DiyLightAnimation
Software => Vixen => Topic started by: smeighan on January 13, 2012,
-
I am new to all of this. I have only used the Mr Christmas 6 channel light controllers from Home Depot. Over the next year i plan on getting 6 Lynx express, some of the smart strings and build a mega tree,
I want to have various patterns on my megatree next Christmas.
I prototype d a web page and wondered if anyone has done this before?
I modeled the tree with a cone and have various effects (spiraling lines, vertical lines, cross hatched lines,fireworks, text, stars, .etc.) The models are stored as an animated gif. I then built a model of the megatree, 16 segments, 60 pixels each segment. As the math model runs it projects the data onto the model of the tree. I have paramaters for changing the length of the sequence and for changing the models.
I next want to export the sequence as an xml file to import into lsp/vixen.
I plan on the web page allowing you to select which animation model you want ( radio buttons will allow selecting as many as i have in the gallery) and then projecting the animation onto the model of the tree.
i could also build other targets. i was thinking , for example, of modeling a snowman made of rgb strings. or a wall of strings. By separating the math models from the target physical models i think i will be able to get some interesting effects.
so ...
am i duplicating some tool that already exists?
where can i find out the format for the xml file i would need to create to import into vixen?
thanks
sean
BTW, this Christmas my 10 yo sons and i built some 9 ' tall nutcrackers. I plan on adding lights to them next year. We captured the plans of how to build them if anyone might be interested.
http://meighan.net/nutcrackers
-
Download a couple of vixen sequences and then view them using an xml viewer. I suspect that you will be able to understand the basics pretty quickly.
-
Sounds like a cool idea.
-
Tools to build megatree sequences with various effects have been suggested, but I am not aware of anyone working on an implementation, or even forming a design.
I think its a great idea, and I look forward to seeing what you create!!
Steve (a software developer with almost as many years... :o)
-
Watching sounds GREAT <pop.. <pop..
-
Can't wait to see it in action
-
Hi Smeighan,
I too am a programmer (1973) that writes my own program to create my sequences. Last year I ran 63,000+ channels on Vixen 2.1 with no problem. It is very easy to modify it’s xml file. There is lots of info out there on the file format. It is very strait forward. I found it easier to let Vixen create the original blank sequence with all the channel and other info in it. Then I would just overwrite the data section. If you do go that route keep in mind that Vixen 2.1 was written a log time ago when people had very few channels. So the data is in channel order and not event order in the xml.
They recently released Vixen 3.0 (beta) and I will be switching to that this year. You may want to take a look at it here. http://doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/showthread.php?16397-Vixen-3-0-Introduction-Series-Part-1 (http://doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/showthread.php?16397-Vixen-3-0-Introduction-Series-Part-1) It is all new from the ground up and looks very exciting. Vixen 3.0 is in net 4.0 and C#. It too is designed to make it easy for external programs to work with it. There are some tutorials on that site to show you how to work directly with its classes. This year I will just be writing my own modules for it, so that I can interface with it directly. So far it appears to be very easy and powerful to do that.
Have fun with your project. It is a very exciting road to go down.
-Jeff
-
Once you have an animated gif, if you could convert to avi file, the avi could be direcly imported into LSP using matrix animator and that could automatically map to a saved matrix.
-
Hi Smeighan,
I too am a programmer (1973) that writes my own program to create my sequences. Last year I ran 63,000+ channels on Vixen 2.1 with no problem. It is very easy to modify it’s xml file. There is lots of info out there on the file format. It is very strait forward. I found it easier to let Vixen create the original blank sequence with all the channel and other info in it. Then I would just overwrite the data section. If you do go that route keep in mind that Vixen 2.1 was written a log time ago when people had very few channels. So the data is in channel order and not event order in the xml.
