SciFi Pattern Generator

The successor to SciFi Pattern Generator is now available at www.automodeller.com

Impressive.
I think that you have to post this as a new script.

Yes, it's not a script btw. it's a heavily multithreaded native plugin (dll) written in C++. Will add it as a new post here soon.

for as often as this appears on the first page of the scripts, i rarely ever see any actual updates to this tool or new comments. So it would be nice to actually see something new, otherwise i would suggest quit bumping it to the front it for no reason by just changing the text in the edit page and resaving.

Tnank for your information. At least i know you are still developing AutoModeller. You can take your time.
I'll be waitng for a video which will show everything your software can do. From the gif i've seen, it looks promising.

Sorry about my previous comment. It was a litte bit harsh.

It was understandable.I should've put some more info out a lot sooner. But it's really not going to be much longer, as I said the software itself is done. But there's a lot of other stuff involved in releasing a software, like setting up a (shop)website, creating content, marketing materials, some legal and business stuff and so on, I am doing that all by myself, so I can't exactly say when it will be available but we're getting there :-)

He said he would send Scifi v1.12 to everyone who owned v1.10 or v1.11 in Sep 2013. 1 year later, "there IS NOT GOING TO BE a Version 1.2 of pattern generator".
Then , he mentioned his Automdeller Pro. 1 year later (again),
not a single news about that plugin on google. What can it do? How does it look? Noone knows.

I was interested about this plugin years ago. Due to no scifi related work at that time, i bookmarked instead of buying. Still checked this place sometimes for news about Automodeller Pro, disappointed everytime.

Yeah that's the thing with software development, big projects always take much longer than you think. So sorry about that. But that being said, AutoModeller Pro is done. I am currently working on the new website, once this is done I'll post again here.

For anyone who's interested, here's a preview of the automodeller painter:
http://help.automodeller.com/longpaint.gif

Here's the integrated sample browser and help for automodeller:
http://hub.automodeller.com/
http://help.automodeller.com/
http://help.automodeller.com/brickwall-tutorial.html
http://help.automodeller.com/paint-how.html
http://help.automodeller.com/settings.html
http://help.automodeller.com/borders.html

I am sorry that this took so long, but this project became way bigger than I anticipated.

Syphorlate

This is really a useful tool. I am using it a lot on my SciFi scenes! The inteface is a bit complicated though and needs improving, I am looking forward to the new tool as well...

Hey, really like the idea for this script, and seemed to be working briefly on my desktop computer when I first purchased it. Now I only have access to my laptop, installed it on the same version of Max, same OS and... it doesn't seem to work.

I got the screenshotted error when testing this out with a default teapot as pattern and torus as target, both under the "edit poly" modifier (collapsed and uncollapsed).
I know SOMETHING is happening, because the color of the torus changed to that of the teapot after I clicked "GO." Also, when I try multiple pattern objects, it checkers the target object, as you can see in the 2nd attachment.

I have tried different creation modes, same error.

I am on 3DS Max 2014, 64-bit, with Windows 7 pro OS.

I have a job I could use this for, so the sooner I can resolve this, the better. Thanks!

Edit: Got the same error using one of the example scenes.

Hi, could you please also upload a screenshot showing the script interface(especially with distribution sequence tab).
The checkers are actually intended, the target object faces take
up the color of the object that is going to end up on that face
as a preview.

EDIT: Are you using the same license file on your laptop which you
used on your desktop PC? You will need another license file otherwise
the script won't work(as it should). I can provide you with another
one, please contact feedback@code-artists.de with your payment info
so I can do that. THX

Emailed you a new key request with my Paypal receipt. I'll let you know if there are any problems from there.

EDIT: Script seller was quick to send me a new key upon request, looks like things are working now!

when is the new plugin being released?

I'd love to play with this but 70 is a little too steep. you have student/non commercial discounts?

AutoModeller Pro is still in development and will likely cost more than 300€,
because it is a very advanced and huge tool.
The development of this tool took a lot more time than anticipated because of
a massive featureset(features kept piling up ;-) ), the final release date is not yet clear. But it could be at the end of this year, or even next year.

