3dsmax - Script Controller - Object to vertex normal?

Yohigo

Hi, does anyone know how the heck I can make an object attach to another object's vertex and rotate according to the normal vertex, using Maxscript and/or Script controller?

I've found this script that attach one object to the vertex of another, but only follows its position. I need it to align to the normal of the vertex as well. Any help is appreciated.

killnpc

Normal Align? 

Yohigo

Yes.

killnpc

Uh... right. Good! Just In case we're falling into an "Abbott & Costello bit" I should clarify there's a 3ds max feature called Normal Align, which I'm guessing will achieve your goal. Here's how to use it:
https://help.autodesk.com/view/3DSMAX/2022/ENU/?guid=GUID-4A8906C8-281F-4B75-8DD2-F08237216BF4

Klunk

it's a little convoluted but here goes.

on the target object (the one you want to align to)
add a custom attribute from Animation::Parameter Editor...
called vert
make it of type integer, ui spinner, from 1, to 999999, default 1, width 64. Press Add.

now select the aligned node.
in the motion panel select the Transform Controller in the tree view then click the assign controller button and select Transforn Script.

This should throw up the script controller editor.
create 2 new variables
mobj, Assign Node this to the target object
vert, Assign track this to the custom attribute called vert

now in the expression copy and paste the following...

v = 1 + mod (vert - 1) mobj.numVerts;
tm = matrixFromNormal (getNormal mobj v);
tm.translation = getvert mobj v;
tm

now press Evaluate.
going back to the target object you should be able to change the vert aligned to with the vert spinner custom attribute giving this....

Klunk

as a macroscript tool, select the object to align then pick the target when the macro is run. 
changed it slightly for the ca is now on the align object so multiple objects can align to a single target
it's worth noting that to return the objects to a "normal" state you'll need to reset the transform controller back to the position/rotation/scale one in the motion panel

iam717

@klunk having someone like you able to do this when needed i can see "unlimited cosmic power".  Genie reference, basically thanks for another helpful ms, that probably should already be in the basic app.

Klunk

thanks, think I surprised myself too!

added an offset & zrotation