They recently released Vixen 3.0 (beta) and I will be switching to that this year. You may want to take a look at it here. http://doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/showthread.php?16397-Vixen-3-0-Introduction-Series-Part-1 (http://doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/showthread.php?16397-Vixen-3-0-Introduction-Series-Part-1) It is all new from the ground up and looks very exciting. Vixen 3.0 is in net 4.0 and C#. It too is designed to make it easy for external programs to work with it. There are some tutorials on that site to show you how to work directly with its classes. This year I will just be writing my own modules for it, so that I can interface with it directly. So far it appears to be very easy and powerful to do that.
Have fun with your project. It is a very exciting road to go down.
-Jeff
Any developers really should read all four of these 'tomes' on what is proposed to be in Vixen 3.0. Looks like a serious change from 2.5 and I would hate all your hard work to be for naught when 3.0 comes out.
-
Very nice craftsmanship on the nutcrackers. You should be proud of your boys building that size of a project with you. Lights and possibly using servos to animate you project.
Welcome... I'm a newbie too but very hooked on this hobby.
Tom
-
Some more info on the design of the sequencer.
The entire tool will be web based.
Select model on the left side of web page
1) Cone
2) Plane
3) Fan
For each model i have various algorithms to create images. I create one X,Y,X image each time tick. The data is written to an ASCII file. I use gnuplot to create the gif animations.
On the right side of the web page is the models to project on. I have finished the code for creating a megatree model, create the other 3 later.
1) Megatree. You define the number of segments (ie. 8, 16, 32 .et.c), the number of pixels per leg, the channel number, the starting and ending pixel number., the height of the megatree and the radius. With this i create the output model. X,Y,Z, channel, pixel. One datapoint for all. so 16 channels and 60 pixels per leg . These 960 data points are written to a target model file. Web page builds the file X,Y,Z,Channel, Pixle#
2) Flat plane of vertical LEDs. The matrix of LED's all located in x,y,z space
3) A snowman, 10' tall. Three spheres. This is just to show that the target models can be any shape.
I then map the model file of x,y,z data to the target model d = sqrt (( x1-x2)**2 + (y1-y2)**2 + (z1-z2)**2))
i will set parameters of how close a pixel has to be to be set on. I will then select the target pixels and mark them as ON with the RGB from the source model.
I plan on allowing multiple math fomulas on the cone (spiral lines, stars) combined togeteher.
I am not sure how it is going to look yet, by next week i should have the target models being drawn. They will also be animated gif's. This will allow me to see what the proposed sequence will look like. I expect this is only going to make me want to have more segments on the mega tree.
I also plan on building a 16 leg megatree witha special sone 1/2 up . I am going to model a 48 segment tree, 16 with full pixels, 32 with pixels only for about 2' towards the bottom. This would allow text or more complicated animations in that one zone and note require 24 strings only maybe 8+4. The target model would allow anything that can be modeled in 3d space
i should have the web page tool avail to look at by end of next week
-
Will the import into Vixen or LSP take into account the ability for a single string to go up from bottom and then back down to ground. So say you had a 100 count string it would start with pixel 1 at bottom and pixel 50 at top then back down to pixel 100 at bottom. Many people use a single string to go up and then down. This would be needed for all strings of a tree.
-
yes.
it all goes to the target model.
For example the web page will ask
1) Height of tree? 10'
2) radius of base? 2.5'
3) Number of segments to tree? 8
4) Spacing between pixels? 3.5"
For each segment the web page will then prompt.
segment #1 starting channel,pixel? 1,1, Ending? 1,60
segment #2 starting channel,pixel? 1,61 Ending? 1,120
.etc.
from this i then build the model of the tree in X,Y,Z space, channel and pixel
I first build a cone 10' tall with a radius of 2.5'.
I then move the cone onto the model and project the data points to the nearest pixels.
Now i can project anything onto the tree.
You can also model trees more complicated than maybe you have before
For example i plan on making a 48 segment tree. I will use 48 ropes as the skeleton for the tree. I will cable tie the smart strings to the rope.
16 of the segments will have the full say 60 pixels. between these there will be two ropes where i will only put pixels for the bottom 2' or so.
