Ali Torabi » plug-in

Array on curves inside another array

admin — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 19:25:14 +0000

In this video I’m creating a curve network. A curve network consist of a series of curves which has been assigned to curves from another array.
Also you learn how to use Xform modifier to transform selected vertices of a shape object.

PART I

PART II

Custom pattern tool in SubObject controller

admin — Thu, 31 May 2012 13:01:28 +0000

Learn how to use Sub object controller in surface controller in order to create custom patterns.

Pattern controller

admin — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 04:48:47 +0000

In this video I tried to explain how to use the pattern controller to make a wall with staggered tiles. This is a response to a user’s question and here is the comment which was posted by V.T. :

Hi, I’d like to know if there’s a way to create an array with staggered row (like a ordinary brick wall). Thanks.

I’m using PARA 2.1 and MAX 2011

Upgrade to Parametric Array II

admin — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 06:40:11 +0000

parametric array II BETA is ready for download. As I’m still developing this tool it may have some problem and cause some errors. Kindly share your experience with new version either in Facebook or Weblog to improve the debagging process. In order to upgrade you need to login to license manager from the link below. Please notice you may need to reactivate your license during upgrade. The upgrade is free of charge but it isn’t reversible. Please make sure that you have backed up the Parametric Array 1.0 license file ( paramarray_lic.dat ) before installing the PARAII. Thank you for your support and participation!

Upgrade link: https://www.torabiarchitect.com/license_manager/license_manager_login.php

Parametric Array & L-System

admin — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 07:44:15 +0000

Did you know that you can produce L-systems with parametric array!

Here is some experience with parametric array of a single line. I have used getItem function to access the parent node using the method below.

getItem index:[1+int((index1-2)/4),1,1]

Denominator (4) defines the number of branches per node. the script above returns the parent of the current object in L-system. Using this trick, you can adjust the start point of the line according to the end point of its parent. Of course the end point is just a transformation of the start point which defines the production rule of L-System. In new version of parametric array this will come as new controller and much more easy to implement on any type of object.

Users can ask for sample scene!

Animating parametric array

admin — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 12:45:56 +0000

Level: Intermediate
In This Video:

Using time value to animate items in the array.

Offseting time value by adding index to it.

Use Trigonometric functions to distribute items in the array on an assuming surface.

Parametric brick wall.

admin — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 12:31:47 +0000

Level: Advanced
In This Video:

Positioning items based on other items location and dimensions.

Randomize function inside the script controller.

How to use getItem function to address a specific property of an item inside the array.

Note: the getItem function returns the value of specific property of the specific object inside the array.
getItem index:[index1,index2,index3] prop:property

Circular pattern response to an attractor object

admin — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 12:25:22 +0000

Level: Advanced
In This Video:

Use script controller to access objects properties outside of the array.

control the radius of cylinders in array according to their distance from a specific object.

How to use setTarget command Addressing properties of other objects from script controller.

Using getItem command the get the value of specific property of the current item.

Note1: setTarget function can return the value of the any propety of any object outside the array.
setTarget object:object name prop:property name
Note2: if you dont mention the index argument in getItem function it returns the value
of the property for the current item in the array.
getItem prop:property name

Rotating panels along the surface

admin — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 11:46:48 +0000

Level: Advanced
In This Video:

Use curve controller to change U & V offsets of a surface controller.

Using preview mode to handle large number of items in the array.

surfaceController takes following arguments:
surface:surface name –Name of object in 3ds Max
feedback:transform/position/rotation –function returns transform matrix, position in point3 value and rotation in EulerAngles value
uOffset:offset value –Increase or decrease offset in U direction
vOffset:offset value –Increase or decrease offset in V direction
normalOffset:offset value –increase or decrease the normal offset
mode:1 or 2 — set the controller in relative mode (2) or absolute mode (1)
order: 1 to 9 — choose the order of rotation (items in drop down menu) works only when feedback is set to rotation
data: 1 or 2 — use uv-mapping information (2) or NURBS evaluation functions (1)
uv:1 or 2 — choose the uv direction.
surfaceID: index number — identify the surface index when works with nurbs object or choose
the UV mapping channel when working with mapping information

Combine controllers inside your script

admin — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 11:01:40 +0000

Level: Advanced
In This Video:

Use curve controller to pass offset value to the surface controller.

Set the dim argument to apply the curve controller on a certain direction.