DynaMatrix

Creates a user-defined number of copies along XYZ to make a box-like array. It is similar to Matrix Copy command but it features a Construction Tree.

How to use

1. Click the DynaMatrix icon or choose the Tools > Transform > Replicate > DynaMatrix menu command.

2. The program console prompts Pick an Object.

3. Pick the object you want to replicate. The Modeling Tool panel allows you to adjust dynamically various parameters such as the number of copies.

The following examples show you how the use of DynaMatrix simplifies common replication tasks. The original object is first replicated 3x3x3 times.

To change the predefined position and orientation of replicated objects switch to Edit mode and edit direction axes; in the beginning they are coincident to the original object local axes. The direction changes of the replicated objects reflect relative changes of these axes from original object axes.

Working in the interactive views, it is also possible to control the total length of the replication along X, Y and Z (i.e. the dimension of replication box) by picking and dragging the Direction hot-spot.

Options

Object

To change the object to replicate.

Views / Modeling Tool panel. Switch the Replace check button on and pick another object in the scene.

Copies

To specify the number of copies along X, Y, and Z.

Modeling Tool panel. Type the XYZ values in the data fields and press Enter.

Step

To specify the constant distance between each replicated object.

Modeling Tool panel. Type the XYZ values in the data fields and press Enter.

Step by step

Linear

Constant

To specify how rotation and scaling transformations will be applied to the replicated object.

Modeling Tool panel. Switch one of the following radio buttons on:

Step by step if you want rotation and/or scaling values to be applied to each replicated object with respect to the previous one.

Linear if you prefer for rotation and/or scaling values to be applied to the last replicated object with respect to the first one (rotation and/or scaling values of intermediate objects will be automatically interpolated).

Constant when the same rotation and/or scaling values must be applied to any replicated object.

Rotation

To set the rotation angle on the X, Y, and Z axes.

Modeling Tool panel. Type rotation values in the XYZ data fields and confirm them by pressing Enter.

Scaling

To set the scaling factor on the X, Y, and Z axes.

Modeling Tool panel. Type factor values in the XYZ data fields and confirm them by pressing Enter.

Translation noise

To apply a random effect on translation.

Modeling Tool panel. Type values in the XYZ data fields and confirm them by pressing Enter.

Rotation noise

To apply a random effect on rotation.

Modeling Tool panel. Type values in the XYZ data fields and confirm them by pressing Enter.

Scaling noise

To apply a random effect on scaling.

Modeling Tool panel. Type values in the XYZ data fields and confirm them by pressing Enter.

Noise seed

This parameter affects the sequence of random numbers that determine the noise.

Modeling Tool panel. Set the value either by moving the slider or by typing it in the data field and pressing Enter.

Reset axes

Set direction axes to be coincident to the original object local axes.

Modeling Tool panel. Just click the Reset axes button.