PDA

View Full Version : Camera Targeting Object Being Affected By Wind

The Electrician
08-30-2007, 04:31 AM
Hello everyone, I have a question. I currently have a scene set up with one object and one dynamic object (wind). The object (balloon) has a string on it that is controlled with motion designer so the wind affects it. The balloon itself also has hardFX set to give it some weight and gravity. Anyways, the wind blows the balloon away and I have the camera stagnet, targeted at the balloon. The problem I have is that once I calculate everything with the motion designer and dynamic wind, the camera just looks in the same spot while the balloon floats around for 420 frames and I have the camera target set to the balloon object. Is there a way I can get the camera to follow the actual object instead of where it just started from? I have no motions keyframed, everything is calculated. I would, if possible, like to have the camera parented to the balloon as well so the camera floats with the balloon, but if that won't work, then I would like to have the camera atleast target the balloon. Please let me know if this is possible, thank you very much.
evenflcw
08-30-2007, 10:33 AM
You have to be clear about the distinction between mesh deformation/displacement/point animation and item animation/motion. The former displaces only the mesh (the item stays in the same place), the later displaces the item (and the mesh goes with it). Most motion modifiers, aswell as targeting and ik, are only made to process item animation (and usually limited to Position, Rotation and Scale channels).

You have to somehow convert your fx point animation into item animation. To do that you can use the Make Path function in the last tab of the fx plugin your using. This will generate a null which has a points animation path baked (keyframed) into it. Parent to or target to this null! Unfortunatly it's not realtime or dynamic. So if you change the fx, you have to rebake.

Alternativly you could try a 3rd party parent-to-point script or item motion node editor (dpont) to target/parent directly and dynamically to a point (check FLAY.com). These will usually lag behind one frame in the viewport but should render ok. I don't know about network support.
The Electrician
08-30-2007, 02:01 PM
That made perfect sense to me, I am going to try it and see it it works. Thank you very much :thumbsup:
CGTalk Moderation
08-30-2007, 02:01 PM
This thread has been automatically closed as it remained inactive for 12 months. If you wish to continue the discussion, please create a new thread in the appropriate forum.