rusty
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Posts posted by rusty
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If I were on your end, I'd almost have to think that maybe Rusty if full of it...pulling everyone's leg...or just... whatever.
I dug up an old program called CamStudio and captured a very simple example of what "I'm seeing" and put it on You Tube. Perhaps I'm doing something really stupid and don't know it...that would be nice!!! Take a look and tell me if you see anything I'm doing wrong. You might read the description--a narration of what I'm doing. Have a look...
Rusty
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3D animation might be the most difficult way to do a book trailer, probably why it's not widespread. Probably harder than writing the book.
Definitely harder then showing still pictures and text/audio and music but lots more impact...a film crew...depends on what you're doing. Overkill? TBD. Harder than writing the book?! Ha! Well... that is...not in my experience and I've done both. There's always lots of reasons something won't work. Like cameras on cell phones!!?!!
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Hi Robcat!
Did you report this?
I have now!
BTW, I can't tell you how often I've wished I had enough money to hire you (or anyone who's good at rigging) to do my rigging for me, LOL! Rigging is such a chore for me.I can't tell you how often I've wished you (or anyone else) would have the money to pay to do their rigging.
Well, if I start getting orders for book trailers and I'm making any extra money, your name is at the top of the list! But...I'm an engineer type--not an entrepreneur. And doing 'everything' yourself is a bitch. I've researched the technical end of producing book trailers (starting in 2001) and I know there is a large demand. I've been working on ways to produce them cheaply enough for authors and publishers can afford them for 11 years and making significant progress. There are enormous benefits for all in doing this (see my site). I also know what's being created now and for what price. I know were and how to advertise and get the word out. Technically the stumbling blocks I still face are, for the most part, things you and others do all the time. Businesswise (startup, limiting exposure {corporations}, accounting, getting investment capital, selling, advertising, rules and regulations, etc.) is another matter--I'm a dumbass. But I do know that people have been trying to patient the idea since 2004 (my first example book trailer was posted on the AM forum in 2003) and at last check (2008?) no patents have been granted (how can you patent using video to advertise???). Also, at last check (2011) no one has yet given using 3D animation to create book trailers any thought--right now it's sliding pictures or film crews. Also my little trailer which was posted on You Tube but beyond that not really pushed or promoted produced at least 30 queries from writers on how to get one made for their books and on cost.
Whoops...sorry, I get carried away and excited about this stuff.
r
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Hi again,
There use to be a second install file which added other files that AM needed--has this been done away with?
Also, use to be that on each AM CD you got models, materials, etc. Sometimes new items were added. Does the 'data' file contents still exist for V17?
Thanks again!
Rusty
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Hi!
Question 1: It use to be that to do a really clean uninstall of AM you had to search through the registry for "hash" and remove a couple of entries. It seems like Hash has to its credit added the removal of registry entries to its uninstall process. Besides "hash" is there anything else I should search for?
Question 2: During the install there are now several options. One is whether or not to install SSE4. What is SSE4 and, if you know, the pros and cons of installing it?
Question 3: Related to the above...what would be the pros and cons for installing the Timelog plug-in?
Thanks for any information you can give me!
Rusty
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It failed before I sent it...I made very sure of that...then, the next day when everyone else said it worked I tried it again...then it worked. And, continues to work. As I've said, this is not possible. I intend to duplicate the above and see. I've actually saved the full model projects to see if the next day they work...nope but that's how insane it is. And this is the very first step in my production of the book trailer for book two which I started writing a couple of months ago.
Rusty
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Based on this, only on my PC (just one, didn't try both), and at least for tonight anyway, when
* everything is embedded, it fails.
* if any one model is embedded, it works
* if neither model is embedded, it works
Does that tell anyone anything at all?
It's a curious circumstance. Everything was embedded in the PRJ you sent us but it worked as expected.
Doesn't work here. Impossible.
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Hi Rodney,
Thanks for chiming in and I hope this finds you well and happy.
