Favorite EI plugin

#18

Hey Blair,

I’d like to see something like Setup Machine or Final Rig 2 for EI. Some type of plugin that assists in the character/skeleton rigging process.

#19

Here’s one off the top of my head :wise:

A “bridge” plugin, like the connection plug between Treestorm and EI that allows you to use any modeler that supports .Fact, so you can model-save and have a one-click update in EI.

Or i guess the other option would be to have a “refresh” button in the project window for each group, it would be so much better than having re-load the whole project.

Reuben

#20

This is more of a feature request for ubershape, but I would like it to be able to create random arrays of shapes (cubes for example for a cityscape).

I’d find it useful for my arch vis work (home made ref maps etc). I think there is a plug-in like this for C4D but i forget its name… So perhaps a one trick pony plug that only does this with cubes…

anyhoo,
Ian

#21

Which reminds me, would still really REALLY ! like someone to write an EI version of the Greeble plugin :thumbsup:

#22

I agree! In case anyone is wondering what Reuben is referring to, see:

http://www.richardrosenman.com/greeble.htm

Alternatively, would NL3D’s Assimilator Plug-in do something similar?

#23

Actually, Placer Deposit would probably be able to do what this plugin does. Looks to me like the greeble thing is limited to cuboids. PD can put anything on a surface.

Assimilator builds pipe networks or rather 3D networks of interconnected objects. You could probably use it in certain cases where you need a lot of subconcious detail.

#24

The difference with Placer/Assimilator is you have to “feed” it geometry, Greeble generates it.

You have lots of control over the generation, size, extrusion depth, etc, with a choice of “widgits”, also has random seed control and you can bevel the extrusions

Main application for this is things like spaceship hulls and places where you would want to add “interesting” detail.

You can build a complete city from a simple plane with a few clicks with this plugin, very cool.

I collected some examples and info on this a while back, i’ll see i can find it.

Reuben

#25

My feeling on automatic anything is that invariably an art director will come along and say “Change this to that” and you’ll pound your head on the keyboard because there isn’t a one-click solution for it.

#26

I came up with a similar idea many years ago for a plugin/shader combo, while at ILM, that would use reactive shader techniques to paint and generate “Armour” on models. Since I was working on a certain “space opera”, I thought it would be nice to be able to define an area on a model through strength maps and the shader would produce various random hull patterns for space ships. The plugin would supplement the surface with various geometric detail based on the strength map. (Like your greeble plug) Ultimately, this system would have the ability to export out texture maps to photoshop so you could modify the end result.

#27

Maybe true Blair, but anything that helps reduce the workload helps. Particularly if its for subconscious detail.

#28

Last edited by Vizfizz : Today at 04:51 PM.

Why’s this been edited ?

Blair, a few clicks yes, but i wasn’t counting the interactive reatime controls :slight_smile:

We are not ALL in search of the “magic button” you know.

Reuben

#29

Just a PlacerGreebleDeposit test with GI :slight_smile:
Have fun.

#30

That was totally accidental. I didn’t remove or modify anything from Blair’s post. I was attempting to quote him and I clicked edit instead. As moderator I have that power. When I saved it… I realized what I did and reposted.

#31

As an artist, it’s important for you to try to understand that “a few clicks” usually translates to potentially months of work for the programmer. Some of us get frustrated when our hard work is devalued at the cash register and criticized during its use and yet the customer often makes back their investment several times over.

The state of the industry reflects the fact that making the software cheaper doesn’t result in a more successful software company. It’s gotten to the point where only huge corporations can afford to throw money down the 3D hole because they can use other products as cash cows.

sigh I’ll go back to bed now.

#32

Yes i understand that, is the greeble plugin worth the time and effort ? probably not.

The closest thing to greeble is actually Mrs Bebel, thats why i already suggested some greeble-like features for that.

Reuben

#33

Hey dude:

I think you’ve done quite well designing and creating your software.
And I’m pleased with Dante and Placer and yes they have paid for themselves already.
Speaking for myself, there is frustration on both sides: in my case trying to get an idea out of my head and into a computer while the clock is ticking (not always the case!) and someone asking “are we there yet? are we there yet?”
but that’s always going to happen, and the more I learn and know what works and doesn’t the better artist I will become, and yeah the faster I can work and get paid & everyones happy.
for now!

I think there is always room for improvement on both sides,
so don’t let things get you down.

#34

Just quite well ? :slight_smile:

Yeah i have volumes 1,2,3 and Blaster, they are all great plugins, and btw, i haven’t made a single penny from them :smiley:

Reuben

#35

Blair has a good point though. The margins within the mid and high range 3D packages are razor thin. Its even more difficult when you consider the niche nature of EIAS. In order to improve the situation for our programmers and 3rd party vendors, we have to find inventive ways to increase marketshare and one of the best ways of increasing marketshare is to form stronger software communities. Hence this forum. Stronger communities help promote product awareness, this inturn leads to new products by vendors, which increases the allure of EIAS. A stronger EITG means more features in the main package and increases competition for the 3D marketplace in general. Competition helps prevent a monopoly which ultimately, if allowed to be established, is actually a bad thing for the user…

<cough>

Autodesk!

#36

Yeah, considering EIs history (the Play years). :banghead:

Well, they’re paid, but no profits as of yet - soon I hope :slight_smile:

it’s all gravy from here on :thumbsup:

#37

I tried to repond to this eariier but the service was so busy it wouldn’t post…So I blogged. Opss excuse. I have been going blog bonkers lately.

http://web.mac.com/avtpro5/iWeb/Site/Blog/E9163DC2-9533-11DA-91DA-0030657CE1C0.html