3D objects - scalable inport units
Posted: Wed Jan 24, 2007 5:02 am
The 3D import function of Anime Studio is an important feature and when used in conjunction with the z plane, certainly differentiates it from the competition
But there are big problems regarding the function's usability. From tests conducted using .obj files from Maya, Max and Blender. All import at impossibly large sizes. Often this means the .object cannot be seen and substantial fiddling is required if the object is to be seen without distortion: Unfortunately, when AS characters are imported, the scales and proportions are then impossible small.
What would make the use of 3D objects better would be to have some form of unit of scale option on the import side – that is, where a user could preselect the “1 unit” value of the object. For example, Blender opens with a 1 unit cube. Currently if it is imported into AS, the scale is 10 times too big. By selecting scale -0.1, the cube will import at its correct size and scale in the scene.
By having this scalability pre-set, people can build a library of default settings for each other the common software packages.
Once this is possible, building backgrounds and props in 3D will become a practical option, and the creative options of what is commercially possible will jump enormously.
Currently, using the 3D import for sets is just too problematic for commercial series use – that is a pity: - for one film released with a look like Disney's Aladdin, utilising 3D camera moves on 3D sets, would push the sale-ability of Anime Studio substantially.
My company has a department with 20 3DMax architectural animators who build cities for a living – I cannot use their output ... yet.
For us, we have both the capability and a project, and we have access to TV backing. With a fast predictable way to use 3D objects, the output could look stunning.
Rhoel
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Edit
There should also be an "Orientation" button. I have discovered that objects constructed in the correct XYZ plane in Blemder, import as side view orientation.
Maybe we need to have a preview window with scale setting, and radio buttons of x,y, z.
The more work I do on this, the more I am convinced there is a huge potential here. It just like its drawing teeth without anaesthetic at the moment. It's getting in the way of creativity.
But there are big problems regarding the function's usability. From tests conducted using .obj files from Maya, Max and Blender. All import at impossibly large sizes. Often this means the .object cannot be seen and substantial fiddling is required if the object is to be seen without distortion: Unfortunately, when AS characters are imported, the scales and proportions are then impossible small.
What would make the use of 3D objects better would be to have some form of unit of scale option on the import side – that is, where a user could preselect the “1 unit” value of the object. For example, Blender opens with a 1 unit cube. Currently if it is imported into AS, the scale is 10 times too big. By selecting scale -0.1, the cube will import at its correct size and scale in the scene.
By having this scalability pre-set, people can build a library of default settings for each other the common software packages.
Once this is possible, building backgrounds and props in 3D will become a practical option, and the creative options of what is commercially possible will jump enormously.
Currently, using the 3D import for sets is just too problematic for commercial series use – that is a pity: - for one film released with a look like Disney's Aladdin, utilising 3D camera moves on 3D sets, would push the sale-ability of Anime Studio substantially.
My company has a department with 20 3DMax architectural animators who build cities for a living – I cannot use their output ... yet.
For us, we have both the capability and a project, and we have access to TV backing. With a fast predictable way to use 3D objects, the output could look stunning.
Rhoel
---------------------------------------
Edit
There should also be an "Orientation" button. I have discovered that objects constructed in the correct XYZ plane in Blemder, import as side view orientation.
Maybe we need to have a preview window with scale setting, and radio buttons of x,y, z.
The more work I do on this, the more I am convinced there is a huge potential here. It just like its drawing teeth without anaesthetic at the moment. It's getting in the way of creativity.