Binding a callback on a SOP to a tilda press (~)? [EDIT:back-quote]

[cruiserandmax]

CORRECTION: I meant to bind a callback to the back-quote '`' key- not tilda!

 

I am trying to setup an HDA that uses a selection pattern for points, similar to the native group SOP. I am storing the selected points as a pattern in a string field (same as the group SOP). And I'd like to implement the ability for the user to use back-quote '`' to restart selecting. So when back-quote is pressed I want to run a callback to read the pattern, and switch into point selection mode with the points selected. The only thing I can't figure out is how to bind a callback to that event of pressing back-quote...

Edited May 10, 2015 by cruiserandmax

[anim]

not sure about `, but since 14 there is new (less confusing way) to re-select geometry

 

you can notice that many nodes have little arrow icon on the right side of the group field

that's an action button that can be used to execute any python script, and in case of those group fields it's being used to re-select geometry

 

you can add Action Button to any parm, just by editing parameter interface and type script to Action Button tab

for your needs it may look like this:

import soputils
kwargs['geometrytype'] = hou.geometryType.Points
kwargs['inputindex'] = 0
soputils.selectGroupParm(kwargs)

Edited May 10, 2015 by anim

[sadhu]

Hello,

I am trying something similar but don't know much about python. 

I have created a digital asset which contains group sop. 'pattern' parameter on this group node I have promoted to ui of digital asset. What I want is whenever this digital asset is laid down user should be able to select polygons in the scene viewport and selected polygons should get added in the pattern parameter on digital asset so it creates polygon group out of that selection and digital asset works only on these polygon. Further user should be able to re select the polygons if user wishes so.

Upon searching I came across similar questions but could not implement the solutions provided . It seems I have to use python / kwargs / callback script but have no clue how to use it.

Following is my feeble attempt. I have added this code in script section of the digital asset. 

Is there any tutorial available on kwargs / callback script ?

import toolutils
viewer = toolutils.sceneViewer()
selection = viewer.selectGeometry()
list = selection.mergedSelectionString()
//print list
//import hou
//node = kwargs['node']
//grpnode = node.path()+"./group1"
//grpnode.parm("pattern").set(list)
//b = grpnode.parm("pattern")
//print grpnode
//print b
    

Thanks 

   

[edward]

eg. http://forums.odforce.net/topic/20650-selector-behaviour/

[cruiserandmax]

Thanks for the suggestions. So far I am able to add something like the following to a PreFirstCreate script on my HDA:

 

kwargs['type'].addSelector(name="foo", selector_type="points", prompt="sel points to foo on and hit ENTER")

 

Then if I create and instance of the node, connect some geometry with points to it's input, then re-enter selection mode (by hitting back quote `)- I can select points, hit ENTER, and then the point pattern is correctly transferred into a string parameter named 'group'.

 

However if I try and select some points in the 3D viewer on some geometry BEFORE my node is created, then hit TAB and pick my HDA name and press ENTER, I get the error:

 

'NoneType' object has no attribute 'set'

 

Any ideas on how to set it up so I can select points, then TAB-create my node and have the group field automatically populate?
 

[edward]

What's the code where the error is occurring?

[cruiserandmax]

Sorry for the delay.. the error is:

 

 Traceback (most recent call last):

  File "sop_test", line 3, in <module>

  File "/usr/houdini/hfs14.0.291/houdini/python2.6libs/toolutils.py", line 926, in new_func

    return function(*args, **kwargs)

  File "/usr/houdini/hfs14.0.291/houdini/python2.6libs/soptoolutils.py", line 661, in genericTool

    exact_node_type = exact_node_type)

  File "/usr/hfs14.0.291/houdini/python2.6libs/soptoolutils.py", line 536, in genericSopNodeFilterTool

    force_keep_original_objects)

  File "/usr/houdini/hfs14.0.291/houdini/python2.6libs/soptoolutils.py", line 261, in initNewSopFilterNode

    setGroupParmsOnSopNode(newnode, selector, selection)

  File "/usr/houdini/hfs14.0.291/houdini/python2.6libs/soptoolutils.py", line 178, in setGroupParmsOnSopNode

    grouptypeparm.set(grouptypevalue)

AttributeError: 'NoneType' object has no attribute 'set'

[cruiserandmax]

If anyone could provide an example of the correct way to use a selector on an otl to automatically populate the group field I would really appreciate it!

[edward]

Look at the help: http://www.sidefx.com/docs/houdini14.0/hom/hou/SopNodeType#addSelector

Notice the description for "group_type_parm_name" which says,

...If None, the selector will look for a parameter named “grouptype”.

I'm guessing that your node has no parameter named "grouptype".

[cruiserandmax]

Holy cow you got it- thanks, edward! It's funny I've been staring at those docs ever since I began trying to do this and it just didn't dawn on me to even try creating an attribute named grouptype since I was setting the Selector type to "points" which does not allow it to use different geometry types. But I guess that are just needs to still be there to abode reprint in creation mode. It's weird because without that attr the selector still functions to populate the group field- you just need to lay down and connect the nose first before going into selection mode.

Great suggestion!!

[edward]

You might be able to avoid it with group_type_parm_name="" (ie. the empty string).