Question: I'm curious... did you embed again before saving and closing or only before setting constraints?
I'm a fiend for standardized workflow. For my 2nd 'embedded test' I started a brand new project and followed my standard workflow which is to open everything I need then do 'embed all' then save. Then work starts (create chor, drag items to, save, do constraints/save/test/save). If/when I add new items I add/embed/save then work.
I don't find that to follow logically. As you say this should be fairly straightforward to test.
I just don't believe at all that if the project gets to big it fails but three things point to it. Will test anyway.
The only thing that stands out to me at this point is that you may not be fully embedding all the files in your Project *after* you have set the Constraints. If this were the case then when opening the Project again the Constraints would not work, just as they are not working in your specific case. When dealing with pre-saved models that are then embedded into a Project there is a chance (due to many the variables of workflow) that the models are not actually embedded.
I don't follow this. Whether a model is embedded or not or is later (after creating chor constraints on bones) embedded or un-embedded should not have anything to do with chor constraints unless the process changes one of the bones involved. The simple thing I'm trying now has worked thousands of times for me. It should work and it does work--LOL--for everyone but me.
The only differences I've yet identified between myself and others are:
1. All my files live on a network file system (the same on all PCs)
2. I stripped out all of the images and materials on the test I posted.
3. Most likely PC brands and configs differ.
4. I'm here and they're somewhere else, LOL.
What else??
would be also curious to see if saving/reusing only the Choreography would maintain the constraints.
Rationale: You may not need the whole Project if you only need the Choreography
Precedent: Chors were used instead of Projects in Tin Woodman of Oz.
I often use chors for models which for one reason or another are actually multiple models constrained together in the chor. I plan of using this when I get it working. I tried this--still didn't work. I tried exporting from the chor to a model which is not an option as you loose poses...but didn't work.
Today (or soon) I will try:
* An ultra clean install (go through the registry)
* Eliminate the network file system
* Eliminate all materials
* Eliminate all images
* Constraining to non-control bones in the body (the Anzovin rig)
* Create a new user and try it
* Test project size
* Try a third PC using the 30 day trial (if this is possible)
If you can think of anything else I can try, please let me know.
It will interesting if we can ever find out what's going on Randy, because right now it seems like this problem is not just weird... it's down right impossible...unless the AM code contains a statement like:
If (user==rusty) {don't work}; !!!!
Again, thanks for chiming in!
Rusty
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Update:
(And btw, the following is the work flow)
After a fresh install of AM Nothing changed. I opened a new project, imported the 'head' and 'body" models, created a chor then implemented the constraints, I visually reviewed them and tested them, everything worked. I saved and exited AM.
I then realized I'd messed up--all tests to date had everything embedded in the project. So heck, lets see what un-embedded does.
I opened the project and my constraints WORKED.
So... I repeated step one but embedded everything, set constraints, tested, closed and reopened. Constraints FAILED.
I ran two more test embedding one model then the other model. Both WORKED!
Note: as rule I always embed everything always--you probably know the reasons.
Based on this, only on my PC (just one, didn't try both), and at least for tonight anyway, when
* everything is embedded, it fails.
* if any one model is embedded, it works
* if neither model is embedded, it works
Does that tell anyone anything at all? It indicates that only on my PCs, if the program gets too big it fails. This seems easy to test but... tomorrow for that.
BTW, if any of you think I'm doing something out of the ordinary or not looking at it right I'll be happy to do a Cross Loop desktop sharing and optionally an ooVoo video/voice to show you on both my PCs (the mentioned utilities are free and easy).
Cheers,
Rusty
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More news...
Why would the same thing fail on my two PCs and work for everyone else. One could have been 32 versus 64 but...nope.
Another possible explanation is how V17g was installed. I installed right over the previous edition.
**************What did you guys do?
The next one is that we really weren't trying the same thing, ergo:
* the path to the files.
