Export the Spring

Export the Prop

  • Export model from 3ds Max

1. Go to File > Export.
 2. Type a name for the model. This name will be used for the name as the .spx file. Save as type
    "iClone3 VNS".

   

3. "Reallusion iClone Panel" pops up for you to set the settings for the model. Make sure that "File 
     Type" is set to "Prop".

 

SPX for Spring

  • How do you prepare the Spring to work in iClone? In this section we will explain the spring setting  spx file. The format of spx file looks like shown below:

1 Gravity The strength of being pulled downward.
2 Maximum Stretch The maximum length change when the spring is pulled or compressed. When set 0, there is no effect of spring.
3 Spring Strength It defines the softness of the prop. The higher the value is, the stiffer the prop turns to be. You can also adjust Spring Strength in iClone3 Modify Panel.
4 Damping Bounce back to the original place faster with larger value. Bounce back to the original place slower when set to smaller value.
You can also adjust Damping in iClone3 Modify Panel. The Corresponding Parameter in iClone is "Bounciness" and the value is set to the opposite direction of the damping set in .spx file.
5 Mass It defines the object's weight which influences the prop's bouncing angle. The higher the Mass values is, the larger the bouncing angle is. A higher value makes the props bounce heavier.
You can also adjust Mass in iClone3 Modify Panel.

Import the Prop and Spring Setting

Let's import the prop right into iClone.

1. Launch iClone3. Click on > to import prop into iClone3.

2. Click import in the right side panel of iClone window.

3. Please remember, before you import the iProp file into iClone that both of the iProp file name and .spx
    file name should be the same. Otherwise iClone may not be able to recognize the spring settings.
    This will cause the spring not to function properly in iClone3.

4. Go to "Set" > "Props" > "Import". This will now import your fabulous Spring right into the scene. Here
    is the Spring in iClone3. Remember that we have set the initial pose for the selected Spring. See! Here
    is the first pose that the spring acts.

   

5. Click the "+" button below the Content Manager to add the spring prop to your assets. 
    Once the prop is saved, the spring setting is embedded and saved with the prop, and the external
    spx file is on longer needed.

Test the Spring Prop and Save It as Spring Accessory

1. Add the spring prop we just created.

2. Attach it to the Avatar.

    •    Import an avatar into the Scene.
    •    Position the Spring to the place where you prefer and click "Pick Parent" in the "Attach"
         section.

                      

    •    Pick the body part where you want to attach the Spring. Now the Spring is an accessory
         and moves with the avatar.

                     

Fine-tune Parameters

There are two ways to fine-tune the Spring parameters:

1. Modify the SPX file.
    This doesn't work on the existing spring prop in the scene.
    You have to reload the prop with accompanying spx file.

2. Adjust the strength parameters in the Spring modify panel.
    This works directly on the existing spring prop in the scene. 
    However, the range of adjustment is limited.
    (Min - 50%, Max = 200%)

   

Go to the following video to see the movement of the Spring. Please enjoy!

Download: Spring (3ds Max), Spring (iClone), .spx


Note:
  • The .spx file and the model file should be placed in the same directory as the model file.
  • Please open up the "Flex Real-time Sync" function in preferences settings when you are testing the Spring effect in iClone3.
  • If the "Spring" modify panel is disabled after importing the prop, then there may be errors    contained in the SPX file. Please check the SPX file settings again.
    • No “.” for the folder name in the directory.
    • Parent child node naming in .spx file is consistent with the model dummy set in 3ds Max.

Create a Spring