As long as i know the x,y,z location and the string and pixel number i can project on all of this the same
from the model. This allows a 2' band that has 48 segments. I was thinking i could use this area to also project text.
-
Here is the first prototype for the tool i am building
http://meighan.net/seqbuilder
it is just alpha software. you cant vary the source and target models yet.
You can get the basic idea
1) Math model will be under the Model column
2) Different targets created for megatrees. In this case the tree is 10' high and 5' diameter at the base. The data files x,y,z data is all in inches.
3) Match model to target models.
The 8 segment target does not go all the way to the bottom of the tree, the 32 column megatree is skipping segments. I am writing code now but thought i would release this so you could get an idea of where this may go.
The gif files are only used to allow people to get an idea what the result will look like on their particular tree.
Note: I have tested this on firefox, ie and chrome. on chrome two the images did not show up. if i right clicked those images and opened in a new tab they worked. more stuff to work out.
I plan on allowing you to save/reload your own models. I also plan to get people to contribute more math models. I have thought of one for creating snowflakes.
thanks
sean
sean.meighan@oracle.com
-
Sean,
Renders OK on my MacBook OSX 10.6.8 using
Chrome 16.0.912.75
Firefox 9.0.1
Safari 5.1
Tom
-
i have rewritten the web page to show animated jpegs instead of animated gif's
I have a java script that loads the jpegs and animates them. This also seemed to solve my issue with sometime not seeing the animations. IF's can only display 256 colors. I wanted the animations to reflect the actual RGB color that will be seen in your show.
It has only been a few days so this is still Alpha software.
http://http://meighan.net/seqbuilder
I am going to change the math model to rotate 3 spirals at once and that. If this works as expected, i hope to get more people contributing the models of different animations.
-
I am posting to two places, one here and the other on the lsp forums.
Here is a thread from there:
The targets can be any shape. Currently i have modeled megatrees and a flat plane. I will also make a snowman of three spheres just to show how it would look. a 10' tall snowman, hmmm.
anyways the math models are independent of the targets. in fact you could have many target objects, say 2 mega-trees next to each other, and the projection from the math model could be projeted onto both at the same time.
Just need the math model and the target models to be close to the same size. Currently i am using a 10' high cone with a 5' diameter. I then have modeled the physical megatree 10. tall and 5' diametere. i move the model on top of the target and do a match to the closest pixel.
I find the closest pixel by doing
dist = sqrt((xm-xt)**2 + (ym-yt)**2 ++ (zm-zt)**2).
In any direction, dist is now how far apart the pixel is from the source model.
xm,ym,zm = coordnates from the math model
xt,yt,zt = coordinates of the models.
I am thinking of reaching out to jr colleges or high school math departments and see if their students might want to think up some of the math models.
I have an idea of how to do snowflakes, garlands. I want to get as many different models as we can.
The source model could come from something other than math models.
For example: maybe use a tablet and store the data as people write. You would then see whatever was drawn projected onto the target models.
other things maybe would be to read avi files and project onto tthe targets
right now, i just wanted to get the math models. For example the single spiral you see has a single parameter to it to add more spirals. 3, 6, 12? Model is built projection is the same. It is these more complicated models where i think it is a valuable tool.
So this is basically an effects generator which is an exciting prospect for LSP, I hope this feature will be able to be used on more than just a mega tree. I would like to see the same features as with transitions where you can map those generated effects to either an element or the whole display.
This then would really make it a madrix competitor and take LSP to the next level
Thanks for the great work and input, im sure the community will be much better off with your input.
-
Looks like some neat stuff going on here.
RJ
-
I have added one more model to web site.
The math model for the spiral has a parameter for setting the number of spirals. I created a 1,2 and 3 spiral source model.
3 spirals would probably be very complicated if you had to program the sequence by hand.
http://meighan.net/seqbuilder/index.php
This starts to show where i think this will be valuable. I dont have the mapping to the target models done yet.
