
	Eg 1: Stage 8: Joining the Two Halves

The two half head networks now need to be joined together. Use Load from the main CySlice window to add the original half into the currently loaded mirror half.

The Template tool makes an exact copy of the topology of a network. Even though the shape may change, all the other information such as patch names, number of curve divisions and point id numbers remains unchanged. And because the template tool was used to mirror the half head network, both halves are essentially the same, only the shape of one has changed.

Figure 202. Two Halves With Gaps and Overlaps

Figure 202 shows the two halves loaded together; there are quite a few gaps and overlaps down the center of the head. The two halves need to be joined together to make a single continuous network. The hard way to do this would be to switch Rebuild to Off, delete one of the center curves, then connect the ends of each pair of lateral curves (the ones coming off the center curve).

The quick and easy way to join the two networks together is to Blend the two center curves. This will make one curve which is the average of the two, exactly what we want, and all lateral curves will be connected automatically.

Figure 203. Blending the Center Curves

First click on Blend in the Points and Curves panel, then select the two center curves (see Figure 203). Hit <Space> to blend the two curves into one, and the two networks will be joined. Because changing the shape of the center curves affects lots of other curves, most of the patches will need to refit. This will happen automatically.

Figure 204. Need to Join Across the Center

Figure 204 shows the resulting single network. There are one or two kinks in the blended center curve, especially on the bridge of the nose. This can easily be fixed by adjusting the shape points in that area.

If you look at the back of the head (see right side Figure 204) you can see a couple of locations where there's a kink in the lateral curves. These can be fixed by joining together the two curves on either side of the center line.

Figure 205. Final Full Head Network

Figure 205 shows the final full head network. Right click here to grab head-net5.zip (144k). Right click here to grab head-iges.zip (129k).

Figure 206. High Quality Render

Doubling Resolution - Optional

Typically, when animating, networks can be light weight and detail is added through color and displacement maps. But if you are building a surface for use in some manufacturing process, such as CNC milling, then you might need denser patches.

Figure 207. Doubling Resolution

Doubling the patch densities is quite straight forward. Open up the Points and Curves panel, enable All, and enter 200 into the Mult Div field (see Figure 207). If you click on the Mult Div button, or hit the <Enter> key, then the number of divisions on all curves will be doubled. All patches will then automatically refit with quadrupled density.

Figure 208. High Density Head Network

Figure 208 shows the increased density full head network. You can see that the NURBS patches are now picking up more of the polymesh's fine detail.