2010

Table Of Contents
float $Y_offset;
2 Calculate the value of the Y-offset using the sine ratio. You must convert
the value of the angle to degrees with the degree to radian conversion
function.
$Y_offset = $diameter_barrel * (sin(deg_to_rad(60)));
The assignment operator evaluates the right hand side of the expression
and assigns it to the left hand side. The degree to radian conversion
function is the first to be evaluated, as it is within the most interior set
of brackets. The sine function calculates the sine of the angle given in
radians. The sine value is multiplied by the diameter to calculate the Y
offset. The variable is assigned the calculated value.
NOTE The variable $diameter_barrel does not change in value. Only the
variable on the left side of an assignment operator changes in value.
To stack the rows of barrels
1 Select and duplicate all the objects in the scene, by typing the following:
select -allDagObjects;
duplicate;
Using the select command with the -allDagObjects flag selects all DAG
(Directed Acyclic Graph) objects, which are a set of objects that exist in
the scene such as geometry, IK chains and measure tools. Textures and
animation information do not belong to the Directed Acyclic Graph.
2 Offset the barrels by the radius of a barrel in X and the calculated
$Y_offset in Y, divide the diameter by 2 to get the value of the radius.
When duplicating the rows, you have created too many barrels.
move -r 0 $Y_offset ($diameter_barrel/2.0);
duplicate;
move -r 0 $Y_offset ($diameter_barrel/2.0);
duplicate;
move -r 0 $Y_offset ($diameter_barrel/2.0);
3 Using the Lasso tool, select the extra barrels.
4 Delete the extra barrels to obtain a pyramid shape.
680 | Chapter 13 Scripting in Maya