class_07

User Interface

This week we take a look at creating an interactive, graphical interface to you procedures. From this exercise we can see how all the interfaces in Maya are constructed. Keep in mind that a parametric object will only be as useful as its interface is usable.

For this week's lesson, you will need to make sure you have the latest version of the following scripts sourced into your scene:

• aa_turtle.mel
  
• aa_simplesolid.mel
  
• aa_isInside.mel
  

Steps in this Lesson

• Step 1: Introduce a Simple Interface - Here we will introduce the basics of interface creation in Maya.
  
  
• Step 2 - Create a Parametric Object - First we will create a simple parametric object while introducing a new useful addition to the turtle commands.
  
  
• Step 3 - Creating an Interface for the Parametric Object - An interface for a parametric object can seem complicated, but if you stick to the template provided it should not be too hard.
  
  
  
• Step 4 - Add Model Management for the Object Interface - The model created by the curve interface should be deleted and recreated at each iteration.
  
  
• Step 5 - Add Further Detail using aa_turtle_addModelCommand() -We will distribute a parametric model along the tutrle path.
  
  
  
  
• Step 6 - Making a building - So far we have used the turtle to create organizational paths and tree branches. Here we use the turtle to to make a floor outline and use the new turtle command to put a facade on it abnd use the curve from the turtle to make a floor slab and bound a column grid using is inside.
  
  
  

• Back To:

• Algorithmic Architecture