graphic version of the node system

[ch0pper]

QUICK question paul

is there every going to be Graphic version of the node system? like in the stand a lone version?

[face_off]

is there every going to be Graphic version of the node system? like in the stand a lone version?

Good question. It is potentially doable with the 2014 Poser material room. And I have done prototype for another Octane plugin. But adding, connecting and editing nodes is soooo slow compared with the tree.

Tree workflow to add a new node:
1) select node from just the options that are compatible with that pin.

Graphics/Nodegraph workflow to add a new node:
1) select node from all node types - even those that are not compatible.
2) position it on the workspace.
3) drag the connection from the source node to the destination pin.
4) click the source node to start editing

So what happens in a single step on the tree system takes 4 steps on the graphics version. Then LiveDB and imported materials are a separate challenge - because they are randomly placed on the canvas, so you have to manually move each node to make it readable.

So in summary - I'm pretty sure it's doable, but it's a lot of work - and I doubt anyone would use it. Correction: people will say they will use it, use it once, then revert back to the tree

Paul

[CorDox]

is there every going to be Graphic version of the node system? like in the stand a lone version?

Good question. It is potentially doable with the 2014 Poser material room. And I have done prototype for another Octane plugin. But adding, connecting and editing nodes is soooo slow compared with the tree.

Tree workflow to add a new node:
1) select node from just the options that are compatible with that pin.

Graphics/Nodegraph workflow to add a new node:
1) select node from all node types - even those that are not compatible.
2) position it on the workspace.
3) drag the connection from the source node to the destination pin.
4) click the source node to start editing

So what happens in a single step on the tree system takes 4 steps on the graphics version. Then LiveDB and imported materials are a separate challenge - because they are randomly placed on the canvas, so you have to manually move each node to make it readable.

So in summary - I'm pretty sure it's doable, but it's a lot of work - and I doubt anyone would use it. Correction: people will say they will use it, use it once, then revert back to the tree

Paul

Actually I've worked with some schematic node systems that are as easy to use as the tree system(they included a tree view as well).
They would have sockets or "pins" that you click on, select from a context sensitive list and automatically place the new node on the workspace based on a specified indent/cushion between nodes. After that you could then drag them around to organize them if you wanted to.
There were also macro nodes which were essentially a collection of nodes collapsed into one node that made it easier to organize nodes that you won't be editing often, etc.
It can be handy when you have more complicated materials and want to organize things based on some visual preference. Not to mention, spacial memorization is stronger. Throw in some color coding, etc.

I'm by no means demanding that you work on this feature though, maybe something for a rainy day when you don't have any other pressing things to do.
Seems like I recall a nice free material schematic system somewhere, will try to find it if you're interested.

[face_off]

Actually I've worked with some schematic node systems that are as easy to use as the tree system(they included a tree view as well).
They would have sockets or "pins" that you click on, select from a context sensitive list and automatically place the new node on the workspace based on a specified indent/cushion between nodes. After that you could then drag them around to organize them if you wanted to.
There were also macro nodes which were essentially a collection of nodes collapsed into one node that made it easier to organize nodes that you won't be editing often, etc.
It can be handy when you have more complicated materials and want to organize things based on some visual preference. Not to mention, spacial memorization is stronger. Throw in some color coding, etc.

I'm by no means demanding that you work on this feature though, maybe something for a rainy day when you don't have any other pressing things to do.
Seems like I recall a nice free material schematic system somewhere, will try to find it if you're interested.

Sounds interesting. I guess one issue will be that it's not a "Poser panel", so will have a different look and feel. But I'd certainly be interested in seeing what a library would be capable of.

Paul

[ch0pper]

Yes I would also love to see this please