control-node

simple MPxLocator that holds multiple shapes for use in rigging

This is an example of a node that I have been using for over 6 years now, currently releasing it as its still not fast enough to completely discard the original NurbsCurve controls in a rig.

main reason to release this is to give an example on how the code works and expand knowledge as I raised the question here:

https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/maya-programming/custom-locators-for-rig-controls-mpxdrawoverride-being-slow/td-p/10866744

Prerequisites

 - cmake 3.6+
 - python 3
 - Maya 2022
 - visual studio 16
 - rapidJson

launch

in order to build the package all previously mentioned elements need to be installed in order for rapidJson to work it can be placed in the rigSystem folder, or cmake needs to be modified in order to include the correct path to rapidJson

python 3 is necessary to convert the json file to a binary resource that is loaded as resources.h file.

building the plugin is as simple as launching the Build_maya_plugins.bat file

current status

• the locator is created using the MPxLocator and MPxDrawOverride with MUIDrawManager, this is all derived from the footPrintNode.h included in the maya devkit examples

• vp1 is completely removed as there is no need for it.

• added profiling tags into the MPxDrawOverride functions

• in the comp folder the latest compiled version of the plugin can be found for maya 2022

• prepareForDraw elements have been moved over to compute

quick test python script:

from maya import cmds
fname = r"#~~~~\control-node\comp\Maya2022\plug-ins\rigSystem.mll"
cmds.loadPlugin(fname)

for i in range(100):
    cmds.createNode("RigSystemControl")

thanks

• Marcus Ottosson: for helping out and pointing me in the right direction
• Trevor v Hoof: for helping with general C++ shenanigans and porting elements over from prepareForDraw to Compute