-
Looks good so far i dont have any rgbs so when I get some to make a mega tree your programs the one ill be looking up...
-
I have a new web link for the sequence builder
http://meighan.net/seqbuilder/index.php
This code now is actually building the models. Please update any bookmarks you may have
thanks
sean
-
I can see my Linear Algebra classes in college might actually be put to use. LOL.
-
The awesomeness of this project is...awesome!
One idea comes to mind, I've seen some folks make what I'll call, "half-tree's". Mega-trees but only the front 180 degrees of it. Those types would seem to be more used for animations, figures, shapes, pictures, etc. A full 360 degree tree would have "light pollution" from the back row of lights. Do-able?
-
Nice work Sean, Since I am an LSP user as well I see this being a very handy tool for us and other software programs.
I can see the math model animations in all three examples but only the target for the 8/16/32. In the first example (green pixels).
The 2nd and 3rd examples do not show any animations on the targets. Using Win XP, Firefox.
-
I have released a new version of the seq builder. There were some major changes in the matching algorithym.
http://meighan.net/seqbuilder/index.php
I also wrote a description of how the logic works.
Now i am modeling the targets for all three source math models. I also changed the targets so the data looks more like LED's.
One issue i am working on is how to turn off animations and turn them on demand.
Currently when the web page runs and creates the png files, it is making 2600 of them, 11 megabytes. It is caching all of these in the browser and then turning them on using a java script.
Each png file is 1-2kbytes.
still a work in progress. maybe next week ill work on exporting the data to vixen or lsp. then maybe someone can try these and see what they look like.
With this release i think you can get an idea what your megatrees would look like.
thanks
sean
BTW, there is another thread here for this software: http://doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/showthread.php?19205-RGB-Sequence-Builder-for-Megatrees-Planes-or-any-other-arbitrary-object
-
I too am using Firefox but can see the third sequence but not the second. The third took a little while to get going but once everything finished downloading it moves pretty quickly. The second only shows "fast animation example".
-
I like your progress! You are doing well with the idea to widen the sprirals... I think they do require more thickness to come off well.
-
The awesomeness of this project is...awesome!
One idea comes to mind, I've seen some folks make what I'll call, "half-tree's". Mega-trees but only the front 180 degrees of it. Those types would seem to be more used for animations, figures, shapes, pictures, etc. A full 360 degree tree would have "light pollution" from the back row of lights. Do-able?
Yep, this is very easy. I just will build a target tree with half the segments. Currently i have a variable match algorithm. If i am in the first 10% of the top of the tree, i match when the pixels are within 1" of the model. at the very top a 32 segment tree is only a few tenths of an inch apart. As i go down the tree the radius increases and the strings separate. I am using 4" for the bottom of a 10' tree. If i tighten this matching routine to a few inches then the spirals to animate multiple pixels. In other words i will set up a set of matching routines and allow the user to pick how fussy the match will be.
i will add half trees later this week and see what it looks like.
thanks
sean
-
WOW!! This will be very helpful in the future. Since channel counts are going up exponentially with the new RGB stuff and this will cut the sequencing time down a bunch. Thank you for all the hard work!!
Bill A.
-
I can see everything now WinXP, firefox. Nice job in the short time you've been working on it.
-
New release meighan.net/seqbuilder/index.php
This version has some more documentation in the header of the webpage.
I added a new column with half of a mega-tree. I basically took a 16 segment tree and built only the front half.
Web page will load faster now.
I also checked the web page on my ipad safari browser, it works fine.
thanks
sean
-
Sean,
My hats off to you you're really banging away at this. <res.
-
When i get to RGB i will have you tho thank Sean. Keep up the great work.
-
Copy of a thread from the LOR forum. I am looking for input from Vixen, LSP and LOR users for the tool. I will occasionally cross post.
