ZenBlink Setup For UnrealEngine

Setup Instructions

• Prepare the Project:
  • Add a MetaHuman to your scene.
  • Add a Cine Camera to the scene.
• Enable the Plugin:
  • Go to Edit > Plugins.
  • Search for ZenBlink and enable it.
  • Restart Unreal Engine to activate the plugin.
• Access ZenBlink Content:
  • Enable Engine Content and Plugin Content in the Content Browser settings.
  • Search for ‘ZenBlink’ in the Content Browser to view all plugin-related content.
• Add ZenBlink Actor:
  • Drag the Example BP_ZenBlink blueprint into the scene.
  • Zero out its transform.
  • Alternatively, use Quick Add to add the blueprint by typing and searching for ‘ZenBlink.’

Configuring ZenBlink

• Default Settings
  • MetaHuman: Assign the MetaHuman Actor you want to animate. Example: Assign ‘BP_Benice.’
  • Camera Focus Target: Add a Basic Actor to the scene and rename it (e.g., ‘FocusForCamera’). Assign this actor to a CineCamera Auto Focus tracking/target. The camera will then focus on the Metahuman eyes.
  • Target to Follow: Add another Basic Actor to the scene and rename it (e.g., ‘FollowMe’). Assign this actor to Target to Follow. The Metahuman will “LookAt” this target.
  • Auto Focus: Toggle Auto Focus.
  • Auto Blink: Toggle to enable or disable automatic blinking.
  • Use Head Movement: Enable to allow the MetaHuman’s head to track targets.
  • Face Animation: Enable or disable facial emotion.
  • Emotion: Select from 22 predefined emotions. Each emotion modifies blinking, eye movement, pupil constriction, and head movement.
  • Movement Type:
    • None: Disables eye movement.
    • Random: Movement is driven by the selected emotion.
    • Follow Target: Eyes and head follow the assigned target.
  • Eye Aim Adjustment: Make adjustments (x,y,z), if eyes do not correctly look at target.
  • Face Emotion Strength: Adjust the strength of the emotion
  • Face Animation Blend: Adjust blend between Existing and ZenBlink Face Animation. 1 is full ZenBlink override.
  • Head Movement Strength: Adjust the strength of ZenBlink head animation.
  • Head Movement Blend: Blend between Original and ZenBlink head animation. (Similar to Face Blend)
  • Zen Blink Strength: Overall Strength of ZenBlink Animation.

Using ZenBlink Features

• Simulate ZenBlink:
  • Hit simulate to observe automatic blinking, eye movement, pupil constriction, and head movement.
  • Example: Set the emotion to ‘Childish’ for faster movements.
• Auto Focus with Camera:
  • Open your Cine Camera settings.
  • In Focus Settings, Enable Tracking and assign the ‘FocusForCamera’ actor.
  • Adjust relative offsets for precise focus.
• Use ZenBlink with Sequencer:
  • Create a Level Sequence (e.g., ‘ZenBlinkSequence’) and set frames (e.g., 500).
  • Add your camera and ZenBlink actor to the sequence.
  • Keyframe properties such as Emotion, Eye Movement Type, and Weight.
  • Add movement to the camera and simulate to make the MetaHuman track the camera with its eyes and head.
• Combine with Existing Animations:
  • ZenBlink integrates with face and body animations.
  • Note: Enabling Use Head Movement may override head animations in your sequence.
• Record ZenBlink Animations:
  • Use the record button in Sequencer to capture ZenBlink animations.
  • Locate the recorded animation in the Content Browser and adjust its properties as needed.