Customers of pattern generator will get AutoModellerPro 70€ cheaper once it is released.

EDIT: About your other question, you can write a mail to feedback@code-artists.de and we can discuss this.

I'm sure the new tool will be great... but I'm not sure how confident many of us who purchased the current tool will be in this simply because the current tool already has a list of features that are listed as coming to Version 1.2 ... but they have never come.

In Pattern Generator 1.1, the UI has a rollout called Pattern Distribution by Bitmap that only says "Pattern distribution by bitmap will come soon (v1.2)!".

In the following rollout labeled "What is up next?" are a list of features such as gizmos, painter with realtime preview, quick presets and more.

Also, you mentioned in August of last year that V1.2 would be available in a few months. But it is not here, and the only news is of the update and more expensive tool.

So the questions I think the customers deserve answers to:

1) Are you going to release 1.2 for this tool?

2) Why would current owners of this tool be charged for a new tool when the current one was never finished? I know that many of us see Autodesk do this often... but it isn't something I've noticed from small developers.

Don't get me wrong--as I understand as much as anyone else the need for us developers to get a return on our time, efforts and skills. I just think it's only fair to explain some of this.

I must say that out of all the plugins that I have purchased in the past, this is my least favorite. Much potential, but one of the least intuitive I think. And the $99 USD that I paid makes it even worse. No real instructions for one to sink their teeth into and actually act5ually comprehend it's functionality.

The ideas I had for it was immediately thwarted once I started "trying" to understand and use it.

I refuse to buy the new app.

Thanks for the honest feedback. Actually since more than one year I've been working on these exact issues. Pattern Generator is in fact hard to control when you want a very specific result. I had planned to make this easier in version 1.2 but as development progressed I realized the entire thing needed a complete rewrite to properly address those issues(especially to make it more intuitive, make it easier to control the result).

So I decided to develop AutoModeller Pro as a multi-threaded high-performance plugin(instead of a max-script). I can only say that AutoModeller Pro is a far cry from Pattern Generator and this time there will be a "real documentation". And behind each and every setting you will find a "?" button that shows a small video of what the setting actually does. Also there will be real tutorial videos.

But most importantly there will be a demo this time, so you can try the software before you buy.

Thanks for the feedback! Originally a version 1.2 was intended, but it got so big that I decided to rewrite the entire thing as a multi-threaded plugin in my spare time. In the beginning this was really not about the "monetization" at all, it was more about the design, I felt like developing a version 1.2 felt like trying to fix a lost cause...

The current AutoModeller Pro does not have much in common with Pattern Generator at all, it's an entirely different approach to the whole mesh replication process.

So much work and dedication went into that new plugin (which is much easier and more intuitive to work with) that I decided to sell it as a new product. Otherwise it's pretty hard to justify the time investment in this project, because if you invest long hours in such a big project at some point you need the necessary returns to keep going.

So, no there IS NOT GOING TO BE a Version 1.2 of pattern generator. Instead there's going to be AutoModeller Pro, which will come with a Demo Version this time, so you can try before you buy.

I can only say this: AutoModeller Pro is a massive improvement over Pattern Generator especially in terms of ease of use. It's more intuitive and much easier to control.

As to when it will be released, I can't say for sure, but I hope it will be some time early next year or so. But this is a little bit out of my hands since as I say I am doing it in my spare time, sometimes you got some time, sometimes you don't... But I am really doing my best to improve the software and finishing it as fast as I can :-)

Thanks for your answer.

I must be honest, this is now the first commercial script I've ever bought that I wanted my money back. This program is incomplete as it is. For nearly $100, a customer can expect better service. The vast majority of us developing here provide far more updates and support on applications that are far cheaper (or free). If the script had been 1/4 the price, I'd probably feel less disappointed.

Not since the developer of Glu abandoned its customers have I felt this way about any 3D product.

I think that all current customers should get a complimentary upgrade to this next version or a 99% discount.