Thanks. I am putting in the forms that will allow you to vary the math models now. I just created a new model for doing what you describe. I now have a model for rotating the spirals both cw,ccw
Example:
You will be prompted:
Math model? Spirals on a cone
Number of Spirals? 3
Size of Cone? 10' high, 5' diameter
How many steps to rotate thru 360 degrees? 36 (so 10 degrees per rotation)
Direction of rotation (CW,CCW)? CCW
How long for one full rotation? 6 seconds
What target to project on? 16 segment mega-tree
The web page will then calculate the model and the target. With 36 steps there will be 36 output target X,Y,Z objects created. It will calculate the delay between rotations as
delay per rotation = 6 seconds/36 steps
delay per rotation = 166 ms
I believe i then need to round this to the nearest time quantum. So if you have set the time quantum as 50ms, i would delay each rotation as 150ms.
I should have this all working by next week and released.
To Do:
1) Get models with a form prompting all parameters for source and target models.
2) get the xml outputs working.
3) Modify the matching logic to be better for the bottom of the megatrees
4) Create a new orthographic projecting matching routine. This will be especially good when projecting on to flat walls
5) Create the models for snowflakes, garlands
6) Allow icon files (*.ico) to be used for projection
7) Allow users to input their own math models and targets
8) Document all of this.
9) Get code setup on sourceforge so can have more users help in the development
10) Setup MySQL database to store individual users setups. A user will not want to tell me their mega-tree specifics more than once.
In my spare time ....
thanks
sean
[user=15014]gizmomkr[/user] wrote:
Verry cool - nice work. Not sure if you found your xml answer yet, but I would love to see it when its outputting a lor friendly XML.
(I'd REALLY love if lor built the "math" in so objects like trees and other high channel counts were shown as a single item and could be modified as such.
I THINK there is a basic tree wizzard... but I hate that if I want to do something like just make it spin faster, I have to erase the timing grid and start over.
IF lor put the math into the code, then one day when I want the tree to spin faster, I just have to turn a knob - instead of re-making a whole section of sequence.
But still - verry nice work. Kudo's
BTW, i also posted the link to the Nutcrackers on the rgbsb main page. These are the 9' tall nutcrackers my sons and I made. We plan on putting lights on them next year.
-
I have added a poll to the this thread. I plan on writing the code for outputting to all three, LSP,LOR and Vixen. I need to decide which one i do first. The poll will give me a direction.
I have already written parsers that can read Vixen and LOR. I am working on the routines to write the output xml now.
I believe i should be working on the production versions for these.
Vixen 2.1.1 instead of Vixen 2.5 or 3.0. I don't know if the xml files have changed.
LOR S2 instead of S3
LSP V2.0 (corrected from thinking v1.8 was latest)
thanks
sean
-
I voted for light o rama s3 because i can import that into lightshowpro 2.0. But what about lightshowpro 2.0?
-
current LightShowPro is v2 not 1.8 Anyone using 1.8 ought to upgrade as the performance and bug fixes are significant
-
Thanks, I added v2.0 to the poll choices
sean
-
Now that i am writing the output code for XML. It would really help if i could get a small file for
Vixen 2.1.1, 2.5 and 3.0 and LOR S2 and S3
Here is what i would like:
On whatever device you have a string of RGB pixels,
1) Turn on Pixel#1 RED for 1 second
2) Turn on Pixel#1 GREEN for 1 second
3) Turn on Pixel #1 BLUE for one second
1) Turn on Pixel#2 RED for 1 second
2) Turn on Pixel#2 GREEN for 1 second
3) Turn on Pixel #2 BLUE for one second
Send your LMS,VIX,MSQ file that has this 6 second sequence to me at sean.meighan@oracle.com
This will speed up my output routines.
It looks to me that
LMS(LOR) will be the easiest to code, followed by VIX (Vixen) and finally MSQ (LSP). Does anyone have a code snippet for reading MSQ binary files? For LSP i may just have to produce LOR S2 files since LSP can import those
thanks
sean
PS; A side affect of this code is that i may end up with a converter between all of these file types, who knows?
