External link to the machine film blog

Different generations of the rig are currently used in both large and small scale projects in Denmark and Germany.

interface (outdated) for the Loco system

Currently, the system accepts both .mov format files from a Maya based camera rig, and includes a curve editor to set animation curves with interpolation and tangency options.

The interface allows the user to set the camera trigger, specify the output, and specify the naming convention.

The recent versions of the software (pictured below) include user-definable interface buttons that automatically name and organize shots (bluescreen, reference, chrome ball, etc), a still camera mode, and extensive file based user preferences that give the user granular control of the software.

The software also logs motion deviance.

The software is cross-platform, although the camera trigger method is so far only OSX based (this is expected to change in the near future). Supported cameras include: Canon EOS5D, Canon EOS40D, Canon EOS450D.

At some point the interface will also include automatic playback of the current move, onion skinning, and other workflow additions.

loco motion editor

loco still mode

More feature details to follow…

• Linux, Mac, Windows Compatible
• Mesh and Component Part based pelting
• Multiple pelt groups in one scene
• Direct connection to original, uncut mesh
• Two different pelting frame algorithms
• Per vertex spring controls
• Multiple model views – checker, baked normal
• Edge coloring on cut and border edges
• Orient set orientation and mid-line axis
• Loop functions from OMTOOLBOX integrated.
• Quick to simulate with hi-res models
• User created script macros
• UV Tweak Mode for pelted and non-pelted
• Frame Attractors
• Flexi Frames

Hairy implements its own point-swept collision system, and responds to standard maya fields.

It implements a “permissions” model to limit global hair style creation (animators are free to create styles locally, which they can then share), a setup mode and a dynamic/animation mode.  Users can easily switch between setup and animation, in order to create additional hairs or reposition existing hairs.

Animation mode contains various attributes and controls which define the relationship between keyed styles and dynamics.  Controls are implemented both at a global hair system level and on a local per-hair basis.

More feature details to follow…

The tool is MEL based, and implements a folder-based versioning and “check-in” system.  Placement of the animation cycles is based on a directional manipulator with on-screen range and area feedback.  Fields on the interface determine randomizing parameters (scale, rotation).

The tools also organizes accessories, which can be procedurally placed onto pre-defined locators on the rig (head/tail).

The tool randomizes UVs on each imported character.  Multiple 16 pixel texture maps, scaled to fit 16×16 uv ranges determine tint for the different object (head, body, shirt, etc) textures.

More feature details to follow…