* I stripped out all the images and materials on the one I sent.
Yet I failed on this test version too on the day sent but it worked the next day...this is too insane to contemplate.
I uninstalled and removed the files AM and reinstalled it. My first attempt seemed to work but I realized that the models were not embedded as the test models were. When I embedded the models...it failed.
I've planned out more tests, will let you know.
*************** If anyone can think of what other differences besides PC model please ring in.
Cheers,
Rusty
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- if they were the same rig then you could just reuse the animation from one on the other without having to use any constraints.
-It's really clear to me that even when the constraints are working, the wrong bone is being targeted. Are we sure that that is not what you are seeing and not a failure of the constraints?
Tying the head proxy of the head model to the head control of the body model would, as far as I can see, would do everything needed. There maybe a lower level head bone that the head control drives and this might be more 'proper' but other than that I see no difference. ??
The other bone constraint was just a first stab at the problem...it might even work with some tweaks.
In both cases the control bones would control both head and body.
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To attempt to resolve a weird problem I want to reinstall AM on my notebook however I can't find my license (or activation number). I did a search and found a post which says 'just go to the hash site and to your account' but I see no way to do this...no login screen or 'my account'.
Does anyone know how this is done or, is there another way to get it?
Thanks,
Rusty
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Are both characters rigged the same?
Well, one character is the body using Anvovin's thingy and the other is model is a head using the newer bone rigging method.
I will also try something else that might be a difference between myself and all of you: I installed the 'g' update over the older version.
I'll try a fresh install...hope there's no hassle with the new licensing system.
Thanks,
Rusty
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May I suggest starting a new User Account and make NO changes (default settings) to it at all and try running AM under that account.......I have had a load fo troubles (not including yours) specifically simcloth .......that works now on the new user acct. I'm win 7 64 bit and it's where all my SC troubles happen , not 32 bit .....do you have the same prob. under 32 bit? AM.....
Wish U luck on this..
Also let me make this statement........I see no reason why this would fix your problem .... as I have no idea why I can simulate simcloth under this new user account and not my original U.A. which always crashed simcloth after version 17a 64 bit.
I'll try this!
Thanks,
r
Even though my name wasn't mentioned here in the topic. I did download the ClothTestSimpleSimmed.prj Robcat posted and it runs fine here.Using Win7 Ultimate 64 bit AM version 17g.
Just for giggles try turning off your anti virus. Some AV's are so obstructive they do block some applications from functioning properly. I had run into this with Trend Micro where I would get a black screen and no computer response when running some 3d programs and some video games forcing me to hard reset the computer. This was at the time a conflict with a series of Nvidia cards. Just something to check out.
And I'll try this!
Thanks!
r
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I know Nancy is on 32-bit, but I'm on 64. Mark, I'm not sure.
I thought this was the missing element to this insanity. Works for everyone but me...how can that possibly be. And I have two PCs so it's not the computer, the install, memory or anything else. I have to wonder if you tried it on my PC... would it work? If I tried it on yours...would it fail.
Not fair.
r
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I'm also not clear on why you need to constrain one character in place of another. There's got to be a simpler way to get this done.
I'm not sure I understand your question. Perhaps it is this: why am I attaching a head model to a body model? If so I'll give you the 'medium' answer: Writers and publishers won't pay much for book trailers and so I can't afford to build character models. I must instead use a set of 'virtual actors' from which clients must choose. If they want a custom character, it will cost them.
Virtual actors are just bald un-textured heads fully rigged with expressions and flattening poses.
Everything else is separate, prebuilt and 'snaps on' to the basic head.
Everything below the neck is wardrobe: pre-built, 'Snap-on' outfits. The 'outfits' them selves have Snap-On texture decals and pose controlled additions. Shoes are also 'Snap-on'.
Hair is the same--prebuilt hair-dos (all white, no color) with 'Snap-on' pre-developed colors. All interchangeable.