-
I found a thread saying lsp *.msq files are xml files that have been compressed with 7-zip. I took and msq and ran it thru 7-zip. I do see the xml file.
So i need an msq file withe the two pixels set to three colors as requested above.
thanks
sean
-
This is gonna be great....... Im gonna need all the help I can get considering I still dont know why the chicken crossed the road... :o
-
This is gonna be great....... Im gonna need all the help I can get considering I still dont know why the chicken crossed the road... :o
That one is easy to get Blinky Flashy
-
This is a great project and I am looking forward to having it to help.
RJ
-
I have gotten the first XML file to load without errors for LOR. Their XML format was easier for me than Vixen. I think Vixen will be next
Can someone tell me the number of pixels and lengths that you would be using. My current target trees have pixel #1 at the top of the tree. I am adding three new target models to support LOR
1) Wedge
2) Edge to Center
3) Up and over
These topographies could be used by anyone, they are just saying how you string your lights on the tree.
I think I read a smart string as 127 lights and 27' long?
I need to create target models knowing the physical dimensions.
Please reply with any strings you would be using
I think in LOR they have 50 pixels on a string, I have asked what the length will be
On my trees, I plan on cable tieing the lights to a rope and set spacing something less that what the wire is. This will relieve strain and give me a reliable grid.
Fr example if a smart string is 127 pixels on a 27' length then the spacing is 2.55" apart.
So please reply with the number of pixels and string length so i can make sure my web page can model all.
thanks
sean
-
I have gotten the first XML file to load without errors for LOR. Their XML format was easier for me than Vixen. I think Vixen will be next
Can someone tell me the number of pixels and lengths that you would be using. My current target trees have pixel #1 at the top of the tree. I am adding three new target models to support LOR
1) Wedge
2) Edge to Center
3) Up and over
These topographies could be used by anyone, they are just saying how you string your lights on the tree.
I think I read a smart string as 127 lights and 27' long?
I need to create target models knowing the physical dimensions.
Please reply with any strings you would be using
I think in LOR they have 50 pixels on a string, I have asked what the length will be
On my trees, I plan on cable tieing the lights to a rope and set spacing something less that what the wire is. This will relieve strain and give me a reliable grid.
Fr example if a smart string is 127 pixels on a 27' length then the spacing is 2.55" apart.
So please reply with the number of pixels and string length so i can make sure my web page can model all.
thanks
sean
48 strings of 85 in a tree... node #1 starts from the bottom and goes straight up to the top with #85 (no folding)
the back of the tree starts string #1 and the strings are numbered in counter-clockwise order -- as you look at the ground. so the front center is #24.
The trunk of my tree is 20.53' the string length is 21.5' and the radius 6.36'
These are smart string pixels, and they are 3" apart on the strings.
btw, the smart strings can be up to 128 nodes (aka pixels) long. Pixels on the strings are 3" apart. The length can be up to 32' long.
-
Sean
Excellent work and its spurring me on to build a mega tree sooner than planned.
One option that I'd love to see is "fractals" - snowflake algorithms implemented, random and colour changing
Dont know how practical - keep up the great progress
Mike
-
I have fractals on my list of source models.
I already have modeled snowflakes rotating around the vertical axis and dropping down at a 45 degree angle. These are all just the ability to redraw a 3d object about an arbitrary axis. You can do rotations about two axis's at the same time.
I have an idea for garlands on the tree and have them dropping down into position.
I also have modeled the meteor effect, i will need to see how it maps to an actual target,
right now working on getting three different xml file outputs (LSP,LOR and Vixen)
thanks
-
Steve, this is exactly the info i need. I have already modeled your tree as one of the targets.
And for a future models of where i will take this, take a look at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjQFXmmN6Ic&feature=fvsr
This is how gnuplot can animate surfaces with color maps. Image this animation being projected onto your tree and you get an idea of where i want to go with rgbsb
thanks
sean
-
Since mant peoples trees do the lights from the bottom to top as #1 channel at bottom is that possible?
