Using Formulas while Keyframing

[MegaPixel]

I'd like to know if there is a way to set an object in motion by specifying it's "Rate of Travel" (say 200ft/min) or even adding Acceleration/Deceleration formulas to the start and stop keys? I am currently spending a lot of time making pre-calculations to set every frame in the project and was just wondering if I was going about some of this the hard way.

 

Thanks, Mega

[Crazy Homeless Guy]

Check the Neoscape scripts on the Boston 3dsmax user group page. I am not sure if the have exactly what you are looking for, but they have something that will let you easily set the speed in mph of objects in a scene. You might be able to modify the script, or look at how it is scripted to create one that specifically meets your needs.

[dean@pikcells]

i dont know much about it, and i may be way off, but maybe the "wire parameters" may work? i think you can make calculations based on frames, and such.

[Nils Norgren]

Just like with many tasks there are many ways to achieve a system for this. The most direct and "Math" based ways would be to add a script controller to the animation track in question, and write a script that moved something based on the global time, if a "list controller" is added then secondary position can still be set. If eases need to be controlled then it can become more difficult to script but it can be done.

 

The script we have available is simply a script that pops up a window that tells you how fast an object is going in the scene, It should be checked once bc there are settings within the global units that may throw it off.

 

get the scripts here: http://www.neoscape.com/clients/aauga/

look under the archive meetings panel under: May 2008 : Neoscape scripts

 

Good luck!

 

-Nils

[MegaPixel]

Thank you NilsN,

 

I've been putting off learning Scripting for a long time and it's finally come to the point where I need to just grab a gallon of coffee and dig in.

 

Thanks again - Dave