Maya raycast node that will return the closest intersection on an array of
type mesh and nurbsSurface and return the closest intersection as a
matrix. When useDistance is enabled the output matrix will be positioned at
the closest intersection. When useNormal is enabled the normal at the
closest intersection is used to calculate the rotation, the inputMatrix is
used to determine the forward and side axis.
- Extract the content of the .rar file anywhere on disk.
- Build the plugin for a specific Maya version.
- Drag the raycast.mel file in Maya to permanently install the script.
Building the plugin using cmake will place the plugin in the plug-ins folder with a maya version divider. This will ensure the plug-in is compatible with the launched version of Maya.
- Open Terminal
cd <PATH_TO_MODULE>
mkdir build/<MAYA_VERSION>
cd build/<MAYA_VERSION>
cmake -A x64 -T v141 -DMAYA_VERSION=<MAYA_VERSION> ../../
cmake --build . --target install --config Release
Once the plug-in is build and loaded a new raycast node can be created.
A matrix is required to drive the inputMatrix, in respect to that matrix the
raycast can be performed along one of its axis, this axis is positive. The
reverse attribute can be used reverse the ray. When bidirectional is used
both directions will be queried regardless of the reverse state.
The inputMesh and inputSurface attributes are arrays and such can contain
more than one connection, it is also fine to mix meshes and surfaces. All
these inputs will be tested, and the closest intersection returned.
Using envelope, will allow the outputMatrix to be blended to the original
inputMatrix, useDistance and useNormal have the same effect but work
only the translation or rotation component.
The hit attribute is a boolean attribute that indicates if an intersection
has been performed successfully. The hitDistance will be a float value of
the distance, this is set to -1 if no intersection has been performed
successfully.