UV Projection mapping through Spline

[3LP]

Hi guys,

It's been years I'm trying to figure a way to projection map UV through splines, but I don't think it exist.
I just wanted to double check as this would literally change my way of working.

This is a example of what I would like to achieve, to do so, I had to draw the map in PS and redraw the splines in max, but the idea is to have the black driving by the splines dynamically.



Because this would be spline driver, like procedural maps, it would not be capped to any map resolution.

Is something like this possible?
Would it be possible to have something similar that would be a map or a modifier to drive mat ids from a multi sub mat on a object?

Would Vray develop something like this?

Thanks
Stan

[theedge]

You can perfectly do this with a VRayDistanceTex to mix two maps or two materials : Simply add an extrude modifier on top of your spline and you can use it as a VRayDistanceTex object. Plus you'll be able to control the transition between the materials, hard or soft depending on the parameters you set.

[3LP]

This could be a trick but it's not really a "clean" way to work with it.



I my situation here I would need to drive all sorts of maps close to each other like roads lines, roads, curbs, footpaths, etc

Maybe it could be a option in the distance tex just to add a infinite z projection. That could be a good workaround and keep the file clean.

Vlado, would this be something that you could consider, or would you see this embedded somewhere else?

Thanks
Stan

[3LP]

Vlado, no thought it this could be implemented?
I should probably post this in the wishlist actually.

Stan

[zoranm]

Hi guys,

....I had to draw the map in PS and redraw the splines in max,

Stan

You don't need to re-create splines in max. In PS select what you want and created Work Path. Then, File/Export/Paths to Illustrator and export as Ai file. In max import your ai path, which will come in as a spline. Density of spline points is controlled by PS path. Hope this helps. Zoran

[3LP]

Yes sorry maybe I didn't make it clear, I don't want to do anything in PS.
It's just that fir the example I used PS to make my point.
I would like to have the mask driven entirely through the splines in max.

Thanks for the tip though

[zoranm]

Bobo had a script for what you're after It's for older max version. He's a great guy and might be able to recompile for current max version. Path: http://www.scriptspot.com/bobo/mxs2/shapescape/ Zoran

[voltron7]

You don't need to re-create splines in max. In PS select what you want and created Work Path. Then, File/Export/Paths to Illustrator and export as Ai file. In max import your ai path, which will come in as a spline. Density of spline points is controlled by PS path. Hope this helps. Zoran

Best thing I've read today...thanks!

[3LP]

Nice script indeed.
I'm still looking for a way to get a procedural map driven by splines in max though

Vlado is this something you think you could add to the distance tex or would this be part of a separate map?

Stan

[3LP]

Vlado, I guess you still haven't got any plans for this, do you?

Stan

[theedge]

Did you take a look at the new map called ShapeMap in the 3ds max Extension 2 ?
It looks like a first step towards what you are looking for.

[3LP]

2016?

I'm still under 2014, can't bear the new UI and the viewport since 2015 with those glowy highlights around selected objects

Stan

[Morne]

...with those glowy highlights around selected objects

Stan

Then just switch it off

[theedge]

As Morne said, those new selection highlights can be turned off. It's the first thing I did after installing 2016

Back to the Shape Map : I tested it yesterday and it works great... except for one thing : it generates an offset around the shape boundary which make it impossible to line up with the underlying object !!!
See my post here : http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/shadin...ed/m-p/5957577

So you can stick to 2014 for the moment and maybe upgrade to 2017 if this is fixed by then

[3LP]

Yep or 2018 knowing AD :-/

I still think it would be worth for CG to have a look at this and implement it straight into Vray as this could be a great add on, maybe not as much as Vraytriplanar mapping but it would still make a huge difference when dealing with masking textures

Stan