Daz to Unreal plugin feature updates possible.... Yes or No

majesticcreations

I don't possess any knowledge in programming or coding. However, from a user's perspective, there's a tangible need for an improved and streamlined process in the Daz to Unreal plugin, especially when it comes to retargeting bones and ensuring compatibility between Daz and Unreal skeletons. Here's a well-thought-out suggestion that, if implemented, could significantly enhance user experience and efficiency. Also, I'd like to say that this would negate the need for a third-party rigging tool. :)  I'm not sure if this has been discussed already but... please take this into consideration.

Suggestion for Improving the Daz to Unreal Plugin:

1. Automatic Bone Retargeting:

• Current Issue: Users often spend a significant amount of time manually retargeting bones, trying to match and correlate bone names between Daz and Unreal skeletons.
• Proposed Solution: Implement an automated bone-matching algorithm within the plugin that can recognize and map Daz bone names to their corresponding Unreal bone names.
  • The algorithm could use a predefined dictionary of common bone name correspondences.
  • It could also employ pattern recognition or string similarity techniques to suggest potential matches, even if names don't match exactly.
  • Offer a visual interface where users can confirm or adjust the suggested matches.

2. On-the-Fly Skeleton Conversion:

• Current Issue: Daz characters need to be manually adjusted to fit the Unreal skeleton, a process that can be cumbersome.
• Proposed Solution: Allow the plugin to automatically prepare the Daz skeleton for the Unreal skeleton upon export:
  • Rename the Daz skeleton bones to match the naming conventions used by the Unreal skeleton.
  • Rig the Daz character to the Epic Games skeleton standard.
  • Ensure weight painting and deformation are preserved accurately during this conversion to maintain the character's original appearance and movements.

3. User Interface Improvements:

• Visual Feedback: Provide users with a side-by-side view of the Daz and Unreal skeletons, highlighting any bones that couldn't be matched or need manual intervention.
• Bone Matching Wizard: Offer a step-by-step guide or wizard that assists users through the bone matching process, providing tips and visual cues.

4. Detailed Documentation and Tutorials:

• Alongside these improvements, offer detailed documentation that walks users through the enhanced conversion process.
• Provide video tutorials or demos showcasing the new features and illustrating how they can be leveraged for optimal results.

5. Regular Updates and Community Feedback:

• Ensure the plugin is updated regularly to accommodate changes or updates in both Daz and Unreal engines.
• Establish a feedback mechanism where users can report issues, suggest improvements, or share their retargeting setups for community benefit.

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Implementing the above suggestions could significantly reduce the time users spend preparing Daz characters for use in Unreal, allowing for a smoother and more intuitive experience. While I may not know the intricacies of coding or programming, from a user's standpoint, such enhancements would be invaluable.