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Unigine::ObjectParticles Class

Header: #include <UnigineObjects.h>
Inherits from: Object

This class is used to create particle systems. The particles are approximated with a sphere. They can be of different types (see the details) and radius (that can change with time). They are emitted from different emitters (see the details) with a specified spawn rate. The particles disappear after the set life time period or culled when hitting other nodes. They either collide with the outer surface of the approximation sphere or intersect only by the its center.

The particle flow direction can be influenced by:

The particle system can also initialized before it actually appears, so that it starts to be rendered with already spawned particles.

Usage Example#

In the following example, we create a new particle system, specify its settings by means of C++ API.

Prior Knowledge
It is supposed that you have already created an empty C++ project by using UNIGINE SDK Browser.

Particles parameters are set via Particle Modifiers. Based on the modifier's type, a parameter could be a scalar (radius, velocity, etc.) or a vector (direction, position, color, etc.). The modifier's mode defines a parameter by:

  • a constant value
  • a random value varying between a minimum and maximum limits
  • a value defined by a curve
  • a random value between the upper and lower limits defined by the two curves at each point of the lifetime

See here for more information on different modes for modifiers.

Source code (C++)
#ifndef __APP_WORLD_LOGIC_H__
#define __APP_WORLD_LOGIC_H__

#include <UnigineLogic.h>
#include <UnigineStreams.h>
#include <UnigineObjects.h>

class AppWorldLogic : public Unigine::WorldLogic
{
	public:
Source code (C++)
#include "AppWorldLogic.h"
#include "UnigineEditor.h"
#include "UnigineGame.h"

using namespace Unigine;
using namespace Math;

// World logic, it takes effect only when the world is loaded.
// These methods are called right after corresponding world script's (UnigineScript) methods.

AppWorldLogic::AppWorldLogic()
{
}

AppWorldLogic::~AppWorldLogic()
{
}

int AppWorldLogic::init()
{
	particles = ObjectParticles::create();

	// set world transform to the particle system, specify its material and material albedo parameter
	particles->setWorldTransform(Mat4(quat(0.0f, 0.0f, 0.0f, 0.0f)));
	particles->getMaterialInherit(0)->setParameterFloat4("albedo_color", vec4(0.8f, 1.0f, 0.0f, 1.0f));

	// enable the emitter and specify its settings
	particles->setEmitterEnabled(1);
	particles->setSpawnRate(2000.0f);
	particles->setLife(5.0f, 0.5f);

	// create a new 2d curve object
	curve = Curve2d::create();
	curve->addKey(vec2(0.0f, 0.15f));
	curve->addKey(vec2(0.5f, 0.25f));
	curve->addKey(vec2(1.0f, 0.5f));
	curve->addKey(vec2(1.5f, 0.35f));
	// change the modifier's mode to the curve mode
	particles->getRadiusOverTimeModifier()->setMode(ParticleModifier::MODE_CURVE);
	// set the curve to define the modifier
	particles->getRadiusOverTimeModifier()->setCurve(curve);

	// set parameters using scalar values
	particles->getGrowthOverTimeModifier()->setConstantMin(0.0f);
	particles->getGrowthOverTimeModifier()->setConstantMax(0.2f);
	particles->getVelocityOverTimeModifier()->setConstant(0.3f);
	// set the parameter using a vector value
	particles->getGravityOverTimeModifier()->setConstant(vec3(0.0f, 0.0f, 4.0f));

	// disable the sun node
	sun = World::getNodeByName("sun");
	sun->setEnabled(0); 
	
	return 1;
}

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
// start of the main loop
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

int AppWorldLogic::update()
{
	
	// set transformation for particle system
	float time = Game::getTime();
	particles->setWorldTransform(Mat4(rotateZ(time * 64.0f) * translate(15.0f, 0.0f, 0.0f)));

	return 1;
}

int AppWorldLogic::postUpdate()
{
	// The engine calls this function after updating each render frame: correct behavior after the state of the node has been updated.
	return 1;
}

int AppWorldLogic::updatePhysics()
{
	// Write here code to be called before updating each physics frame: control physics in your application and put non-rendering calculations.
	// The engine calls updatePhysics() with the fixed rate (60 times per second by default) regardless of the FPS value.
	// WARNING: do not create, delete or change transformations of nodes here, because rendering is already in progress.
	return 1;
}

