I’ve been experimenting on how to get Ivy Generator files into EIAS on my PC for a little while and finally came up with a working solution. I didn’t want to have to go through Blender because I am not comfortable with its interface. This is the low-budget freebie/shareware route.
You’ll need the following programs:
EIAS (no point to this otherwise)
Ivy Generator
FBXConvert
Accutrans 3D (http://www.micromouse.ca)
yhloon’s blogspot (myeias.blogspot.com) has links for both Ivy Generator and FBXConvert. Accutrans has a free 30 day trial period, but still remains fully functional after that time. It’s only a $20.00 registration fee, which is well worth it.
Here’s the process…
1) Create and save an obj file in Ivy Generator.
2) Open the obj file in Accutrans3D.
3) In Accutrans3D’s file menu, choose “Save with Options.”
4) In the window that pops up, check the “Save One Layer Per File” box, and then click on “Save.” You can pick what directory you want to save the file in. Accutrans3D saves each layer in it’s own obj file. Close Accutrans3D.
5) Open FBXConvert and “Add” the three new obj files saved by Accutrans3D.
6) Click on “Convert.” Three fbx files will be created.
7) Open each fbx file in EIAS and create a project for each.
8) Create a new project and merge the three fbx projects into the new one. Clean up any extra cameras and lights.
9) The branchs, new leaf, and old leaf objects can now have their appropriate maps applied. Be sure to turn on UV coordinates and turn off normalize.
10) I add a null to use as a parent, and the ivy is ready to render.
One quick note… You’ll want to have a separate directory for each Ivy. Accutrans simply uses the name of the layer for the filename. If you have one set of obj files in a directory and save another one there, the older set will be overwritten.
Anyway, I hope you find this helpful.
Ross
