The auto rigger contains a lot of helper joints, these helper joints are not going to be driven by the Unity's Mecanim system. The runtime manager script allows you to apply the .skeletonPreset file exported in Maya to the skeleton in Unity. It will apply scripts to the helper joints and set the correct settings coming from Maya meaning the deformation will be identical between the two applications. Once this process is done the helper joints are driven by joints that are controlled by the Mecanim system.
Runtime Manager
Runtime Manager Inspector
Runtime Helper
The runtime helper setup contains 2 different scripts. The helper joints are used to preserve volume in areas like the hips, knee, wrist, elbow etc. The helper translate script will preserve volume by translating the joint based on rotational values and the helper aim joint will preserve volume aiming its joint towards a target. The aim joint is a child of the translate joint.
Runtime Helper Example
Runtime Helper Translate Inspector
Runtime Helper Aim Inspector
Runtime Twister
The runtime twister can split the twist value of a parent joint and only apply a fraction of that to the helper joint. This will help prevent the candy wrapper effect.
Runtime Twister Example
Runtime Twister Inspector
Runtime Muscle
The runtime muscle is the more complex of the runtime joints. It mimics the behaviour of a muscle, it has a origin and an insertion point driven by parent joints. This script also features an option that is not available in Maya, it is possible to make the joint dynamic. The dynamics will add a natural jiggle to the joint which boosts realism.
Runtime Muscle Example
Runtime Muscle Inspector
Credits
- Modelling Topology: Make Human
- Modelling: Michael Falzon
- Animation: Everyday Motion Pack Free