What is the Biped Merge-Back workflow?

3ds Max users can use the 3ds Max FBX Plug-in to export Biped data to the FBX file format for import into Autodesk MotionBuilder. They can use this process to animate their Bipeds using MotionBuilder tools.

The following is the Biped Merge Back workflow:

1. Create your Biped in 3ds Max and export to FBX.
2. In MotionBuilder, import the FBX file, animate; then Plot (re-sample) the animation onto the character skeleton.
3. Save the scene as an FBX file.
4. Copy MotionBuilder animation data from the saved FBX file onto the original Biped character in 3ds Max using the FBX importer Update scene elements feature.

Performance enhancements

Previously, Biped merge-back operations were time-consuming but enhancements have been made to the 2010 release of 3ds Max that greatly improve the speed of the merge-back process.

This table shows some of the dramatic test results that reflect the improvements made to this merge-back operation:

Precision enhancements

In previous releases of 3ds Max, when users merged MotionBuilder animation onto 3ds Max Bipeds, several knee and elbow joints precision issues would occur. For example, elbow and knee joints would pop out of place on a few select frames only to pop back into place a few frames later. The result was an incorrect conversion of animation, and could render the workflow unusable. In 3ds Max 2010, these precision issues have been addressed.