[3DSMAX] Spline tool script (sort of like ZBrush Curve brush) for repeatable geometry along spline.

OccultMonk

Paul Graveson has a tool, that he did not publish as far as I know: Spline tool. This is not the same as objects that are repeated along the spline with the snapshot tool. These objects are bend along the curve and merged like the curve brush in Zbrush. I know you can do this manually with the world space path deform modifier, but you still have to guess the amount of objects you need, and it can't be adjusted dynamically.  This would be ideal for repeated merged topology such as ropes and hoses, but also for stitches that bend with the spline. 

I wanted to make such a script myself, but I just don't have the time. Does anyone know if there is a script like this? Or how to contact Paul Graveson?

http://www.predictable-paul.com/index.php?cat=art&type=tools 

musashidan

Here's his twitter feed https://mobile.twitter.com/moppius looks like he's still active. Maybe contact him that way.

I don't think he released it and seems like he might have moved on to Maya. Certainly looks identical to having insert multi mesh curve brush in Max. Post back if you succeed

OccultMonk

I tried a month ago, but didn't get a response. Maybe someone else could try? I could probably code it myself with booleans and world space path modifier, but I don't have the time.

musashidan

OccultMonk said:

I tried a month ago, but didn't get a response. Maybe someone else could try? I could probably code it myself with booleans and world space path modifier, but I just don't have the time. 

No problem. I'll give it a go myself(contacting him, not scripting:) ) would be great to have that extra control with Max's splines using imm curve set up.

OccultMonk

@musashidan: Did you get a response? It seems like a waste since it would be a useful script.

Isn't there something like this?

musashidan

@OccultMonk,  hey mate, I did what I swore never to do......I opened a twitter account....   It was the only way to get in contact as far as I could see.
He replyed with this when I asked if he'd ever released it:

@musashidan1 i didn't, no - always wanted to convert it to C++ for speed but never had the time. It has some bugs preventing release atm

I still asked for a 'bugged beta' release to test. I'll see what he says, and if he's happy to give me a beta copy I'll let you know.

musashidan

OccultMonk said:

Isn't there something like this?

I'm not aware of any other scripts with those features similar to tri-parts curve brush. Although I hadn't really looked into it until you posted this.

PolyHertz

musashidan said:

@OccultMonk,  hey mate, I did what I swore never to do......I opened a twitter account....   It was the only way to get in contact as far as I could see.

Eh? It's @MoP, he's on these forums all the time, you could have just sent him a private message...

musashidan

PolyHertz said:

musashidan said:

@OccultMonk,  hey mate, I did what I swore never to do......I opened a twitter account....   It was the only way to get in contact as far as I could see.

Eh? It's @MoP, he's on these forums all the time, you could have just sent him a private message...

Haha! Seek and ye shall find, eh? I did know he went by MoP, but I haven't seen him post. (Although I'm only on here a few months) thanks for the heads up.

Yeah, just had a gander at his profile page. He hasn't visited since Jan 1.

OccultMonk

@MUSASHIDAN Great Thanks,
I would not care if it has some bugs. If I know what the bugs are I can work around them ;-)
I think this is a great tool for a lot of detailing work. 

cgtoolsmith

Hi there!

I am working on a similar tool: MeshBrush it is part of a tool called Tycoon.

More updates for the upcoming Tycoon Update 1.2
#MeshBrush #Madebytycoon

Draw splines and deform custom meshes on splines.
Inspired by the Insert Brush from Zbrush.

https://youtu.be/cr3qbKb11u8

http://polycount.com/discussion/170076/tycoon-beta-1-0-released-3ds-max-tool-coasters-pipes-and-more#latest

OccultMonk

vonBerg said:

Hi there!

From what I can see this isn't really useful like this yet. You should be able to select existing splines. For example splines that were created from outlines of existing objects. Drawing a spline freehand is not something I do often as it is not accurate enough. Like this, it's a gimmick, not really functional. If I want to add for example a zipper to a coat, I will create a spline based on the existing geometry. I am also missing the option to have caps on both ends. 
I hope you can improve the functionality because this can be really useful when implemented correctly.

Paul Graveson's Spline tools still seems to work better.

cgtoolsmith

Hi! You will also be able to select other splines. You don't have to draw it using the tool! End/cap control is
coming.

OccultMonk

Concepts of my script. I just made the interface and unfortunately did not have the time to implement it. I wanted to make that script for a very long time but never found the time.

cgtoolsmith

@occultmonk thanks for all your feedback and ideas!

New Tycoon Spline tool -- Beta coming soon!

+ Place objects on spline, 
+ Replace/change every object, 
+ Move up and down, 
+ Change orientation

Fixed in this version 0.8:

- Update & Collapse performance update.
- Axis / object orientation
- Update with new picked objects
- bugfix with same object
- set color after moving
- move up and down index after update
- combine pick item and pick mesh button
- object orientation after update

Made for 3Ds Max 2015/2016/2017 using MaxPlus/Python
By Yvo von Berg http://yvovonberg.nl/

Coming soon! Stay tuned: https://www.facebook.com/Yvo.3DTechArt/
https://www.artstation.com/artist/yvovonberg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ge_-uxYzxk0

OccultMonk

The MCG Modifier: MCG Path Constraint Has some of the functionality:

http://www.scriptspot.com/3ds-max/mcg/mcg-path-constraint-a-k-a-incrcloneoncurve

But not:

- Twist along spline setting (alternative to using an extra spline)
- Auto weld (for creating hozes/Tubes)
- Start and End Caps

nhatnguyenmodz