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-   -   mel script for breathing? (https://simplymaya.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8315)

skyzeyez 08-10-2003 04:58 PM

mel script for breathing?
 
hello all!
Do we have a script or expression to automate the breathing action of a chest cavity over time? I am certain that the problem has been handled and I may fumble through it myself but I thought I may have success with my friends at Simply. All the best, and thank you.:beer:

mark_wilkins 13-10-2003 11:50 PM

Why not set up a cluster and animate its scale appropriately? Then, you can either use a simple expression to drive the appropriate scale attributes or you can hand-keyframe.

-- Mark

skyzeyez 14-10-2003 09:30 PM

Thank you Mark. By the way, I worked through your book and compared it to the others. I found that while all were well written, I gained an understanding of scripting by cross referencing. I'll continue to do so as no book seems comprehensive.

Alan 17-10-2003 06:22 PM

you could also create two blend shapes and just use an expression to control the "mix" between them over time :)

Alan

mark_wilkins 23-10-2003 03:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by skyzeyez
Thank you Mark.
A truly comprehensive book on MEL would be thousands of pages and require several authors to write.

Each of us who have written on the topic (David, David, and I) took different approaches to decide what to focus on, and the result is complementary books.

However, I'm sure you'll agree that their niches are clear: MEL Scripting for Maya Animators is an introduction to MEL that's oriented toward Maya-familiar users who are new to programming. The MEL Companion is a more advanced book that includes a lot of interesting applications that cover a range of material we didn't. Complete Maya Programming is aimed at more experienced programmers and people who wish to develop plug-ins.

If you have any specific feedback given the audience and intended focus of MEL Scripting for Maya Animators, please consider dropping by the new forums on the book's site at

http://forums.melscripting.com/

-- Mark

jschleifer 04-11-2003 10:03 PM

you've probably got this solved by now, but I'd higly recommend against making an automated expression for breathing unless you want your character to look mechanical.

Breathing is a big part of bringing something to life.. you can use it very smartly to help define what a character is thinking.. how they're reacting to something.. etc. Imagine the difference between the following:
1) The character's face is passive but they're taking long deep breaths
2) The character's face is passive but they're holding their breath
3) The character's face is passive but they're taking short shallow breaths

all three represent something completely different.. the first, the character is at rest.. relaxed. The second, they're scared.. possibly, or maybe a bit startles. The third, they're definitely scared or excited about something.

Just a quick tip. :)


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