
	Templates: Copying Points

The layout of any network is defined fully by its shape points, and how they are then connected with curves. And so the first step in the network templating process is to copy some shape points.

There are two ways of copying points in the Template tool:

Single point copy is typically used when the shape of the template and target meshes is quite different in the area of interest. For example, a face with two quite different expressions. Single point copy is described below.

(2)

Multiple point copy is best used when the shape of the two meshes are reasonably close. For example, two faces, possibly from two different people, but with a similar expression. Multiple point copy is described in the following pages.

The two methods can be used together. In areas where the meshes are similar in shape, use Multiple point copy. But in those areas where they are quite different, use Single point copy.

Copying Single Points

To copy a single point, you first pick it in the Template mesh window, then indicate where you want it placed in the Target mesh window. This process is described in detail below.

Figure 131. Pick Point

To pick a shape point, first click on the Pick Point button in the Templates panel (see Figure 131).

Figure 132. Copy Point - Start

The menu line in the Template window will then indicate that you use the left mouse button to pick a shape point (see Figure 132).

Another way of picking points is to use the left and right blue arrow buttons. By clicking on one of these you'll pick the next or previous visible shape point. Points are ordered by age; the oldest (i.e. the one you created first) is first in the list.

Figure 133. Copy Point - Picked

The picked point is drawn in yellow (see inside corner of eye in Figure 133). Then the menu line in the Target mesh window will indicate that the left mouse button is used to place the shape point (see top of Figure 133).

Figure 134. Copy Point - Placed

Place the point in the Target window by clicking on the target mesh with the left mouse button (see Figure 134).

Figure 135. Copy Point - Moved

Once the point is placed, you can move it, or any other point on the Target mesh, with the middle mouse button. Zoom in, as required, to get a more accurate view of the target location (see Figure 135).

Figure 136. More Copied

To pick a second point you can now do one of three things. Either click on another point in the Template mesh window, or click on the left or right arrow button to pick the previous or next point, or hit the <Space> bar, with the mouse still in the Target mesh window, to pick the next point.

Once picked, place the second point and continue until all the points you want to copy are transferred over (see Figure 136).

In previous versions of CySlice the copied points were removed from the Template window, but now they are only greyed out. This makes it easier to keep track of what's been copied and what hasn't.