MASH Curve Length Affects Speed

[andyman121]

Hi,

So in Maya 2017, you could create a great text outline effect using MASH Curves and Trails. But, in Maya 2018, the Curve Length Affects Speed checkbox on the MASH_Curve node behaves differently. Previously, this made each of the MASH points travel around the curves so they passed the start point at the same time, thus being able to cycle the animation. Now, however, it makes then all travel at the same speed. So, long curves take longer to get around than shorter curves. To me, that doesn't do what it says on the tin and the curve length is NOT affecting the speed. Any ideas????

Thanks,

Andy

[mspeer]

Hi!

I cannot see a difference between Maya 2017 and Maya 2018. Please upload a scene-file showing the problem.

[andyman121]

Here we are then. Notice in 2018 all the spheres move around the curves at the same speed. In 2017 all the spheres move according to their curve length and all pass the start point at the same time (therefore being able to cycle the animation).

[mspeer]

Hi!

You don't use the same settings.

In Maya 2018 scene:

1. Disable "Equal Spacing"

2. Disable "Proportional Counts"

[andyman121]

That's an entirely different problem.

In 2017, the Proportional Counts (disabled) made it so there was a sphere on each of the curves. In 2018, the same can only be achieved by having Proportional Counts AND Equal Spacing set to ON. So they seem to work to opposite effect across the two versions.

[mspeer]

Hi!

"That's an entirely different problem."

???

Maya 2018 (update 1, windows), imported both scenes, corrected the 2018 scene as i stated earlier and

with same settings they match now 100%.

Also if i compare this with the scene in Maya 2017 the only difference is a missing sphere on the inside circle of the "O".

When saving the new combined Maya 2018 scene and open it in Maya 2017 the inner spheres are back.

I can't say which Maya version is right or wrong, but using same settings is definitely the solution for the timing/animation problem.

Please report this problem (bug?) to Autodesk (inner circle missing sphere).
Help -> Speak Back -> Report a Problem

[andyman121]

Just installed the update, and yes you're right disabling Proportional Counts and Equal Spacing does resolve the animation speed issue! But it doesn't make sense to! Those attributes should control the way the points are distributed across the curves, not the speed of the animation - Curve Length Affects Speed should be the attribute that controls the speed that the points move along the length of the curves.

Actually increasing the Number of Points by one in the Distribute node gets the sphere in the small 'o'. Which again doesn't make much sense (8 curves, 9 points, but 8 spheres show?).

Anyway, we got there in the end, thanks for your help.

The programmers at Autodesk must have got their wires crossed with the two attributes there huh?!

[mspeer]

Hi!

I did some more tests and Equal Spacing indeed affects the speed (short curves become faster).

This can remove the effect of "Curve Length Affect Speed" when used in combination, it even stays active if Proportional Counts will be deactivated.

This looks indeed like a bug.

Please report this problem (bug?) to Autodesk.
Help -> Speak Back -> Report a Problem