens.


6. In the Name field, key in the desired name for the keyframe.


7. (Optional) In the Description field, key in the desired description for the keyframe.


8. Click the OK button.
   Focus returns to the Animation KeyFrames dialog box. The new keyframe is listed there.

To insert a keyframe in the open script

1. In the Animation Settings tool box, click the Keyframes dialog icon.
   or
   From the Animation Producer dialog box's Settings menu, choose KeyFrames.
   The Animation KeyFrames dialog box opens.


2. In the list box, double-click the keyframe to insert.
   or
   Select the keyframe to insert, and click the Script button.
   The Script KeyFrame dialog box opens.

   Script Keyframe dialog box



3. In the Frame Number field, key in the desired frame number for the keyframe.


4. From the Interpolation option menu, choose one of the following to specify the type of path the elements follow when moving to this keyframe:
   Linear — The path followed between keyframes is a straight line. In most cases, this results in a jerky, unnatural motion.
   Spline — A curve is fitted to the path between keyframes, which results in a smoother, more natural motion.


5. From the Velocity option menu, choose one of the following to specify the manner in which the elements' speed varies as they move to this keyframe:
   Constant Speed — The elements move at a constant velocity to this keyframe.
   Accelerate — Movement starts at zero velocity and moves to this keyframe with constant acceleration, as if it is initially at rest and is acted on by a constant force.
   Decelerate — Motion starts with a velocity that declines to zero at this keyframe, as if the object is initially moving and is acted on by a constant opposing force.
   Accelerate-Decelerate — The elements start at rest, accelerate until halfway to this keyframe, and then decelerate to rest at this keyframe.
   Infinite — The elements “jump” instantaneously to their position in this keyframe.


6. Click the OK button.
   A new script entry for the keyframe is inserted in the open script in the Animation Producer dialog box.