Same with face maps: pre-developed face maps for color (white, tan, black, brown, yellow), scars and character age (how many wrinkles).
Do to standard head construction you also get standard decaling ( or flattening) poses and therefore, standard mask shapes (granted not in all cases) and so almost all 'Snap-on' elements are interchangeable among all 'virtual actor models' though gender and head shape demand some separation.
But I digress...There's a whole lot more beyond 'virtual actors' but this is a topic I can discuss all day. It would mean that an entire cast can be assembled in a day or two. I've been working on all this for 11 years. I'm close to having the processes all nailed down. All of it centered upon and using A:M. If I can't use AM there's a huge part of my life wasted. It makes me dizzy how much I depend on AM.
Connecting the head to the "wardrobe" is one of the last things to nail down.
r
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I'm still not clear on what you are doing differently that makes it not work for you but still work for me.
Neither am I--that's what makes this impossible. However, I had one thought: I'm using the 64 bit version...are you and Nancy?
Rusty
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Regarding the issue in this post, are any of you using the 64 bit version of AM (AM_64BIT017G.exe)?
Thanks,
Rusty
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Well Rusty, the first thing I noticed, in the image you posted above, is that there are no targets selected in the constraints for the head proxy. The second thing is, in the project there are targets selected in the constraints, but you selected the control bones (torso and head control) you should have these constrained to the spine5 and head bones (both geometry bones). Control bones will pull away from the intended positions.
If you need help setting things up, I could give you a hand.
I appreciate your offer to help. I really do. And I would (and may) gladly accept your help--beyond this problem I could desperately use some help. Using A:M to create book trailers (regular work with good income if done right) is right there at my finger tips and I'd probably need to hire many from the forum to meet demand. I've been working towards this for 11 years.
decent one, for my own book, was a spectacular success within the writing community ("best trailer I've ever seen", "Jesus how can I get one", "what does it cost")! Of course the last is the challenge.However, the bottom line regardless of absent targets in the screen shot I happened to send and regardless of what bones were used, is that
1. I have tried this over and over again for a week and before saving I got exactly what I expected to get but, after saving and reopening, the constraints (both still there and with the same targets), did not work.
2. At least three other users did not see this problem at all, and I'd bet no one else would...while I on the other hand, on two different PCs, with two separate installs and with two different licenses (both of course belonging to me) consistently did not work.
In my 11 years with A:M this is the 3rd time for this same anomaly. Think about that. What are the only ways such a thing could possibly occur? "...when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?"
Understand, this is a bad month for me; our dog who we love like family is dying, I have two torn rotator cuffs which, every day, grant me with a ridiculous amount of pain, oh... etc. etc.
Forgive me for unloading on you--I'm at the want-to-scream and tear-out-my-hair end of my rope. I need a least a couple of days worth of very DEEP breaths. No one should be talking with me right now. ;-(
r
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Well, it doesn't work on my desktop either. I've tried saving in a chor. I've tried embedding/not embedding. I've tried using intermediate bones. I've tried renaming the models, the bones, the project. There's no rhyme or reason. No hope for a fix. I will not spend two months redoing the models especially with no guarantee that anything will change. It's hard enough without stuff like this. Honestly, I'm so disgusted with everything right now that I'm just going to put animation away for a while.
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Well, I'm flabbergasted but somewhat relieved but totally confused. I opened the test I posted (which definitely failed when I posted it) and...today, it worked. How this could happen is beyond me.
I reconstructed the entire thing and it failed (see attached). However, I did realize that there's a difference I didn't mention--though I do not know how it could affect anything like this. When I put the project together (in every case but the 'test' I sent), I'm on my notebook but all the files are on my desktop--I'm going to a network drive via a wireless network. The test project was saved locally on the C drive of my notebook but as I said, it failed before posting it and just to make me crazier then I already am, worked this morning.
I will definitely test it on my desktop later today (all files will be local) and see what happens and let you know. And, to be just as crazy as this problem, I'll recreate the test project and see if I get similar results (i.e. fails one day, works the next).