Well I actually absoluteley agree on this. This sounds stupid I know but,
upon release last year I really wanted to add those extra features you were talking about really quickly as I also felt the script needed to be improved especially in regards to ease of use.

But life doesnt always agree with your plans(last year/this year was really really tough work-wise), sometimes you are forced to abandon or delay a hobby project, this is just life and as this is not my main job I try to do the best I can.

My original plan was to offer a 70€ upgrade discount to all customers of pattern generator but I might make it 50% OFF or even more now. Also there will be a free trial version or a completeley free "lite" version that you can try, test it, and if you don't like it you don't need to buy the Pro version.

And again I'm sorry for not having brought any more updates since 1.1, the reason for that I felt that there was really no point in continuing anymore since the new plugin does everything different and better. And it is HUGE, it's not simply a "next version" it's really something entirely different and massive in its scope,
it's not simply a script it's a multi-threaded dll plugin written using the MAX SDK...

But it was my mistake not to communicate my decision and as you say offer better service and some consolidation like a special discount on the new software. Thanks for bringing that to my attention.

Best wishes
Syphorlate

Unfortunately We're still waiting for that plugin...

By the way. Customers of SciFi Pattern Generator will receive a 70€ discount on AutoModeller Pro once it will be released.

hi, is your script minimally animatable? I mean for example, grow the patter along some faces, not scalling, only appearing from nothing

Interesting idea! Unfortunately this is not possible with SciFi Pattern Generator. It's not really set up for animation. This will however be possible with my new product AutoModeller Pro which will be released in 2 months or so and is a much more advanced version of SciFi Pattern Generator that lets you do all kinds of crazy stuff...

Btw. there's a much more advanced version of the script in development which will be released in a few months as a C++ plugin(for maximum performance), so stay tuned!

With the latest update the script has become a lot faster.New customers will benefit from that a lot. As for all existing customers: When there are enough substantial updates to the script I will send out v.1.2 to everyone who bought Pattern Generator v.1.0 or v.1.1 for free.

Hi Syphorlate,

Thanks for your quick and exhaustive reply. The script does its job, eventhough the dialog needs to be improved. So far no crashes. pretty stable and fast.

Hi Syphorlate,

1) Could you explain better how the pivot works? For instance: i don't understand what is the differences among "point" "front" and "back" and how to use that dummy that you create. Also, i have tried to use the object pivot instead of creating a new one, and it seems to work better. Any idea about that? Should i better create a new one? If yes, why?

2) The "update preview" button doesn't seem to work at all (at least on 3DS Max 2014) so everytime i want to change something and see the outcome, i have to delete the previous result (or results) and click on "GO" (which is pretty boring).

3)Is there a way to control the number of clone?

4) Changing the UV mapping doesn't seems to have any effect on the distribution (3DS Max 2014) or on the orientation.

5)The script seems to work simply placing the object (the pattern source) on every face (polygon) of the target mesh. Am i doing something wrong or it is supposed to work like that?

6) A "reset" button would be great, but a "reset target" button and a "reset pattern" would be AWESOME.

7) A "live update" of the result would be fantastic. Something woking like the "paint object" of 3DS Max, for example.

8) Face selection filling doesn't work. At least, it is not so clear how it is supposed to work.

9) After crashed you need to re-customize the tool menu and the hotkeys, why? How to solve this issue?

Thanks!

PS: When you use the pattern object pivot, the script change its position. Is there a way to solve this?

