Realtimer posted at 1:07AM Tue, 23 February 2016 - #4255084

Thank you so much for your suggestion. In the past we have considered the use of 3D mouses to work with iClone, but we just never got around to it. One thing that would really help our development team, would be if you or someone from this forum with 3D mouse experience, could name/map all the functions that you would like iClone to incorporate with a 3D mouse. That way we have a clear idea on what to add. =)

Hi Realtimer, thank you for your openness and positivity.

FWIW I've used 3D mouse with Sketchup, open world games, Daz Studio, Octane, and Poser. Typical Earth Maps too.

I've also attempted hacking other app's 3D mouse XMLs to work with iClone, Carrara and Zbrush (which didn't work of course)

I've also peeped into Unity and Lightwave's 3D mouse panels (that's how crazy many 3D mouse addicts are LOL)

Lots of fancy options, I do realize... But I think for iClone, keeping it simple (Daz Studio) and generic (Unity) is sensible!

I suggest 3 modes for typical iClone usage:

1. Orbit mode (generic)
2. Orbit and Auto-Center Selected mode (mouse clicked Focus Object auto-snap to center along screen XY)
3. Cam Puppet mode (realtime Create Path along Terrain/ free flying; first person or third person Drive-an-avatar)

In Orbit mode 1 and 2, the 3D mouse cam must be able to move simultaneously with typical gaming mouse or stylus, the default 3D mouse behavior in all games, DCC and also Daz Studio. (Poser somehow failed at this). But this shouldn't be an issue in iClone, currently I could already zoom in out while transforming characters and props in iClone.

In Timeline, 3D mouse can be set to drive Scrubber (Twist rotate turn left right). And user may custom the other 2 pairs of axes: Nudge (scroll left right) and Zoom (tilt up down). to either horizontal zoom in/out, next/ previous Key, next/ previous Flag, next/previous layer, or Go to Start/ End.

Maybe a toggle hotkey to cycle between 3Dmouse cam mode 1 and 2 in Preview cam. 3D mouse implementation should be the same between all iClone plugins (except "Cam Puppet" mode of course).

Other iClone users please feel free to comment or make suggestions.

Thank you again Realtimer for considering this!