What is ColladaToIMML?¶

ColladaToIMML is a plugin for Maya and 3ds Max. ColladaToIMML offers a flexible, alternative pipeline used for converting a Collada scene file to an IMML file and multiple model files. Bringing a new level of efficiency to your workflow.

With this method, it’s possible to preserve:
- Element placement.
- Element pivot points.
- Element material properties.
- Element texture assignment.
- Element naming.
- Element hierarchy.

and eliminates the need to rearrange the model in creator.

By preserving pivot points and hierarchy, elements can be manipulated correctly within VastPark. As demonstrated below, users can adjust the rotation of the crane arm sections at runtime within the VastPark Player.

How is Collada to Imml pipeline different from the current pipeline?¶

In the current pipeline. One input source file is converted to Collada, which results in one Model file as shown below.

In the Collada to Imml pipeline. One input source file is converted to Collada, which results in many Model files as shown in the diagrams below.

Here is a breakdown diagram of Collada to Imml.

Using Collada to IMML converter (Old notes - remove if irrelevant)¶

Using the ColladaToIMML converter is a very simple process. You can simply drag your Collada (.DAE) file onto the ColladaToImml.exe, and it will do the rest.

Once completed, there will be a new directory created in the location of the Collada file, named with the date, followed by the name of the Collada file.

This directory contains the following folder structure:

> collada
> models
filename.imml
log.txt

The "collada" folder contains the original data stored in the original Collada file, with each object split into its own Collada scene file.
The "models" folder contains the model files referenced in the IMML.
The filename.imml contains all the references to the model files, along with the material properties specified in the original Collada file. It also includes the position and rotation values to align each object to match that of the original Collada scene file.
The log.txt file contains a log of the process.

The generated IMML file uses local referencing, so if sharing the IMML file, the "models" folder must also be included.