2011

Table Of Contents
Profile Functions on page 751
Conditional Functions on page 752
About Expressions
Expressions are mathematical formulas that let you control any parameter
that can be animated, such as translation, rotation, scaling, material, or texture.
You can create almost any association between parameters, from simple A=B
relationships to very complex ones using predefined variables, standard math
functions, random number generators, and more.
An expression is a string of characters that may include object and parameter
names, math operators, and tokens representing functions or constants. For
example, to constrain object A's Y rotation to object B's X translation, you
might set an expression on A.Transform.Rotation.Y consisting of the
string B.Transform.Position.X
Expressions are created by using the Expresso Calculator, which is
an extension of the regular
Calculators on page 161. To set an expression you
need to access the calculator by right-clicking in the value field of a parameter.
The Expresso button is a toggle. Clicking it again collapses the Expresso
Calculator.
NOTE If you display the regular calculator by using Alt + C, then the Expresso
button is inactive. The Expresso button only toggles if you first prompt the Expresso
Calculator.
720 | Chapter 31 Expressions