PPS: Max listener detect this error:

-- Error occurred in pat loop; filename: C:\Users\vrizzo\AppData\Local\Autodesk\3dsMax\2014 - 64bit\ENU\scripts\PatternGenerator_v1-1cr.mse; position: 20486; line: 681
-- Defined in encrypted script
-- called in PlaceOn.changed(); filename: C:\Users\vrizzo\AppData\Local\Autodesk\3dsMax\2014 - 64bit\ENU\scripts\PatternGenerator_v1-1cr.mse; position: 20579; line: 686
-- Defined in encrypted script
>> MAXScript Rollout Handler Exception:
-- No ""setUserProp"" function for undefined <<

I tried to respond as best as I could to your points:
>
> 1) Could you explain better how the pivot works? For instance: i don't understand what is the differences among "point" "front" and "back" and how to use that dummy that you create.
>
When the script puts your pattern meshes onto a face it needs to know at which point your pattern mesh is supposed to "touch" the surface. If you choose "point" it will let you pick a point on the pattern mesh (has to be selected) and this point is the point where your mesh will touch the face of the target object.
By default this setting is set to"back" which means that your pattern mesh will be placed onto the target face so that its back will be touching the face. Hope that is clear?
I could make an image illustrating this if you want?

> Also, i have tried to use the object pivot instead of creating a new one, and it seems to work better. Any idea about that? Should i better create a new one? If yes, why?
>
You probably mean the "gizmo", right? What the gizmo does is to allow you to define a PORTION or a PART of your pattern mesh to be "mapped" onto the face - instead of fitting the whole mesh to the face. This allows you to have things like legs standing out. If you say it works better without a gizmo it might be that your gizmo is ill placed or too small or too big. Also if you are in "SKIN Mode" you might be getting different results than in "Spike Mode".

I know this system is not perfect. I'll improve it in the next (free) update.

> 2) The "update preview" button doesn't seem to work at all (at least on 3DS Max 2014) so everytime i want to change something and see the outcome, i have to delete the previous result (or results) and click on "GO" (which is pretty boring).
>
What you need to know is that the "GO" button AUTOMATICALLY DELETES any previously created meshes if it is in "update mode". There is an option that lets you switch the UPDATE mode of the go button from "ADD" to "Update" make sure it is set to "UPDATE". When it is set to update the go button will automatically delete the previous result and replace it with the new one. You can even assign a keyboard shortcut to the go button, so you just hit a button on your keyboard when you want to update it.

The "update preview" button is a little bit misleading. the update preview button only colors the faces with the 3ds max colors of your objects so you can preview how the whole thing(the pattern) will look without updating the whole geometry (which can take quite a while on big scenes).

> 3)Is there a way to control the number of clone?
>
Currently no it's not. What you can do is to make the script work only on selected faces though.

> 4) Changing the UV mapping doesn't seems to have any effect on the distribution (3DS Max 2014) or on the orientation.
>
You might need to click on "update preview" first to see the changes. This is annoying and will be made easier in the next version too.

> 5)The script seems to work simply placing the object (the pattern source) on every face (polygon) of the target mesh. Am i doing something wrong or it is supposed to work like that?
>
Yes that's precisely what it does! the distribution sequence works like a texture which tells the script which object will end up on what face.

> 6) A "reset" button would be great, but a "reset target" button and a "reset pattern" would be AWESOME.
>
That's already been requested by a lot of users and I will add it in the next update as well.

> 7) A "live update" of the result would be fantastic. Something woking like the "paint object" of 3DS Max, for example.
>
SciFi Pattern Generator is actually the smaller version of "Automodeller Pro" which is a much more advanced product we're working on(soon to be released).
AutoModeller Pro will feature live update and also the option to live-slice your meshes so they fit onto the face without stretching. It will also allow you to
wrap your source meshes like a real texture around multiple faces(not just one mesh). Just like a real texture!
Also it will let you select a whole scene like a small building and automatically create a distribution based on that arrangement. And what's way cooler is that it will include a voxel editor so you can draw and paint geometry anywhere...

> 8) Face selection filling doesn't work. At least, it is not so clear how it is supposed to work.
>
select faces on your target mesh and pick the mesh you want to be placed there. You might need to hit "GO" again to see the update.

> 9) After crashed you need to re-customize the tool menu and the hotkeys, why? How to solve this issue?
>
That's weird. It shouldn't suppose to crash at all. You are the first of my customers to report an error anyways.