RJ
-
You would have to have duel cones facing each other, it would look like a tree upright, and one inverted downward right under it.
-
"Since mant peoples trees do the lights from the bottom to top as #1 channel at bottom is that possible?"
Yes, i have already built these models:
1) Pixel #1 at bottom
2) Pixel #1 at top
3) Pixel #1 at bottom and wraps over tree and goes down the other side.
4) Start Pixel#1 and go down and move over one strand and then come back ending at the top again. (LOR calls this a wedge)
5) I have modeled half trees
You could have one strand go up and down three times if you want. I wonder if anyone has done those trees.
You can also give me an ascii file with the x,y,z locations of your custom shaped tree.
I am making the rgbsb web page build the models for #1 thru #5.
thanks
sean
-
You would have to have duel cones facing each other, it would look like a tree upright, and one inverted downward right under it.
I am not sure what u mean. I create one cone for the source, say 20' high and 10' diamter. I create a target megatree where every pixel is located in x,y,z space. I then mathematically move the source on top of the target and match the nearest pixel to the data of the source model.
I have no inverted cones.
maybe i misunderstood?
thanks
sean
-
You would have to have duel cones facing each other, it would look like a tree upright, and one inverted downward right under it.
I am not sure what u mean. I create one cone for the source, say 20' high and 10' diamter. I create a target megatree where every pixel is located in x,y,z space. I then mathematically move the source on top of the target and match the nearest pixel to the data of the source model.
I have no inverted cones.
maybe i misunderstood?
Like in the picture, Have the channels start in the center, and go down the cone from the center, or go up to the top. It would have that bounce up and down effect. It was just a thought I had, kindof stupid i know.
thanks
sean
-
Like in the picture, Have the channels start in the center, and go down the cone from the center, or go up to the top. It would have that bounce up and down effect. It was just a thought I had, kindof stupid i know.
Ah, i see
I can model that as a target if someone actually wanted to make something like it. I probably have enough for now just modeling the many ways people build trees.
I would be interested to see the trees that have already been built.
sean
-
"Since mant peoples trees do the lights from the bottom to top as #1 channel at bottom is that possible?"
Yes, i have already built these models:
1) Pixel #1 at bottom
2) Pixel #1 at top
3) Pixel #1 at bottom and wraps over tree and goes down the other side.
4) Start Pixel#1 and go down and move over one strand and then come back ending at the top again. (LOR calls this a wedge)
5) I have modeled half trees
You could have one strand go up and down three times if you want. I wonder if anyone has done those trees.
You can also give me an ascii file with the x,y,z locations of your custom shaped tree.
I am making the rgbsb web page build the models for #1 thru #5.
thanks
sean
Great this will be an amazing tool!!!
RJ
-
my smart string tree last year started at the bottom. went to top, then back down one strand over. I think this is common.
-
Hi all;
I have a new release of code that will build the target models
http://meighan.net/seqbuilder/main_login.php
Please give any feedback on if this looks like it will cover your megatree.
you can use 'guest' password 'welcome1' to just play with the tool.
So here is what i plan.
This page has a mysql db backend.
I expect you to be able to describe your tree with the prompts i currently have.
After you save the form , your tree will be saved under your name.
Some caveats.
1) The actual target models wont show up for you yet.
2) You cannot edit the model after you save it. Edit capability will come next week
3) I will export the models each day so that i can reload them as i am changing the database DDL. In other words, you wont lose what you enter.
I really dont think it will be that big of a deal since i think you can describe your tree in less than 60 seconds using this form.
I will be adding the ability to have other topographies. One that i saw on Madrix is what they call the snake. This means you could go up and down 5 times , for example. I think i cover what most of you do.
I have prototyped scrolling text on the source cone, so that will be coming out after i get the xml files out. I needed this model to continue my tests.
