The Shapes input of the ExpressionME-L Node allows for programmatic access to Spline objects (Shape Objects) in 3ds Max. You can use various functions to access nearly every aspect of a Spline object and use this data to create particles on splines or at specific knots on a spline.
Additionally, you can use this input to evaluate splines in a way that allows you to use the distance to a spline or the nearest spline knot to create particle-dependent effects. This can be useful for creating a wide range of visual effects that involve splines. Note, this input type is currently used with the Shape Node and Shape** Node in thinkingParticles.
| Variable | Description |
|---|---|
| shapes_in_count | The number of shapes (curves) in the list. |
| shapes_in_id | returns the index of the input you created (starting with 0 excluding Time and On). |
Used to get information/data from a point on a curve or spline, if the return value is 1, the data from this point can be retrieved with the point function.
Calls:
shapes_in_curve_point(in_curve_id, in_curve_pos_rel)
shapes_in_curve_point(in_curve_id, in_curve_pos_rel, in_mtlid)
Parameters:
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| in_curve_id | The id of the curve to retrieve a point from. Set to -1 to retrieve a point from all curves as a sum. |
| in_curve_pos_rel | A scalar curve position relative to 0 (start) and 1 (end). |
| in_mtlid | The material id to use. Only retrieves points on curves with this material id. |
Output:
| Return | Description |
|---|---|
| scalar | 0: failed, 1: success |
Used to find the closest point on a curve, if the return value is 1, the data of the point can be retrieved with the point function.
Calls:
shapes_in_closest_point(in_curve_id, in_position[3])
shapes_in_closest_point(in_curve_id, in_position[3], in_mtlid)
Parameters:
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| in_curve_id | The id of the curve to find the closest point on. Set to -1 to find the closest point on all curves as a sum. |
| in_position | A vector of size 3 representing a world position to find the closest point to. |
| in_mtlid | The material id to use. Only finds the closest point on curves with this material id. |
Output:
| Return | Description |
|---|---|
| scalar | 0: failed, 1: success |
Used to get curve point information. Note, this function is only valid if the curve_point or closest_point functions return 1.
Calls:
shapes_in_point(in_point_data, out_scalar)
shapes_in_point(in_point_data, out_vector[3])
Parameters:
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| in_point_data | The data to retrieve. (see below) |
| out_scalar | A scalar output value. |
| out_vector[3] | A vector of size 3 as output value. |
Point Data Parameter:
| point_data | Description |
|---|---|
| point_pos | World space position of the point. |
| point_opos | Object space position of the point. |
| point_vel | Velocity of the point. |
| point_norm | World space normal of the point. |
| point_onorm | Object space normal of the point. |
| point_tang | World space tangent of the point. |
| point_otang | Object space tangent of the point. |
| point_cid | The id of the curve the point is on. |
| point_scid | The id of the sub curve the point is on. |
| point_cpos | The curve position relative to the point. |
| point_scpos | The sub curve position relative to the point. |
Output:
| Return | Description |
|---|---|
| scalar | 0: failed, 1: success |
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