Convert FBX Models to MetaVR Model Format

You can convert your FBX-formatted models to MetaVR's model format by using MetaVR's free conversion utility that is distributed with MetaVR products.

MetaVR ’s new Fbx2Hpx utility converts a FBX-formatted model to MetaVR’s HPX model format for rendering in Virtual Reality Scene Generator (VRSG). MetaVR ’s support of Autodesk's popular FBX model format enables modelers to use a number of popular third-party modeling tools including Autodesk 3ds Max, Autodesk Maya, and Luxology Modo, to create models for use within VRSG. 

MetaVR's new FV510 model, in AutoDesk's Maya modeling tool, prior to exporting it in FBX format for subsequent conversion to MetaVR's model format. A hierarchy of MetaVR custom attributes is shown on the left.

Similar to MetaVR’s OpenFlight to HPX converter, Fbx2Hpx.exe is a command-line utility that imports a FBX model and exports it as an HPX model.

To use the utility, enter Fbx2Hpx.exe at the command line, followed by the name of the model you want to convert, with or without any other parameters.

The creation of a switch mask for a new custom attribute in AutoDesk's Maya modeling tool for MetaVR's FV510 model.

A number of MetaVR-specific custom attributes (node names and properties) are supported by the FBX model converter to include node types that are needed for models used in visual simulation. Such attributes include DOF, LOD, rotation animation, collision mesh, and so on. You can add these custom node names and properties to KfbxNull nodes as needed.

The resulting FV510 model in MetaVR's HPX model format, displayed in MetaVR's Model Viewer.

For converting your human character models from FBX format to MetaVR's HPX model format, MetaVR also provides a character template. MetaVR's FBX character template includes an armature object containing a hierarchy of bones that matches MetaVR's BVH rig, as well as a low-polygon mesh that is used by VRSG’s physics.

The example below shows the preparation of a model in Autodesk 3ds Max prior to exporting it in FBX format for subsequent conversion to MetaVR's model format.

A character model in Autodesk 3ds Max prior to exporting it in FBX format, and the resulting model in MetaVR's model format, displayed in the Model Viewer.

After converting the model to MetaVR’s model format with the FBX2HPX conversion utility, you can inspect the model in MetaVR’s Model Viewer.

MetaVR's FBX conversion utility is available upon request to customers under active maintenance. To request MetaVR's FBX model conversion utility (which includes the character template), send email with your request to support@metavr.com.

Note that attempting to convert a model that is in MetaVR's proprietary model format to another format is strictly prohibited by MetaVR's software license agreement.