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View Full Version : Expression controller problem in max 7

lummoxmine
12-22-2004, 08:33 AM
I built a simple southpark-esk facial rig. I Utilized the Expression controller in max to relate the X&Y positions of the eyelids (X for the top lid and Y for the Bottom) to a Joystick manipulator (you can it find on scriptspot (http://www.scriptspot.com/start.htm)). then I added those values to the Relative postion of the eyes. .... the Expression is pretty straight foward.. something like
Manipulator Y value = upper lid Y position /5 + eye Y position /10
Manipulator X value = Lower lid Y position /5 + -eye Y position /10

(I may have mixed up a little of the expression b/c max's expression controller makes you connect your variables straight to whatever they're driving.. I think the underlying idea is there though)

I'm sure I'm doing something wrong. everything seems to work right but..
the moment I press the Autokey button The manipulator will animate.. but the expression doesn't seem to drive anything anymore... what's the deal?
eek
12-22-2004, 03:49 PM
ok, that looks a little odd to me. Firstly controllers only work up to the timeline you set them so for instance you create the expression from a timeframe of 0 -100, after 100 it wont work.

Now for the expression, you basically want to drive the eyelids off the eye, and inturn the eye off a joystick manipulator.

ok so first you want to split the eyelids into component xyz, then on the z axis apply a expression. This is a scalar expression right you want? ok.

scalar variable being "ep"

ep = eye_left.translate z - this is the scalar control, not the expression.

then for the expression you want

ep/10

thats it.

Then you put an expression on the eye, driven by the JM(joystick manipulator)

so you put an expression on the z translate of the eye.

in the expression call the scaler controller "jm" and assign it to the z translate of the manipulator. then in the expression just type jm

Now if you still want control of the eyelids manually your have to put them under a float_list controller.


Also you may need to use a vector expression instead of scalar.


Yep so you drive the eyelids to the eye first, then the eye to the manipulator. The expression carries through.

eek
lummoxmine
12-22-2004, 04:04 PM
Thanks a Bunch eek...
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