Itoo Software Forum

Forest Pack => Forest Pro (*) => Topic started by: LR1243 on August 14, 2009, 05:47:29 PM

Title: A new error. No clue what it means...
Post by: LR1243 on August 14, 2009, 05:47:29 PM
PHEN 0.3 error: (forest) locating instance fmr_0000000029F2D590 |Instance (Mesh00)

But it's always a different number set each render. Any Ideas how to fix this? It was working fine one day then the next I cant get a render out.
Title: Re: A new error. No clue what it means...
Post by: iToo on August 14, 2009, 06:45:01 PM
This is an internal error of the shader for Mental Ray. Theorically, it must never happen.

What type of objects are you using as trees: billboards, meshes, proxies... ? What version of Forest and Max have you installed ?

To fix this problem as soon as possible, please send us a copy of the scene. If the file is too big to email it, i can give you a link to our FTP server.

Title: Re: A new error. No clue what it means...
Post by: iToo on December 01, 2009, 08:10:39 PM

We just found and solved this bug. The fix will be included in the next patch:

- Mental Ray was triggering an error "locating instance fmr_..." if current layer was hidden. Fixed

As workaround, be sure that the current layer before rendering is visible and rendereable.



Title: Re: A new error. No clue what it means...
Post by: NCViz on October 31, 2011, 09:27:42 PM
I am receiving this same error with version 3.6.2

I have two forest objects.  One represents a forest before a roadway widening project.  The other represents the same forest after construction.  I created the proposed forest and saved the settings as a preset.  I then created the existing forest and applied the preset.  I can hide the existing forest and the proposed will render.  I can unhide both and they will render.  If I hide the proposed and render the existing, I get the error.
Title: Re: A new error. No clue what it means...
Post by: iToo on October 31, 2011, 09:44:38 PM

It don't seem to fail using two basic Forest objects, probably there are other factors involved.

Please, try to reproduce the problem in a stripped scene (removing all non-essential objects), and send it to us.

Title: Re: A new error. No clue what it means...
Post by: jonavark on October 31, 2011, 11:31:32 PM
I always get this error when I have cloned forest objects and then hidden them. I have to recreate the objects manually to resolve it. If that helps any.

Title: Re: A new error. No clue what it means...
Post by: NCViz on November 01, 2011, 01:47:25 PM
I did first see this error after trying to clone the forest and swap out the spline.  I then tried creating it and transfering the settings using the preset.  I do not remember having this issue in previouts versions.  My file archive is too large to attach here.  What is the best way to send it?

Thanks.
Title: Re: A new error. No clue what it means...
Post by: iToo on November 01, 2011, 06:19:32 PM

You can upload the scene yo our FTP. I just sent you an email with the username and password.

Title: Re: A new error. No clue what it means...
Post by: jonavark on November 03, 2011, 04:04:51 AM
Hmm I thought I had a workaround for this one but tonight I loaded the last scene I had set up and indeed, if I hide any of the 7 forest objects  I have in the scene I get the same Mental Ray error.  

However, if I hide all of them I don't get the MR error. Some reference between them still.
UPDATE: Ok... I now recall how I got around this here, perhaps it is a different problem.

I have each of my 7 Forest objects in their own layer. If I hide any of the layers I get the MR error. If I leave the layers unhidden I can hide the forest objects normally and I don't get the Mental Ray error.

I hope that helps in your debugging.
Title: Re: A new error. No clue what it means...
Post by: NCViz on November 03, 2011, 04:40:44 PM
I uploaded the files.

Thanks jonavark.  That workaround worked for me as well.
Title: Re: A new error. No clue what it means...
Post by: iToo on November 03, 2011, 05:02:58 PM

You are right Jonavark. The trick was in the layers:

- The bug happens when two o more Forest objects share a same Custom Object, and some of the Forest are in a hidden layer.

We will fix it for the next patch. Thanks for your help.

Title: Re: A new error. No clue what it means...
Post by: jonavark on November 03, 2011, 05:19:22 PM
That makes sense. Glad you got a fix on it. For the moment I think I can script hiding for my passes. I look forward to your next build.