AutoFlock

Description

 

LICENSE – LIFE-TIME NON-FLOATING

Description:
This license allows you to use the script for LIFE-TIME on a single machine.

✅ Full feature access

✅ Cost-effective life-time usage

🔒 Bound to one system (non-transferable)

💡 Great for individuals or studios working on a dedicated machine

AutoFlock is a python script to generate a flocking system in maya, and the user can control the flocking behaviour using the GUI.

AutoFlock System – User Guide

The AutoFlock system is a Python script for Autodesk Maya that simulates flocking behavior (like birds or fish) for 3D objects. Here’s how to use it:

• To activate the tool, a license is required. Please follow the steps below to generate and send your Response Key:
• 1. Unzip the AutoFlock.zip file.
• 2. Inside, you’ll find a file named install.mel.
• 3. Drag and drop install.mel into your Maya viewport. This will add an icon to your shelf.
• 4. Click the newly added icon. A window will appear displaying your Response Key.
• 5. Email this Response Key to animfxtools@gmail.com to receive your one year license.
• Looking forward to your Response Key.

Basic Usage

Creating a Flock
1. Run the script to open the AutoFlock UI window
2. Adjust the parameters as needed (see “Parameters” section below)
3. Click “AutoFlock” to create a new flocking system

Using Custom Objects
1. Select any Maya object in your scene
2. Click “Use selected as the Flocking Object” in the UI
3. Create the flock – your selected object will be instanced for each flock member

Adding Goals
1. Create and position any object in your scene
2. Select it and click “Use selected as the Goal Object”
3. The flock will now be attracted to this object’s position

UI Controls

Flocking Objects Section
– **Number of Objects**: How many objects to create in the flock
– **Size of Objects**: Scale of each object
– **Flip Threshold**: Controls how strongly to prevent objects from flipping (0=off, 1=max)
– **Shift Control**: Controls how strongly to prevent drifting (0=off, 1=max)
– **Flock Speed**: Maximum movement speed
– **Variable Speed**: Check to randomize individual speeds
– **Forward Axis**: Which local axis points forward (X/Y/Z)
– **Axis Direction**: Positive or negative direction of forward axis
– **Number of Frames**: Duration of the animation

Behavior Settings
– **Cohesion**: How strongly objects stay together
– **Separation**: How strongly objects avoid crowding
– **Alignment**: How strongly objects match velocities
– **Turbulence**: Amount of random movement
– **Obstacle Avoidance**: How strongly objects avoid obstacles
– **Goal Weight**: How strongly objects follow the goal

Presets Section
– **Save Preset**: Save current settings as a named preset
– **Presets Dropdown**: Select from saved presets
– **Apply Preset**: Load selected preset settings
– **Delete Preset**: Remove selected preset

Systems Section
– Lists all created flocking systems in the scene
– Select systems to show/hide them

Action Buttons
– **AutoFlock**: Create a new flocking system
– **Update**: Update selected flocking system with current settings
– **Default**: Reset all settings to defaults
– **Delete**: Delete selected flocking system

Advanced Features

Drift Prevention
The system includes automatic drift prevention to keep the flock centered:
– Objects beyond `MAX_DISTANCE` are pulled back toward the center
– Periodic stronger corrections are applied every `DRIFT_CORRECTION_INTERVAL` frames
– The “Shift Control” parameter adjusts drift prevention strength

Orientation Control
You can control which axis points forward for each object:
– Set the “Forward Axis” (X/Y/Z)
– Choose “Positive” or “Negative” direction
– The system automatically creates aim constraints to maintain orientation

Performance Tips
– Start with fewer objects to test settings
– Reduce the number of frames for quicker previews
– Higher “Flip Threshold” values reduce computation but may look less natural

Troubleshooting

Common Issues
– **No objects appear**: Check if any flocking systems exist in the Outliner
– **Objects don’t move**: Ensure you have enough frames in your timeline
– **Objects flip erratically**: Increase the “Flip Threshold” value
– **Flock drifts away**: Increase “Shift Control” or check goal objects

Resetting
– Use the “Delete” button to remove unwanted systems
– Click “Default” to reset all parameters
This system provides realistic flocking behavior with extensive customization options. Experiment with different settings to achieve the desired effect for your animation.