Export particles as matrices

[steveps3]

Ok guys, here it is, Version 1 of my particles as matrices script.

First let me say that there is a bit of a bug in it. There is something not 100% in my math which generates the matrix. The result is that the object is becoming skewed. If anyone would like to take a look at the script and if they can spot the error then please let me know or fix it and repost.

Ok, here is what you need to do. The script can be installed as an add-on in the same way as any other blender add-on. It will appear in the "import-export" section of the add-ons list. There is another bug here in that I am unable to tick to include the "Export particles as matrixes" (excuse the typo, I will fix it sometime) add-on. So I think that every time that you run blender you will have to go into the add-ons and tick the add-on. This doesn't actually tick it but it does appear to activate it. Again if someone can fix this then that would be great.

Once you have it installed then create an object and add a particle system to it. set the system up how you want and when you are happy with it press space and type in "export matrices" and select it from the menu. Once it is running you will see an export window appear where you can tell the script what name to give the export file. When you are happy press the "export Matrices" button and all of you particle data will be output to the file in matrix format. All you then need to do is open the file and copy the contents into the scatter node in Octane. Bingo, lovely instances.

As I say, version 1. Please play with it. Please report any bugs. Please fix the bugs if you are up to it because I am not a python programmer. Just this script has taken me about 7 hours to cobble together from various places. There is that bug in the math which is causing the object to skew but I am tired and I've had enough of this thing for tonight. At least it is almost there.

Happy scattering
Steve

[ROUBAL]

Hi Steveps3,

Thank you for your effort, but all I get when attempting to export as matrix is an error message. I don't see anything else running.

I have created a subdivided deformed plane (ground) and a grass tuft as particle object duplicated by the particle system.

[steveps3]

I will have to have a look into it. I've managed to do some tweaking to the script and have fixed some of the bugs. Sadly I am pretty much working in the dark and google is proving to be far from helpful. What would be useful is if someone who actually knew what they were doing could have a look and maybe fix a few of the problems.

I've attached the latest version of the script but i don't think that it will cure your problem.

[steveps3]

Could you send my your .blend so that I can give it a try.

Cheers

[matej]

@Roubal, I believe you get that error because you don't have the emitter object selected when you run the script. The script needs the emitter to be the active (selected in viewport) object.

There is also the problem of registering the addon. For me it didnt work, because the module needs a register() function, like so in this case:

Code: Select all

def register():
	bpy.utils.register_class(ExportMatrices)
	bpy.types.INFO_MT_file_export.append(menu_func)

[radiant]

Works perfectly for me (cant see it in the export menu though)
Im going to be honest, its 1 am and i only did one render, but it works, the scatter and the placement.
All we need to do now is try and get the rotation working

[ROUBAL]

@matej : I tried with emitter active, with object active and with both active as well...

[steveps3]

Ok, here is version 2 which (fingers crossed) works.

Please let me know if there are any bugs. I think that I've ironed them out. The skewing is certainly fixed as are the typos. Also an added bonus it won't export particles that are not alive.

I'd love to see any examples of work created that was created with this script.

Cheers guys
Steve

Oh yes, registering has been fixed as well.

[steveps3]

If proof was needed, here is a very quick render. Lots of lovely rotation and new skewing.

[steveps3]

Ok, I have been doing a bit more testing and it looks like some of my rotations are amiss. They are rotating the wrong way. I'll see what I can do.