If someone is able to put their tree in matching your actual tree, please let me know. Ill use those in my testing cases.
thanks
-
I have though of the first issue where ny model builder may be incomplete.
Since, i have never built a tree, i am just guessing. I think maybe i will need to allow you to skip some pixels at the top of the tree.
(http://meighan.net/seqbuilder/treetop.png)
This assumes spacing of 3" between pixels and a 9" diameter top of the tree.
In this case i think i need to ask
"How many pixels to skip at top of tree?"
This would only apply to the model where you go up and down the other side.
If you go up and come down on the adjacent side, maybe you will need to skip 1?
Again, i am looking for feedback to see if i have asked enough questions to model your trees?
thanks
sean
-
Here is another model...
(http://img816.imageshack.us/img816/8086/23582074.png)
-
If you go up and come down on the adjacent side, maybe you will need to skip 1?
I don't skip any doing it adjacent. 42 nodes up and 42 nodes down.
-
Just was wondering if your tool could take custom node spacing into consideration. Here is a post showing that Ray provides this service: http://www.diylightanimation.com/index.php?topic=7640.msg109645#msg109645
-Rimist (via Tapatalk)
-
I cold create model to handle this. I will probably wait until I have XML exports, the different source models done, the target creation handling 90% of everyone's trees
These are the source models I want done by summer
1 spirals
2 snowflakes
3 fractals
4 garlands
5 scrolling text
6 amorphous color blobs
7 circles
8 meteor or icicles. I am not sure what u call but vertical lights dripping down the tree
All of the above will be able to be rotated about vertical axis and also in the x,y axis. Think snowflakes following down the tree and rotating at the same time.
Finally I want to process avi files, that is probably fall.
With the input I have gotten so far
1 I will remove the choice of units ( in,ft,cm,m) and replace with just inches. Too many choices
2 I will be showing u a picture of your tree and for each string show u where the pixels should be located.
3 I will be removing the usernames from the tool when I get a create account page up next week. Some people on the lot forum were very opposed to my importing user names. I don't show the names I imported, I don't have profiles, emails or passwords. I was just trying to let people get on and try the tool. I apologize if I violated any forum rules.
Thanks
Sean
-
I would go ahead and remove them now as it has stirred up some issues. Folks please do not use your DLA account password on other sites if at all possible.
I know it was meant as a helpful thing but taking accounts from a site people sign up for and adding it to one they did not is a very unpopular thing and many people get upset about these things.
RJ
-
I cold create model to handle this. I will probably wait until I have XML exports, the different source models done, the target creation handling 90% of everyone's trees
I was curious. I would make sure there is definite interest before bothering. It is an awesome tool you are creating.
-Rimist (via Tapatalk)
-
I would go ahead and remove them now as it has stirred up some issues. Folks please do not use your DLA account password on other sites if at all possible.
I know it was meant as a helpful thing but taking accounts from a site people sign up for and adding it to one they did not is a very unpopular thing and many people get upset about these things.
RJ
Thanks RJ; I have removed all user names from my database.
I planned on removing them all this wekk anyways as soon as the create account logic was finished.
I did receive enough feedback that i know what i need to do with the target models.
thanks all
sean
-
Here is another model...
(http://img816.imageshack.us/img816/8086/23582074.png)
Hi steve, i think i will now use this as the more complete mode for a tree
(http://meighan.net/seqbuilder/images/mega_tree.png)
I will need to figure out how many extra pixels are used due to the sag of the wire.
After you submit your target, i will create a table and put the pixel numbers A-H filled in for each of your strings. I will then allow people to edit that table to tweak it.
Not everyone will use all of the segments. In my tree that i hope to build i will not have segments AB,BC, FG, GH. I want to have the highest tree i can.
I am thinking of making a quick tree generator. Give me just one dimension, the height H1 and the length of your strings , i will then make a theoretical tree with D1 diameter 1/3 of the height. Since i have not built a tree I can use this to give out all the dimensions.
thanks for the input
sean