mmInstanceArray.mel 1.0.0 for Maya (maya script)

Description:

This script lets you instance an object a number of times in Y and Z. Each individual objects attributes Visibility, TranslateY and ScaleY can be easily adjusted and animated, using textures.

Instructions:

• Select the object you want to instance.
• Choose the number of instances in X and Z direction. (higher values above 40*40 take quite long to calculate)
  
• All instances are grouped under a node called "instanceGroup"
  
• The settings, as well as the connections of the textures to the instanced objects are stored in the "mmInstanceArraySettings" node. Pipe any textures into that node in order to drive the various attributes via expressions. After adjusting an attribute in any of the connected textures, you need to scrub through the timeline in order to see the effect.
  
  

Bugs, Limitations and Workarounds:

• While instancing the objects, a status bar pops up. Even though it states "Press ESC to Cancel", it's not possible to interrupt that process. This is especially critical if a huge amount of instances is being created.
• After adjusting an attribute in any of the connected textures, you need to scrub through the timeline in order to see the effect.
• There can only be one instanceArray in a scene, due to some name-clashes. A workaround would be to create various arrays, each in a scene of their own and then to import all of them into the final scene.