> 10) When you use the pattern object pivot, the script change its position. Is there a way to solve this?
>
Ah, no. I know of this issue and it sucks, I agree. I'll try to fix it for the next version, but it's really really hard. For auto modeller Pro we fixed it by using an entirely different system, which allows you to use pivots properly and we eliminated gizmos and all other annoying stuff. But it's really hard to fix some of the things without completley rewriting the whole system.

> 11) Max listener detect this error everytime i run the script:
>
> -- Error occurred in pat loop; filename: C:\Users\vrizzo\AppData\Local\Autodesk\3dsMax\2014 - 64bit\ENU\scripts\PatternGenerator_v1-1cr.mse; position: 20486; line: 681
> -- Defined in encrypted script
> -- called in PlaceOn.changed(); filename: C:\Users\vrizzo\AppData\Local\Autodesk\3dsMax\2014 - 64bit\ENU\scripts\PatternGenerator_v1-1cr.mse; position: 20579; line: 686
> -- Defined in encrypted script
> >> MAXScript Rollout Handler Exception:
> -- No ""setUserProp"" function for undefined <<
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
This error tells me you were trying to change the "point"/"front"/"back" setting without having selected a pattern mesh. This setting can only be applied when you
have a pattern mesh selected! All settings under "Selected Pattern Mesh" only work when you have a pattern mesh selected!

But thanks for pointing this out. I'll add a message box warning people that they don't have a mesh selected!

how to get trial or demo version?

Unfortunately there is no demo version because this type of software is very vulnarable to cracking so I'm afraid you have to make due with the videos which should give you a good impression of what the script can do.

I bought SciFi Pattern Generator1.1,but I want to use 3ds max2013,The need for new code?

It works with all 3ds max versions since 2008. No need for a new code. You just install the script again and then you have to locate your license file which should be at this location :
C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Local\Autodesk\3dsMax\2012 - 64bit\enu\scripts\PatternGenerator_License.lcs

If you have further questions please send an email to feedback|at|code-artists|dot|de instead of posting it here.

can use the 3d max 2013?

Hey jason0516
are you saw Version Requirements above first video demo?

Hi, just bought the script few days ago, works great. A reset button would be good, just when you go a little too far in the madness of pattern. Also sometimes I end up creating extra meshes because I forget to revert to update instead of add. Encountered a few crashes because of misuse probably, but overall pretty stable. Looking forward to updates.

Thanks! By "reset-button" you mean reset the settings to factory defaults, right?
And it's funny you mentioned that add/update revert thing. I actually had it implemented that after one "Add" it automatically switches back to "Update" but as I found myself working with multiple meshes I found it annoying to have to click on "add" again so I disabled that again. Maybe I will add an option for the next update.

By reset I meant reset stored patterns and targets, so even though I am in the same scene I can create a fresh new system. Maybe I am not fully used to the overall interface, but I found it difficult to switch to a different system due to the stored data of previous systems in the same scene.

EDIT:
maybe the solution for the Update/Add is a "lock" check button.

Yes I see. That's no problem. The next version will contain a reset button for that and also a "lock" check button or something similar. If you have any other ideas or custom requests don't hesitate to contact me at: feedback|AT|code-artists|DOT|de

This looks absolutely amazing, I know what I'll be buying this payday :)

Thank you! I'll also be sending out really cool updates to the script to every customer who already bought the script(for free). For example the next update (1.2) will bring a super cool feature that allows you to position your patterns relative to each other in the viewport and guide the distribution process by that arrangement. So it's basically an automatic modelling tool. And everything super easy with one click ;-)

Was this tested in 3ds max 2014?

It was tested and runs flawlessly in max 2014 and in all 3ds max versions since max 2008!
Should you have any problems/issues I will help out instantly!

hi Syphorlate:

I can not use ,Error message:--Syntax error:at),expected
--in line:p)f

How to solve?

Did you buy the script? Then please contact me at feedback|AT|code-artists|DOT|DE with your paypal transaction ID and tell me when exactly this happens and which 3ds max version you are using.

