Arduino to 3d modelling program?

Forum 2005-2010 (read only) General Frequently-Asked Questions
1

Hello there

I'm quite new to Arduino and using it in a school's program right now.

Is there a way to send Arduino sensor data to a 3d model I've created in say, cinema4d? Or any other possibility to steer a 3d model with arduino data?

Thank you :slight_smile:

2

Basically the arduino presents to the outside world as a serial port. So all the interfacing with other languages goes with that in mind. See :-
http://www.arduino.cc/playground/Main/InterfacingWithSoftware

You might need some software on your PC to interface between this serial data stream and what your application needs.

3

The arduino Uno can easily emulate USB Human Interface Devices (well when I say easily, it'll take quite a bit of code for the ATmega8-U2 that's not too easy).
Presumably the things you want to do with this 3D model can be done with a mouse/joystick/USB movement device. If so then the arduino can emulate that and perform the functions if performs.

Mowcius

4

Is there a way to send Arduino sensor data to a 3d model I've created

Sure. There are many 3D engines in various languages that easily support serial communication (to get the input from the arduino).

to a 3d model I've created in say, cinema4d?

I don't know the application, but my geuss is that this will not be possible unless you spoof the arduino as a mouse or joystick as mowcius mentioned.
Though you'll have to dig around whether its possible to create a plugin for it.. even then its the question whether it'll be possible to do in the plugin.
Your best bet is probably to spoof a mouse to do this.

5

The arduino Uno can easily emulate USB Human Interface Devices

Has anyone actually done that yet, I thought it was only just a "possibility" at the moment.

6

Has anyone actually done that yet, I thought it was only just a "possibility" at the moment.

Well I haven't seen anyone do it on an Uno yet but I did read a page on doing it with another ATmega USB chip.

7

Well I haven't seen anyone do it on an Uno yet but I did read a page on doing it with another ATmega USB chip.

Somebody on these forums was playing around with some software to get the ATTiny (?) on the Uno (the controller that is the USB interface on the UNO) to act as a HID/Joystick/whatever device, soon after its release (like a week or so after).

At any rate - if that was solidified as an input option (ie, game controller) - this would probably be a good plugin to use for Cinema4D (not free, tho):

c4dplugin.com - Plugins for Cinema 4D - DirectControl plugin

:slight_smile:

8

ATTiny (?) on the Uno

Nope.

ATmega8U2 :wink: