You can create an anchor to fix a segment of the manikin in a specific location in the
space (3D position) while you move the manikin. When the inverse kinematics
could not resolve a position with the constraint, the segment moves but the
target position stays the same. The concept of anchor is similar to the
fix constraint except for the following difference: An anchor prevents a
segment to move out of its target position to satisfy the resolution of
another target. Unlike the fix constraint, no twin segment or line
between the target and the segment displays because the segment never
moves.
Here are the specifications of the anchors:
No
specific location in the space assigns to an anchor. If you move the
manikin without the usage of the IK, the anchor does not have any effect
like deactivation.
Considers Anchors as options of IK Behaviors.
These anchors affect the behavior of inverse kinematics when using the
following commands:
Command Active.
Forward Kinematics No.
Inverse Kinematics Yes.
Reach Yes.
Standard Pose
No.
IK Behaviors options for anchors save in a manikin's setting.
There are 3 types of Anchors: position, direction, and frame
(position and orientation).
The anchors have to be active in Ergonomics Evaluation and also in Ergonomics at Work.
Anchors can add to these predefined segments, the line of
sight. The index, thumb, hand, and elbow. The ankle, and toes.
Edit Anchors dialog:
When you open it for the first time,
it shows the list of segments on which you can add an anchor. After
selecting a line, you can click either the first or second column to add
or remove the selected anchor. When an anchor is added, its state turns
on and the default type is define at
Position and orientation.
When you
remove the anchor, the line clears except for the segment name. You can
also click the third column to change the type of the anchor.
| State |
Segment |
Type |
| On |
Line of sight |
Pointing |
| On |
Left index |
Position and orientation |
| On |
Left thumb |
Position |
| On |
Left-hand |
Direction |
- Change posture using
Forward Kinematics command Anchors
are inactive in the context of Forward
Kinematics use.
- Change posture using the Inverse Kinematics and Reach command.
- Override Anchors by temporary constraints (handles)
that control the motion of the manikin. Thus, anchors
follow their owner segment. Moreover, each temporary
constraint overrides all anchors on this IK Chain.
- Anchors restrain the pelvis motion of the manikin using
IK or Reach mode. For example, if you try to move the
pelvis in a position where the anchors cannot resolve,
the manikin stops and keeps a static posture. This is to
avoid placing the manikin in a position where the
anchors cannot resolve.
- Change posture using Standard Pose command Anchors are active
for all tabs except Hand Grasp and Elbow Joint.
- Change location using the Robot or the Place Mode command Anchors are inactive in these
contexts.