In-house Parameter Converter with Houdini

Created
Jan 15, 2024 11:22 AM
Software
Houdini
Unreal
Key Words
C++, JSON, VEX, GRPC, Python, SLATE
Category
Program Tool
Plugin

Pics and Vids

 
 

Description

 
A converter that works with our system together, that allow TAs to expose parameters from a hip directly to Unreal Engine. A group of dedicated detail classes are created for displaying our customized features.
 

Technical Brief

 
In Houdini, parameters that need to export will be collected by Python script. After that the Python script will continue work on writing them to a JSON file.
Supported parameter types:
  • Standard Variable Types
  • File (disk files)
  • Asset allows drag drop operations (textures, meshes)
  • Array of Parameters
  • Folder
  • Separator
  • Color (with/without color picker)
  • Enum (string and integer enum)
In Unreal Engine this JSON is decoded and will display the parameters. There is a refresh button for users to synchronize the parameters.
The condition and hide/show feature is supported by writing a condition expression parse.
A required flag to enforce the parameter to be valid before baking.