Transforming Bow

Artwork Works in Progress
22

Thank you :slightly_smiling_face:

Hovering over the Strength value, it looks like the full path is actually:

bpy.data.node_groups["Shader Nodetree"].nodes["Background"].inputs[1].default_value

But even this appears to be invalid…

EDIT:
It seems like the node_group is invalid?
image

EDIT 2:
It looks like ‘Shader Nodetree’ isn’t even an available node group:
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‘Lights’ and ‘Metals’ were the custom node groups I created for controlling the lights and Blade metal…

EDIT 3:
Even the Blender Console uses the same path… That’s so strange.

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EDIT 4:
Okay, so I found the full path to get the World’s Strength value:

bpy.data.worlds['World'].node_tree.nodes['Background'].inputs['Strength'].default_value

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Yet this is still invalid, according to the Driver…

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23

Ah yes, I thought you would encounter that “Old Chestnut” of Blender giving you the run-around with “fake” paths…

So the location of the value you want is:

bpy.data.worlds['World'].node_tree.nodes["Background"].inputs[1].default_value

Thanks a bunch Blender :angry::angry: Sorry I should have said that these things can be an absolute sod to find. This is why I use Empties, not Single Properties by the way, mush easier to deal with…

So if you use Animation Nodes, you can do this easily with an Expression Node like this:

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Getting that into a Driver is done like this (note how the variable is set up):

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But you notice that it doesn’t give a reading other than 0, so is no good… I rest my case for either using Animation Nodes, or Empties. :smile:

Cheers, Clock.

EDIT:

This code for the Driver variable works:

node_tree.nodes["Background"].inputs[1].default_value

Leave off the “[‘World’]” bit from your last attempt, But does not update properly… Only if you click in the appropriate box for the Driver, odd behaviour again!

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Note input has changed but driver did not update - big BUG I think…

So, back to Empties, or AN then?

EDIT2:

Heres is World and Lamp set with AN Expression Nodes:

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1 Like
24

I saw this on the thumbnail and I was like, “Hmm…” and then it transformed and I literally went, “HOT!” so yeah. I love this.

1 Like
26

I went with Empties in the end :slightly_smiling_face: Thanks again for your help!

How exportable are the drivers or animation nodes to different engines like Unity or Unreal? Would I have to re-setup everything again?

27

You’re welcome! As for exporting, sorry that is way outside my knowledge. I have never exported to a game engine, but maybe someone else can help you here!

Cheers, Clock. :beers:

1 Like
28

In an attempt to fix the elastic bowstring, I added a sort of Spool to the blade ends, that should wind and unwind the bowstring during transformation:

Spool%201
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Spool%202
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Spool%203
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Spool%204
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Spool%205
Spool%205489×1080 94.9 KB

How’s this?

29

Sweet, like to see the animation, also do you need to put a sub-surf mod in there to make the pulleys more round, or is this for a game?

Cheers, Clock. :beers:

1 Like
30

I plan on importing it into Unity or SFM at some point to use in games and animations, but also intend on sub-serfing the bow for the final render.

31

I finally added the finishing touches on my transforming bow and I’m about to make one last animation, but now I’m kind of having second thoughts on the Bow Form’s pose.

I made a slight adjustment to it where the riser (near the grip area) leans back a bit more.

Here are both poses for comparison. Which one looks better?

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Capture%202
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32

Left hand image looks more realistic to me!

Cheers, Clock. :cocktail:

1 Like
33

I sort of “finished” this back in March, but now i"m trying to improve the textures a bit.

On the dragon I wanted a sort of “bumpy plastic” look and added a Magic Texture to try and achieve this, but I’m not too fond of how it looks. How can I improve this texture?

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PS. I’m updating the first post with my renders shortly…

34

like the functionality and design…suggestion what about a more industrial colour scheme yellow black jcb look perhaps, maybe weathered look will look fab as well

1 Like