Hi Mark and all..
You can do it simply like this.. but its lattice on lattice..=) (This is
one of many ways I bet.. dunno if its the best...just one fast one I
thought of...)
Hi Stefan,
I have some catching up to do but I can now confirm that this hierarchical
'lattice on lattice' works fine!
I simply pointwise mapped a helix (generated by Frankolino's script
V1.51a!!) to a 2-point curve that's on its turn mapped (selected points) to
the Chrono cubes. It's smooth, efficient and renders better than the VSL
solution. The spring thickness is constant, so that little problem is solved
too.
1. Create your Helix curve, and edit it as you want.. maybe the first and
last point in the Center of the ends..
2. Lattice Map (pointwise) the helix curve to a 2 point curve..(or 3 if
you want to later deform the helix...)
3. Make duplicates of the mapped HELIX Curve... as many as you need...(was
it 27 springs you had in yoru thingy?)
4. Now Multiselect the first helix duplicate... and the first 2 point
curve and use the 'Reconnect' Tool in the Lattice Mapping Tab..
(Step 4 , 2 point curves that you already have in your thingy)
5. Repeat step 4 until you have reconnected each duplicates to its own 2
point curve of your nice thingy... (would be good here to be able to do
step 4 for all in one go..)
Yes, 'smart mapping'! I feel I often overlooked the powerful Lattice mapping
tool in the past... it can even very handy in modeling.
Actually: 27 cubes but 70 springs, I think I'll try your ideas with a
simpler project ;)
Enough other interesting Chrono things to discover where this can be
applied!
[...]
Would be nice with some tools for setting up repetative things like this
in an easier way...!!!
Sigh... most 'creative' processes have a boring component embedded, there's
no escape...
Wow, what a huge quick-tutorial, I'll try all this tomorrow - I really need
some rest now ;)
Is there a way to set things up so one can change one helix for another
object or so, and all others use the new object ?
(I thought of Instances, but those cant be mapped or so...hmm )
Also could be nice with a built in feature into the nurbcurve itself, that
no matter how the curve is shaped, it would stretch out in the direction
(Straight line) between the first and last point, when either of those
points are moved.. the curve would stretch accordingly..
(but this would only be an Option..=)
(on the other hand.. there are so many features one would want, before
this one.=)
Just thought of it..since its abit lol to do this lattice on lattice way..
.. abit double =)
Interesting idea, it reminds me of something I often miss in SDS editing:
moving an edge in its own direction, or did I miss a keyboard shortcut.
Ok.. hope any of my steps above makes any sense at all.. ..
if there are any questions just ask..
if I made any mistakes, point it out..=)
Take Care
Best Regards
Stefan Gustafsson ( Beg-inner )
A Proud Owner and User of Real3D and Realsoft3D..
Hats off to your huge post, I'll get into it ASAP and keep you posted!
-Mark H