Also, I'll look into the unnamed folders. I certainly do not want to rebuild the models but perhaps I can get into the model file with a text editor and look for anything weird.
Thanks so much for your time...an hour after posting this the thought occurred to me 'watch, it will work when robcat tries it' but tossed out that idea immediately as totally crazy...
. I think it's karma for all my sins. Cheers,
Rusty
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A generic test of constraining a bone in one model to a bone in another model survived being saved and reopened, so we'll need to know more about your case.
robcat,
I've attached the project file and a readme Word document that explains the project file (both in zip file).
Thanks,
Rusty
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Hi,
I'm not sure this is a bug or a restriction or due to a model creared in an eariler version or model corruption or perhaps the way I'm doing it. Anyone seen, know anything about or have a work around for chor constraints that won't work after you save/close/reopen. These constraints are from one model to another model to bones deep within a char rig.
This is a huge deal with my current project and any help from the community would be greatly appreciated!!
Thanks!
Rusty
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Don't you hate it when one of your PCs is having a ridiculous problem like this and you make a post to the forum praying for deliverance but... no one replies!
Well I'm going to reset my new Alienware notebook anyway...all kinds of weirdness and I suspect its because I hated Win8 and added all that free software to make it look like win7.
Win8 would be great if you had a friggin touch screen! If I wanted an iPhone I'd buy one, LOL!
Rusty
I'm losing chor constraints between models when I close...
in Animation:Master
Posted
Hi Randy!
Wow! Thanks for all this effort! You can tell when someone really has the passion.
I've been doing 3D animation since 1992 and using A:M for 11 years (since v8.5) yet I'm still always learning new things about the program and animation. Perhaps this is another opportunity! But I'm not quite there yet. This is because I think I'm hearing and understanding you but... I must be missing something. I cannot think of a single reason or situation where you would need to 'embed all' just before saving or next time you opened the project you'd lose something (unless you go around deleting files the project has links to). Is there any kind of example you can provide?
Even though I only 'kind of' agree with what you're saying (again...if I'm understanding it correctly) it got my hopes up, but those hopes crashed when I tried it and got the same result.
It seems to me that what you say maybe sound advice to a beginner who wants to make sure that all the project or model elements are embedded so he/she can send the project to someone else or move it breaking file links. Granted if you embed a model that you open and you add say a new material that you have opened, that material will not be embedded unless sometime before you save/exit you explicitly embed it. But will present no problems upon reopening the project (unless you remove the material file or move the project file thereby breaking the path to it).
elements added to a model after embedding it--elements being... well, all I can think of right now are materials. Those materials will open with the model via their link but they are not embedded unless you specifically embed them before saving.
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It has a lot to do with the target of those constraints, especially if you are constraining two models to each other.
If the model is either not there or has changed then the constraint will fail.
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Well, the above is not 'completely' true. You can make changes to the model as long as you do not change the chain of bones to the target. You can open a different model (say a high res model) and as long as the skeleton is the same, you can change the target model in the chor and all will still work.
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Note: This is generally not a problem with constraints because they are within the same model. When constraining external models together it introduces additional variables; specifically that those external relationships must never change. If they do the constraints will fail.
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Yes...break the chain (or path) to the target and game over.
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Consider:
In your video you imported Model and then immediately embedded (I would never bother doing this because it isn't likely to embed everything... some variables may be introduced later that nullify this). But this is okay, you can embed as many times as you want and that'll be okay.
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Ah, perhaps I can learn something I don't know here...exactly what would NOT be embedded? In my experience the entire model without exception is placed inside the project. If the model contains a material which is not embedded, then its link will be brought in but beyond that and images what is there? More important though is exactly what 'variables' "may be introduced later that nullify"???
Probably, LOL, we are on the same page and I'm just looking at what you're saying wrong.
Cheers,
Rusty