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
// end of the main loop
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

int AppWorldLogic::shutdown()
{
	// Write here code to be called on world shutdown: delete resources that were created during world script execution to avoid memory leaks.
	return 1;
}

int AppWorldLogic::save(const Unigine::StreamPtr &stream)
{
	// Write here code to be called when the world is saving its state (i.e. state_save is called): save custom user data to a file.
	UNIGINE_UNUSED(stream);
	return 1;
}

int AppWorldLogic::restore(const Unigine::StreamPtr &stream)
{
	// Write here code to be called when the world is restoring its state (i.e. state_restore is called): restore custom user data to a file here.
	UNIGINE_UNUSED(stream);
	return 1;
}

int AppWorldLogic::init()
{
	particles = ObjectParticles::create();

	// set world transform to the particle system, specify its material and material albedo parameter
	particles->setWorldTransform(Mat4(quat(0.0f, 0.0f, 0.0f, 0.0f)));
	particles->getMaterialInherit(0)->setParameterFloat4("albedo_color", vec4(0.8f, 1.0f, 0.0f, 1.0f));

	// enable the emitter and specify its settings
	particles->setEmitterEnabled(1);
	particles->setSpawnRate(2000.0f);
	particles->setLife(5.0f, 0.5f);

	// create a new 2d curve object
	curve = Curve2d::create();
	curve->addKey(vec2(0.0f, 0.15f));
	curve->addKey(vec2(0.5f, 0.25f));
	curve->addKey(vec2(1.0f, 0.5f));
	curve->addKey(vec2(1.5f, 0.35f));
	// change the modifier's mode to the curve mode
	particles->getRadiusOverTimeModifier()->setMode(ParticleModifier::MODE_CURVE);
	// set the curve to define the modifier
	particles->getRadiusOverTimeModifier()->setCurve(curve);

	// set parameters using scalar values
	particles->getGrowthOverTimeModifier()->setConstantMin(0.0f);
	particles->getGrowthOverTimeModifier()->setConstantMax(0.2f);
	particles->getVelocityOverTimeModifier()->setConstant(0.3f);
	// set the parameter using a vector value
	particles->getGravityOverTimeModifier()->setConstant(vec3(0.0f, 0.0f, 4.0f));

	// disable the sun node
	sun = World::getNodeByName("sun");
	sun->setEnabled(0); 
	
	return 1;
}

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
// start of the main loop
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

int AppWorldLogic::update()
{
	
	// set transformation for particle system
	float time = Game::getTime();
	particles->setWorldTransform(Mat4(rotateZ(time * 64.0f) * translate(15.0f, 0.0f, 0.0f)));

	return 1;
}

int AppWorldLogic::postUpdate()
{
	// The engine calls this function after updating each render frame: correct behavior after the state of the node has been updated.
	return 1;
}

int AppWorldLogic::updatePhysics()
{
	// Write here code to be called before updating each physics frame: control physics in your application and put non-rendering calculations.
	// The engine calls updatePhysics() with the fixed rate (60 times per second by default) regardless of the FPS value.
	// WARNING: do not create, delete or change transformations of nodes here, because rendering is already in progress.
	return 1;
}

