A gait is a method or pattern of moving on foot.
When you create new footsteps, the timing is determined by the gait you have chosen (Walk, Run, or Jump) and the parameters for that gait. You must choose the gait before parameters can be set.
Choose the gait that most closely approximates the type of movement you want to create. You can alter or adjust the gait after footsteps have been created.
Walk Gait
In a walk, at least one foot is always in contact with the ground. A period where one or both feet are in contact with the ground is called a support period. If both feet are on the ground, this is known as a double support period.
Turn on Walk before creating footsteps to create this type of gait.
The gait parameters of a walk are:
- Walk Footstep
-
The number of frames that each footstep remains on the ground.
- Double Support
-
The number of frames in a double support period, that is, when both feet are on the ground.
Run Gait
With running, both feet are never on the ground at the same time. Either one foot is on the ground during the support period, or the body is airborne. While it is airborne, the body moves forward horizontally at a constant speed. In general, the longer the body is in the air, the higher it must fly after lifting off from the supporting foot to stay airborne for the specified period of time.
Turn on Run before creating footsteps to create this type of gait.
The gait parameters of a run are:
- Run Footstep
-
The number of frames that each footstep remains on the ground.
- Airborne
-
The number of frames that the biped is airborne, that is, when neither foot is on the ground.
Jump Gait
Jumping is a special case of running. Both feet are in contact with the ground at the same time, or airborne at the same time. As with running, forward motion is horizontal and constant, but vertical motion depends on the length of the jump.
Turn on Jump before creating footsteps to create this type of gait.
The gait parameters of a jump are:
- Feet Down
-
The number of frames in which both feet are on the ground.
- Airborne
-
The number of frames that the biped is airborne, that is, when neither foot is on the ground.
Changing these values changes the biped's jump behavior.
Setting Gait Parameters
Gait parameters can be found in two areas:
-
If creating footsteps automatically with Create Multiple Footsteps, the gait parameters appear on the Create Multiple Footsteps dialog. -
If creating footsteps manually with Create Footsteps (append) or Create Footsteps (at current frame), the gait parameters on the Footstep Creation rollout are used.
Changing these values changes the timing for any footsteps placed after the values are set.
Changing the Gait After Creating Footsteps
After creating the footsteps, you can change the gait by editing footstep timing in Track View's Dope Sheet mode. See Editing Footstep Timing.
Gait parameters are only one way to define the timing and nature of the biped's gait. For a more complete description of gaits and other parameters that alter the nature of the biped's motion, see Adjusting Vertical Motion.