Environment Awareness & Engagement

As a complementary extension to iClone Crowd SIM, MD Props advances the capabilities of Reallusion's simulation-building tools. Virtual actors can now be aware of their surrounding environments, interact with objects of interest, or be directed to perform specific actions via player-centric controls.

awareness
tools
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CUSTOM
GIVE LIFE TO PROPS
MD Prop Tools give iClone characters the ability to interact with 3D environments. By replacing the proxy components with custom 3D models, MD props manifest into visceral objects that 3D actors engage with. All manners of interactive behavior can be generated from just five templates representing the core of MD tools.   Tutorial
5 MD Templates for Customizing Interactive Props
ACTIONABLE TOOL 1
As the most prevalent template tool, an ACTIONABLE prop can be approached by any actor to trigger predefined interactions. This interface can offer a variety of performances and even prompt a reaction from the prop itself. Tutorial | Manual
STATE SWITCH TOOL 2
STATE SWITCH transforms an actor’s animation state from one to another. Each state includes its own idle loop and triggerable animations, such as standing, sitting on a chair, leaning against the wall, or indoor cycling. Manual
BI-DIRECTIONAL TOOL 3
The BI-DIRECTION focuses on scenarios requiring two-point mobility. A common application is for characters to move between two designated locations, such as entering or exiting automatic sliding doors, or traversing a crosswalk. Manual
PORTABLE TOOL 4
The PORTABLE template supports the movement of items from one placement point to another. This includes picking up an object, carrying it around while using it, and placing it back down in the same or different location. 3D actors can be commanded to stow items in hand or attached to the body, and fetch them back as needed using a handy radial menu. For example, a hungry character can approach a plate of leftovers, heat it in the microwave, eat, and then place the empty dish in the sink. Manual
DOLLY TOOL 5
The DOLLY template allows 3D actors to maneuver a dolly, cart, or similar wheeled object. Once activated, a designated character will approach the dolly prop, grasp its handles, and navigate it along a customized path. Throughout the process, the actor maintains the appropriate gait and posture to counter the heft and size of the cargo. Dolly operations can be easily adjusted or exited using a convenient radial menu.

INTUITIVE RADIAL MENU

PROP INTERACTION
MD Props are equipped with mouse-over indicators and radial menus that activate upon simple clicks. These overlay menus are filled with interactive options and are fully customizable with multi-level command groups and assignable hotkeys for quick access. Tutorial | Manual
SELF INTERACTION
With a 3D actor in focus, simply click to activate the radial menu to trigger personal actions like using the phone, looking around, smoking a cigarette, tidying up, and more. Each animation set is gender-specific and adapts to other characteristics of the actor profile. Tutorial | Manual
ACTION LIST &
CONCURRENT BEHAVIORS
Action Lists support the chaining of multiple motions to extend action sequences. When the scene simulation is paused, individual Action Lists can be assigned to every character in the scene. Upon playback, all the appointed characters will move simultaneously according to their own set of instructions. Tutorial | Manual
PROP CUSTOMIZATION
Customizing an MD template tool is straightforward: simply replace the proxy objects with a 3D model of your choice. Once the prop appearance is finalized, you can assign new animations or adjust the actor’s associative movements with minimal tweaks. This includes repositioning reach target positions to account for hand placements and varying arm lengths, as well as adjusting the look-at point to focus the character on specific features of the item. Tutorial | Manual
MESH SWAP
MOTION ASSIGNMENT
FURTHER REFINEMENT (Dummy Adjustments)
Entrance Dummy
Upon arriving at the Entrance dummy, the character will face the MD prop and prepare for interaction. Calibrated distance and angle tolerance helps to prevent positional snapping and overextension of reach constraints.
Look-At Dummy
Look-At dummies are essential for directing actor attention toward specific parts or features of MD props. By directing the actor’s gaze, the audience can grasp their intentions and immerse deeper into the performance.
Hand Reach
The actor’s manual interactions with the MD prop are fundamentally accomplished with Hand-reach dummies. This versatile dummy provides the constraint motions necessary for carrying and operating 3D objects.

OBJECT ANIMATION

Object Transformation
Freely move, rotate, and scale any 3D item.
Object Morph
Morphs and morph animation keys can be produced using the Morph Animator in iClone.
Particle FX
Objects can emit particle effects, including PopcornFX.
Texture UVs
UVs tiles can be adjusted and scrolled using custom offset speeds and directionality.
Material Settings
Changeable material properties include color, opacity, glow map strength, and more.
Object Visibility
Toggle visibility on items to make them appear or disappear at any moment.
Video Texture
Use texture swap or video textures to mimic interactive slideshows or film sequences.
Light Toggling
Toggle the switch for a single light or an entire set at once.
Light Multiplier
Adjustment to light intensity is simple and similar to using a dimmer.
Light Color
Change the color of the lighting, either by selecting a specific color like using a color screen or by gradually shifting the color tone for a dramatic effect.

REACTIVE CROWD BEHAVIOR

Auto On Path
Characters moving along paths have a probability of engaging with the surrounding MD props. Tutorial | Manual
Auto in Zone
Characters spawning in a zone have a probability of engaging with the surrounding MD props.Tutorial | Manual
Follow Object
Groups can be instructed to wait on members engaged with MD props before proceeding to their next destination.Tutorial | Manual
Multiple Occupants
Predefine multiple positions to attract passersby to stop and participate in an activity. Crow audiences enjoying a street performance or gathering to attend a political campaign are just some of the possible scenarios.Tutorial
Random Fill
Any random passerby can be given a chance to occupy a vacant gathering spot.
Assigned Fill
Specific characters can be designated to occupy specific positions right from the start.
Enter Radio
Interaction with MD props can be regulated according to character types and probability scores. Tutorial
Exit Settings
Engagement frequency for MD props can be specified. Common settings include random, never, or a finite number of interactions.Tutorial

MOTION TRANSITIONS

iClone "Turn to Stop" and "Multiple Entry" functionality simulate natural human behavior in approaching and engaging with a target prop. This includes slowing to a stop, making a turn, and approaching with measured pace, distance, and orientation. MD props take care of the rest with smooth and natural interactive motions that are tailored to the gender and characteristics of the engaging actor.

TURN TO STOP - DISTANCE

MD’s turn-to-stop animation offers 8 possible movement directions and 5 pace levels. These options are particularly beneficial for sideways approaches to target positions.

TURN TO STOP - ANGLE

Besides moving the character to the target interaction points, they must also turn towards the MD prop in order to begin their interaction. The solution lies in the 8 turn-to-stop angle transitions, highlighted below.

MULTIPLE ENTRY POINTS

Just as in daily life, the angle at which a person starts to interact with a prop matters in how the motion unfolds. The MD chair prop offers 8 different entry performances, each tailored to a specific interaction angle. These trigger motions are also available in both male and female styles.

EXPORT | RENDER | LIVE LINK

3DS MAX · MAYA · BLENDER · UNREAL ENGINE · NVIDIA OMNIVERSE

Effortlessly export animated characters to your preferred 3D tool or game engine. Native Auto Setup plugins are available at no cost, offering pre-configured model and material setups for 3ds Max, Maya, Blender, Unreal Engine, and Unity. Moreover, Live Link supports synchronization with the Unreal Engine and NVIDIA Omniverse, enabling a two-way workflow. Upcoming support is also in the works for 3ds Max and Maya.

TOOLS & ASSETS

MD PROP EXPANSION PACKS |

Indoor & Outdoor Interactions.

ACTORCORE |

2800+ items for expansion.