How to refresh / update the 3D View during runtime (LEAP MOTION PROJECT)

Coding Python Support
#1

I’m working on an addon for the Leap Motion Controller and need to know how to update the 3d view during script runtime. The leap motion is tracking a hand’s position and outputs a 3d position via (X,Y,Z) coordinates. I can get the cube to move, but it only goes to the last hand position when I stop the script. How can I make the cube continuously move?

Is it something where I need to call a new draw function or an update or what? I’ve spent 3 hours on the api site and came up empty.

I’m currently using this code to modify the cube’s position. Am I doing it wrong?

bpy.data.objects["Cube"].location = (p.x/10, p.y/10, p.z/10)

Thanks for all your help- Andy

#2

You need to use a modal operator. Modal operators are the only way to get the viewport/3d view updated as long as the script is still running.

#3

you could try registering your action with a scene update handler :

#define action
def Action(Scene):
do stuff here

#register action
bpy.app.handlers.scene_update_pre.append(Action)

#4

To get it to work properly you’d need to have the device driver send update events internally through C code… or just run it as an animation (Alt+A) while you’re testing.

Blender only updates when it receives external input, mouse moves &etc (or at least that’s how it used to work, haven’t messed with it lately).

#5

Have you tried calling the tag_redraw method of the viewport?

#6

Can you give some details on how you got Leap Motion Unit to work in Blender? I have been unsuccessful in getting started.