Motion Control Software to Make Your Job Simpler

Kuper motion control software allows moves to be imported to and exported from Autodesk Maya and other 3D computer animation applications. Pacific Motion Control has Maya models of our motion control rigs which can be used in pre-vis. We have instructions for importing and exporting Kuper moves, which, if used will make everyone’s job much simpler. Maya resources (Rig models, shelves, instructions, samples) can be downloaded at the bottom of this page. Do not just scroll to the bottom of the page and download. Take a few minutes to read this page, then read the instructions and look at the samples in the downloaded package.

For Technodolly resources, click here.

Instructions and Samples

Unfortunately, not just any old Maya move will open in Kuper. In order for your Maya moves to work in Kuper, we need a few things.

  • First, the move has to be created using our rig models and speeds, accelerations, and range of motion cannot exceed the limitations of the real-world rig. Remember, in the real world, physics apply. We have to move a camera with weight, with a rig with limitations in acceleration, top speed, and range of motion.
  • Next, your Maya scene must be created with the proper settings (measurement units, orders of rotation, etc.). See instructions in the download package.
  • Rig zero has to be established. We need an overhead view of the rig in the Maya scene, with measurements for track placement. Rig zero should represent the rig with the arm in the center of the track, arm level, and the head level and looking straight ahead. This allows us to place our rig on set in the same place and configuration in the real world. This position needs to be established prior to creating your camera move, in order to ensure that the rig can actually perform the move. See the samples.
  • The camera has to be attached to the rig in Maya. If the rig isn’t moving when the camera is moving, you have missed this step. Please see the instructions in the download package.
  • We need a properly formatted ASCII data file. After you have created your move, it needs to be exported as an ASCII data file for import into Kuper. Once a text file has been saved, you need to open it in a text editor (TextEdit or Notepad), append a properly formatted header (included in download package) that includes the axis names and order. See the sample below.
  • Finally, we need sample videos showing the move. We need some way of verifying that the rig is actually doing what you want it to do. An overhead view, side view, motion control camera view, and side-by-side view (showing speedometers, camera view, and overhead or other angles) are really helpful. See the samples below.
Play Video
Play Video
Play Video

Package includes all Rig Models, Maya Shelves, Samples, and Instructions (21.6 Mb)

For Technodolly resources, click here.