Script Idea: Ruler- Measurement tool

[kursadk]

Hi

I have this idea and I do not know if it is doable. I tend to think that it is because we have couple tools to accomodate.

Currently there is no way of measuring stuff inside ZBrush at least in precise way. I know I can get some pixol info but that is irrelevant sometimes. So what I am hoping that we can establish some measurement tools by using transpose handle. Basically transpose handle can be used as a ruler or a measurement tool. And since it can snap to surface vertices it can even be a precise measurement tool. Anyways here is the list of presicion tools that can be created for Zbrush

-Screen Ruler. This can be a background image that is created by a script. The user gives the range in pixels or cm etc and the script creates an image with a ruler on top and side and puts in the background.

- 3d ruler. This one will use transpose handle and will be able to take live measurements from the model and it will spit out the distance and angle information into a window something along the lines of info window under transform

[Hybryd75]

Even something like calipers would be cool. Sometimes when posing a model It can be had to know whether you've got the poroportions right. maybe there is something like this already.

[jelee]

Hey Kurdadk and Hybrd75,
I had a similar need for some type of measuring tool and my work around was to create an alpha which would then be made into a Stencil and scaled appropriately with the Coin controller. I pressed the Stencil/ Elv button to make visibility a little easier. The good thing about using stencil's with the Transpose actionline, is they don't affect each other, which makes using stencils ideal as a visual aid.
Stencil_marker.jpg (http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:zb_insimg%28%27112547%27,%27Stencil_marker.jpg%27,1,0%29)
Vertical scaling using the stencil's local coordinate system was actually surprisingly helpful. Since the pivot for the stencil is located under the cursor at the moment the space bar is pressed, angle rotations could even be noted. A protractor stencil might be interesting to try at some point.
Stencil_scale.jpg (http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:zb_insimg%28%27112548%27,%27Stencil_scale.jpg%27,1,0%29)
Here's my alpha, except I had to convert it from a 16 bit grayscale image to post. You could probably come up with one to better suit your needs.
Far from what was requested but maybe something to help in the mean time?
_Stencil.gif (http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:zb_insimg%28%27112549%27,%27_Stencil.gif%27,1,0%29)
good luck,
joe

[marcus_civis]

That's an excellent solution. :tu:

[sadicus]

...You be some clever folk. :D
good solution!

[kursadk]

This is the one I use and offers more than stencil method :) I like your method thou. I will give it a try

http://www.cthing.com/Meazure.asp