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hermes-houdini-bridge/README.md
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Hermes dd2a1734eb Initial commit: Hermes-Houdini Bridge
- Shelf tool to open/close command port in Houdini
- hhb client script (eval, script, get-selected, set-param, etc.)
- Hermes skill with standard hou module workflows
- Example: create pyro setup
- hou module quick reference
2026-07-12 12:14:36 +00:00

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# Hermes-Houdini Bridge
> Hermes Agent ↔ Houdini Python Bridge — remote node control, parameter editing, VEX injection, and scene querying via Houdini's built-in `hcommand` protocol.
## Architecture
```
Hermes Agent (orange-desktop) Houdini 21.0 (fedora.fritz.box)
┌─────────────────────┐ ┌──────────────────────────────┐
│ hhb eval "code" │──SSH──────────→│ hcommand PORT "python code" │
│ hhb script file.py │ │ ↓ │
│ hhb get-selected │ │ hou module (running session) │
└─────────────────────┘ └──────────────────────────────┘
```
No custom server needed — uses Houdini's built-in `openport` + `hcommand` protocol. The bridge wraps SSH and command quoting so Hermes can send Python code to your live Houdini session.
## Quick Start
### 1. Install the Shelf Tool (once)
Copy `houdini/shelf/hermes_bridge.shelf` to your Houdini toolbar, or run the shelf script directly in Houdini's Python Shell.
### 2. Open the Bridge (every session)
Click the **Hermes Bridge** shelf button in Houdini. It opens port 12345 and shows a status dialog.
### 3. Use from Hermes
```bash
# Get selected node info
./hermes/bin/hhb get-selected
# Set a parameter
./hermes/bin/hhb eval "hou.selectedNodes()[0].parm('file').set('/path/to/file.abc')"
# Query connections
./hermes/bin/hhb eval "print(hou.selectedNodes()[0].inputConnections())"
# Execute a complex Python script
./hermes/bin/hhb script ./examples/create_pyro_setup.py
```
## Requirements
- Houdini 20+ (tested with 21.0)
- SSH access from Hermes host to Houdini workstation
- Network connectivity (port 12345, default)
## Project Structure
```
hermes-houdini-bridge/
├── houdini/
│ └── shelf/
│ └── hermes_bridge.shelf # Shelf tool: open/close port
├── hermes/
│ ├── bin/
│ │ └── hhb # Client: send commands to Houdini
│ └── skill/
│ └── SKILL.md # Hermes skill for standard workflows
├── examples/
│ └── create_pyro_setup.py # Example: build a pyro sim
├── docs/
│ └── REFERENCE.md # hou module cheat sheet
└── README.md
```
## Security
- Port 12345 opens on `0.0.0.0` — only use on trusted networks
- To restrict to localhost: modify the shelf tool's `openport` call to `hou.hscript('openport 12345 +.+.+.+')`
- The bridge uses Hermes' existing SSH key — no additional credentials needed
## Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Fix |
|---------|-----|
| `hcommand: connect failed` | Port not open. Click shelf button in Houdini. |
| `hcommand: connection refused` | Houdini not running or port blocked by firewall. |
| Python error in output | Code has syntax issues. Test in Houdini Python Shell first. |
| `ModuleNotFoundError: No module named 'hou'` | Running hython directly, not through hcommand. Use `hhb`. |