Basic Steps to IK

 

1. Load the desk_lamp into Layout. Switch to the Left view and Front Face Wireframe render.
2. Parent the pieces of the object appropriately using the Motion Options window (m) or the Scene Editor.
3. Set the rotational pivots of the pieces appropriately with the Modify -> Move Pivot tool.
4. Create a null (^n). Call it “Lamp Goal”. Click the Edit box. Set its shape to Diamond, scale to 200 mm, and label to Lamp. Move it to a suitable starting spot for the lamp head and key it.
5. Select the base and option the Motion Options window. Make the base the head of the IK chain by checking “Unaffected by IK of Descendents” under the IK and Modifiers tab.
6. Select the Lower Stand object and open the Motion Options window. Select the Controllers and Limits tab. Set it so that Heading and Pitch are controlled by IK and Bank is constrained to 0.
7. Select the Upper Stand object. Set pitch to IK and constrain Heading and Bank to 0.
8. Select the Lamp object. Under the IK and Modifiers tab, set Goal to Lamp Goal. Check “Match Goal Orientation” and “Full-time IK”.
9. Experiment with translating, and rotating the Lamp Goal.