Transaction ID: 6ES78019CE4845232

Script:Pattern Generator Script v.1.1

My using 3D max 2012 ,Today can not be used,How can I deal with?

It did work before?

YES!! It can not have any effect on the object.

How can i do?

When does this happen? When you start the script? Or When you click on go button? Or Pick button? Does it also happen when you make a new scene?

I click on go button and Pick button,It will happen!!

What are the reasons?

Do you have ICQ or can you give me your mail address?

I not have ICQ.
To you MY mail. friday20020516@gmail.com

Thank you.

You have to use TeamViewer or skype?

I've sent you an email.

I've sent you an email.

You give my new max scripts, I can not install.

Error!!

I've sent you an email.

Thank you very much
Has been successfully executed

Thank you!!!!!~

It does have an effect before

but,Today can not be used.

I've been using Populate:Panels, which is also an excellent script, for a while now, and decided to try yours. So far, I'm very pleased. It's easy to change geometry, and works as predicted. It's different than Populate, so users of that script may still have a need for it, but I'm finding a lot of uses for this one in other types of projects as well. Thanks.

Thank you! I designed this script for ease of use and quickness. It is really designed to be a "generator" which means you don't need to do anything to set this up. I really focus on that aspect, that it's a one-click solution.
As for pattern generator 1.0 you can expect HUGE changes in version 1.1 which I will be sending to everyone who already purchased 1.0 via email. So you won't miss out on anything.

Version 1.1 is faster, stabler, easier and lets you generate with multiple patterns using one click too. It remembers your settings, uses automated pattern distribution, which is really easy to set up(well it does that on its own...) and you can also rotate your patterns, something which is not possible with populate or pattern generator version1.0 .

Version 1.1. will be released in a few days.

hi!

i need to create a vortex effect on a wall panel of 12'x 6' using nails i am trying to make it using hair and fur but not able to getting the desired result..

i am attaching a 3 images and a 3d pdf you can have a look and please get back to me my email id is aazim.mail@gmail.com

regards
aazim

That's interesting! Let me try to produce that with my script. Will email you then.

will wait for your reply

Hey, Syphorlate, glad you back.
Good work.
I am still waiting the Smart Extrude script to be updated by you. :)

thanks! hehe yeah... if that's ever gonna happen... Actually "smart extrude" is part of this script. This script is the reason I did that thing anyways , it's basically extrusion with custom geometry. I have another plugin in the pipes. A voxel terrain editor... but who knows maybe I will devote some time to finish that thing properly ;-)

yeah didn't know these although they are a little bit different.
what price would you pay for it? 5€? 9€ ? 19€? 29€?
I mean I can still always lower the price. I don't expect many sales either, so don't know.

I dont't know. You need to decide that. I try Populate Panels and I very satisfied with all options that's already have. I do not want to mention it again this is a free tool. You need to add some unique options and optimizations to be able to keep the price.
This is my opinion, but maybe I wrong.
I have a lot scripts on this forum (simple and few advanced) and I share it for free because this is not my primary job.
Cheers!

yeah it might be a different thing if it wasn't free, so I guess I either make it free or don't give it away at all :-P

Something like that. :) Look in the plugin section of this forum the prices of average tools. Maybe there you can find right balans for your price.

Set the price to 9,99€. And actually populate is closest to what my script does although there are a few things it doesn't do and it says its in public beta so maybe it won't be free forever...

Belive me it's free for a long time. I not know why, but who care.
Your price is now ok, but as I said you need to add new features and work on optimization.
Vote +1

One major feature that is not supported by populate is the use of gizmos to make only a part of the mesh stick to its face so some geometry like "legs" can be outside the area defined by the face. This is basically what makes the scifi-looking structures you see in the images above possible. That's currenlty not possible with populate.

Also my script is geared more toward a quick use where you select something and just hit "go".

You have nice tool.
Don't get me wrong but I think it's a little too expensive.
Just look this tools and compare the price.
http://populate3d.com/products/panels/
http://www.cgchannel.com/2013/01/download-para-3d-2-9-for-3ds-max-for-fr…