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View Full Version : How to access each vertex of a polyCube and move it randomly??

FireSkull
06-03-2009, 12:23 PM
Hi MEL Masters,

I have a query for all MEL experts. I am new to MEL, so I am in a learning phase right now.

The problem is that I have created a polyCube in Maya. Like all cubes, it has 8 vertices. What I'm trying to do is that I want each and every vertex of the polyCube to move at a random X,Y,Z position thereby creating a deformed cube.

The solution in my mind is that first i create three variables as;

float $Xpos = rand(-12,12)
float $Ypos = rand(-12,12)
float $Zpos = rand(-12,12)

and then assign these variables as X,Y,Z position of each vertex like;

move $Xpos $Ypos $Zpos;

I understand that for this I have to use the for() loop so that each time a distorted cube is created it will have a different shape.

Finally i will make a procedure that will accept the number of distorted cubes as input form the user and gives the result. Something like;

global proc CreateDistortedCubes(int $NoOfCubes)


If anyone can write me a MEL for this or at least give me a clue in the form of a chunk of code, i'll be greatful.

I can handle the for() loop on my own. I just want to know how to access each vertex of a polyCube through MEL, and move each vertex dynamically through rand() command.

Thank you.
mlefevre
06-04-2009, 09:40 AM
Hi,

Here's a crude example.

You might want to mess about with the move command flag, -relative & -absolute.
You could also load the procedure into memory, and place distortObj(-1, 1) in an expression to
get some random animation going.
Should work for any number of objects selected.


global proc distortObj(float $randomA, float $randomB)
{
float $Xpos;
float $Ypos;
float $Zpos;
string $sel[] = `ls -sl`;
int $vtxCount[];
int $k = 0;
for ($each in $sel)
{
int $vtxInfo[] = `polyEvaluate -vertex $each`;
$vtxCount[$k] = $vtxInfo[0];
$k++;
}
for ($i=0;$i<size($vtxCount);$i++)
{
for($j=0;$j<($vtxCount[$i]);$j++)
{
$Xpos = rand($randomA, $randomB);
$Ypos = rand($randomA, $randomB);
$Zpos = rand($randomA, $randomB);
move -r $Xpos $Ypos $Zpos ($sel[$i] + ".vtx["+$j+"]");
}
}
}

//example
distortObj(-1, 1)

Hope that helps.
FireSkull
06-04-2009, 10:41 AM
Hey it worked. Thank you so much. I owe you bro.. :buttrock:

Can I have your email address?? :bounce:
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