MAYA & Houdini Plugin - L System (C++, Python, Mel scripts)

• Ruijun(Daniel) Zhong
  • LinkedIn
  • Personal Website
• Tested on:
  • Core(TM) i7-12700K 3.61 GHz 32.0 GB, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti (personal computer)
    • Maya 2022, Houdini 20.0.590, Visua Studio 2022

C++ MAYA	C++ MAYA	Python MAYA	Python MAYA	C++ Houdini

Introduction - Click here for demo video

This project explores the development of plugins for both Autodesk Maya and SideFX Houdini to integrate L-Systems, a mathematical modeling language used to simulate the growth processes of plant development and other naturally occurring phenomena. The plugins are developed using C++, Maya Embedded Language (MEL), and Python for Maya, while focusing on C++ for Houdini.

We have implemented the methodology described in the IPML SIGGRAPH paper , which employs neural networks to detect L-System patterns from 2D images and convert them into grammar rules for generating corresponding 3D shapes in Maya. This project enables a workflow where users can seamlessly convert 2D images into 3D shapes without dealing with complex grammar rules, while also allowing for real-time shape adjustments.

The core objective of this project is to provide users with tools to generate and visualize complex organic structures through the procedural generation capabilities of L-Systems. By leveraging the powerful APIs of Maya and Houdini, this project adds custom commands and nodes, enabling the efficient creation of intricate plant models and other fractal-like structures. This workflow aims to save users time and provide a more intuitive way to generate L-System trees and other similar structures.

Plugin Demo

Menu	GUI	Node Interface

Loading Plugin in Houdini

Loading Plugin in Maya