Control Point (particles): Difference between revisions

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In [[:Category:Particle System|particles]], a '''Control Point''' is a [[Vector]] [[variable]] that enables external values, like locations or colours, to be passed into a particle system.
'''Control Points''' are used to pass data into and between [[:Category:Particle System|particle systems]]. Each one stores the following:


* Each system can have up to 64 CPs, but the first, 0, is reserved as the system's [[origin]].
* Its number (0 to 63)
* CP 0 (<code>vecOrigin</code>) and 1 (<code>vecStart</code>) are defined when dispatching from the server. Be aware of this when choosing which CPs to use in your system.
* An [[ParticleAttachment_t|attachment type]]
* Children inherit the CPs of their parent, but can override them internally.
* An attachment point
* An [[Vector|origin]]
* A [[matrix3x4_t|matrix]] (usually for rotation)
* An associated [[entity]]
 
The meaning of these values are flexible however, and "cheats" such storing an [[RGB]] colour in the origin value are supported.
 
Particle systems inherit the control points of their parents.
 
{{note|Control Points 0 (<code>vecOrigin</code>) and 1 (<code>vecStart</code>) are defined when dispatching from the server. Be aware of this when choosing which CPs to use in your system.}}


== Defining ==
== Defining ==
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=== Within a particle system ===
=== Within a particle system ===


Use one of these Operator functions:
Use one of these Operators:


; [[Set Control Point Positions]]
* [[Set Control Point Positions]]
: Simple hard-coding function that allows you to define the position and movement parent of each CP.
* [[Set Control Point To Particles' Center]]
: {{todo|The final value is "Control Point to offset positions from"...}}
* [[Set Control Point To Player]]
; [[Set Control Point To Particles' Center]]
* [[Set child control points from particle positions]]
: {{todo}}
* [[Movement Match Particle Velocities]]
; [[Set Control Point To Player]]
: Moves the CP by the local player's [[GetAbsOrigin()|world origin]]. {{todo|Behaviour in multiplayer.}}
; [[Set child control points from particle positions]]
: Allows a system to directly modify the CPs of its children. Sets the child CPs to the locations of certain particles.


=== In a map ===
=== In a map ===
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<div style="display:inline-block;width:49%;vertical-align:top;">
<div style="display:inline-block;width:49%;vertical-align:top;">
=== Functions ===
=== Mapping functions ===
; Operators
; Operators
: [[Remap Control Point to Scalar]]
: [[Remap Control Point to Scalar]]
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<div style="display:inline-block;width:49%;vertical-align:top;">
<div style="display:inline-block;width:49%;vertical-align:top;">
=== Targets ===
=== Potential targets ===
<div style="display:inline-block;width:49%;vertical-align:top;">
<div style="display:inline-block;width:49%;vertical-align:top;">
; Scalar
; Scalar
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</div>
</div>


== Other ==
=== Other ===


These sample values from CPs rather than remapping their literal values:
These sample values from CPs rather than remapping their literal values:

Revision as of 14:39, 27 July 2011

Control Points are used to pass data into and between particle systems. Each one stores the following:

The meaning of these values are flexible however, and "cheats" such storing an RGB colour in the origin value are supported.

Particle systems inherit the control points of their parents.

Note.pngNote:Control Points 0 (vecOrigin) and 1 (vecStart) are defined when dispatching from the server. Be aware of this when choosing which CPs to use in your system.

Defining

Within a particle system

Use one of these Operators:

In a map

Fill in the fields of the info_particle_system used to spawn the system.

In code

See Particles In Code#Control points.

In a QC

Confirm:It is not possible to configure control points when compiling a model.

However, see the Position on Model Random initializer.

Mapping to other values

Mapping functions

Operators
Remap Control Point to Scalar
Remap Distance to Control Point to Scalar
Remap Distance Between Two Control Points to Scalar
Initializers
Remap Control Point to Vector
Note.pngNote:There is no 'CP to Vector' operator, just this initializer. The reasons for this omission are not clear.
Remap Control Point to Scalar
Remap Initial Distance to Control Point to Scalar

Potential targets

Scalar
Lifespan
Creation time
Radius
Roll speed
Alpha
Alpha alternate
Sequence number
Sequence number 1
Trail length
Particle ID
Yaw
Vector
Position
Roll
RGB Colour (normalised)

Other

These sample values from CPs rather than remapping their literal values:

Spawning children at control points

By default, child systems spawn at their parent's origin. To change this, use one of the "Position" Initializers with a reference to the appropriate CP number.

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