Speedometer Pro

Technical Requirements

Description

Speedometer Pro measures animated movement speed in 3ds Max and compares it against real-world reference values.

Use it to check walking speed, vehicle motion, aircraft travel, marine movement and other animated scene elements.

Licence Requirements

This tool requires an active SiNi user account and a valid licence.

Supported Licences

• All Access Subscription
• IgNite Subscription

The script will not function unless you are logged into the SiNi Desipher Licence Manager within 3ds Max.

If a valid licence cannot be found, functionality will be disabled until a licence is activated.

Activating Your Licence

1. Create a SiNi account at SiNiSoftware.com.
2. Download the latest SiNi installer.
3. Install SiNi into your version of 3ds Max.
4. This installs the SiNi Desipher Licence Manager.
5. Launch 3ds Max.
6. Open the Desipher Licence Manager.
7. Sign in using your SiNi account credentials.
8. Once your licence has been validated, the script will become available for use.

Installation

ZIP Package Contents

• MacroScript Version
• Documentation

Installing the MacroScript Version

1. Extract the ZIP file.
2. There are two options to install MacroScript .MZP files.
   – Drag and Drop the MacroScript .MZP file into a 3ds Max viewport.
   – Run the Script from the Command Panel; Utilities/MAXScript/Run Script.
3. Open Customise → Customise User Interface.
4. Select the Sinilab_Scripts category.
5. Drag the tool onto a toolbar, quad menu or menu.

Rollout Reference

Main Rollout

Measures selected animation speed and compares the result against real-world references.

Speed Display

Displays the current measured speed using the selected unit.

On Target / Off Target

Shows whether the measured speed is close to the selected reference range.

Mode

Selects the measurement category:

• Land
• Air / Sea

Units

Selects the display unit used for speed measurements.

• Land: km/h, m/s, mph
• Air / Sea: kn, km/h, mph, m/s

Compare Speed

Selects a real-world speed category for comparison.

• Humans
• Animals
• Vehicles – Land
• Vehicles – Air
• Vehicles – Sea
• Vehicles – Space

Preset

Loads a target speed from the selected comparison category.

Target

Displays the reference speed for the selected preset.

Compare

Displays whether the measured average speed is below target, on target, above target or needs measurement.

Difference

Displays the numerical difference between the measured average speed and target speed.

Peak

Displays the highest measured speed during the sampled animation.

Average

Displays the average measured speed during the sampled animation.

Obj/Cam/Hlp

Temporarily isolates the selected object, camera or helper, samples the animation range, calculates the average speed and restores scene visibility.

Proxy

Temporarily isolates the selected renderer proxy, samples the proxy preview over the animation range, calculates one stable average speed and restores scene visibility.

Typical Workflows

Measure Character Walking Speed

1. Select the animated character object.
2. Set Mode to Land.
3. Set Compare Speed to Humans.
4. Choose the required walking preset.
5. Scrub the timeline or process the selected object.
6. Review the live speed, comparison result and difference value.
7. Adjust animation timing if required.

Validate Vehicle Speed

1. Select the animated vehicle.
2. Set Compare Speed to Vehicles – Land.
3. Choose an appropriate vehicle preset.
4. Scrub the timeline or process the selected object.
5. Review the measured speed against the target speed.
6. Refine animation timing as needed.

Analyse Aircraft or Marine Movement

1. Select the animated object.
2. Change Mode to Air / Sea.
3. Select an aviation or marine preset.
4. Choose the preferred display unit.
5. Scrub the timeline or process the selected object.
6. Review live measurements and comparison results.

Troubleshooting

Why is the speed reading showing 0?

Ensure the selected object contains animation and that the timeline is being scrubbed or played.

Why does the tool say Need Measurement?

The object has not yet generated enough movement data to calculate an average speed.

Why are the controls disabled?

A valid SiNi licence has not been detected. Sign into the SiNi Desipher Licence Manager and verify your licence.

Why does the comparison seem incorrect?

Check that the correct preset category and speed unit are selected.

Can I measure cameras and helpers?

Yes. The Obj/Cam/Hlp process supports objects, cameras and helpers.

Can I measure renderer proxies?

Yes. Use Proxy to sample supported proxy previews across the animation range.