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
// end of the main loop
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

int AppWorldLogic::shutdown()
{
	// Write here code to be called on world shutdown: delete resources that were created during world script execution to avoid memory leaks.
	return 1;
}

int AppWorldLogic::save(const Unigine::StreamPtr &stream)
{
	// Write here code to be called when the world is saving its state (i.e. state_save is called): save custom user data to a file.
	UNIGINE_UNUSED(stream);
	return 1;
}

int AppWorldLogic::restore(const Unigine::StreamPtr &stream)
{
	// Write here code to be called when the world is restoring its state (i.e. state_restore is called): restore custom user data to a file here.
	UNIGINE_UNUSED(stream);
	return 1;
}

int AppWorldLogic::update()
{
	
	// set transformation for particle system
	float time = Game::getTime();
	particles->setWorldTransform(Mat4(rotateZ(time * 64.0f) * translate(15.0f, 0.0f, 0.0f)));

	return 1;
}

int AppWorldLogic::postUpdate()
{
	// The engine calls this function after updating each render frame: correct behavior after the state of the node has been updated.
	return 1;
}

int AppWorldLogic::updatePhysics()
{
	// Write here code to be called before updating each physics frame: control physics in your application and put non-rendering calculations.
	// The engine calls updatePhysics() with the fixed rate (60 times per second by default) regardless of the FPS value.
	// WARNING: do not create, delete or change transformations of nodes here, because rendering is already in progress.
	return 1;
}

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
// end of the main loop
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

int AppWorldLogic::shutdown()
{
	// Write here code to be called on world shutdown: delete resources that were created during world script execution to avoid memory leaks.
	return 1;
}

int AppWorldLogic::save(const Unigine::StreamPtr &stream)
{
	// Write here code to be called when the world is saving its state (i.e. state_save is called): save custom user data to a file.
	UNIGINE_UNUSED(stream);
	return 1;
}

int AppWorldLogic::restore(const Unigine::StreamPtr &stream)
{
	// Write here code to be called when the world is restoring its state (i.e. state_restore is called): restore custom user data to a file here.
	UNIGINE_UNUSED(stream);
	return 1;
}

If you launch the application, you get the following particle system:

Synchronizing Particles#

For image consistency in multi-channel rendering use cases, Particle Systems can have more deterministic behavior, i.e. when a particle is spawned on one PC, it can travel to another screen seamlessly.

To synchronize the particle systems of several applications, it is required to define which application is the Master one — it will count all particles and provide all related info via the network to Slaves — applications that only receive data and reproduce them.

Source code (C++)
// define smart pointer to particles
ObjectParticlesPtr particles;

bool is_master = true; // or false, if the application is a Slave
SocketPtr socket; // example of a socket used to send the particles data

AppWorldLogic::AppWorldLogic()
{
}

AppWorldLogic::~AppWorldLogic()
{
}

int AppWorldLogic::init()
{
	particles = ObjectParticles::create();
	//and set the required parameters of the particles system
	
	// create and open a stream
	socket = Socket::create(Socket::SOCKET_TYPE_STREAM);
	socket->open("127.255.255.255", 8889);

	// For every type of the application, define the particles operation mode
	if (is_master)
		particles->setSyncMode(ObjectParticles::SYNC_MODE_MASTER);
	else
		particles->setSyncMode(ObjectParticles::SYNC_MODE_SLAVE);

	return 1;
}
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
// start of the main loop
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

int AppWorldLogic::update()
{

	
	if (is_master)
	{
		BlobPtr data = Blob::create();
		particles->takeSyncData(data);
		socket->write(data->getData(), data->getSize());
	}
	else
	{
		BlobPtr data = Blob::create();
		socket->readStream(data, 1048576); // 1Mb, maximum size of the packet
		data->seekSet(0); // Moving the pointer to the first symbol,
						  // because after reading the data from the socket,
						  // the pointer is at the end of the data.
		particles->applySyncData(data);
	}

	return 1;
}

int AppWorldLogic::postUpdate()
{
	// The engine calls this function after updating each render frame: correct behavior after the state of the node has been updated.
	return 1;
}

int AppWorldLogic::updatePhysics()
{
	// Write here code to be called before updating each physics frame: control physics in your application and put non-rendering calculations.
	// The engine calls updatePhysics() with the fixed rate (60 times per second by default) regardless of the FPS value.
	// WARNING: do not create, delete or change transformations of nodes here, because rendering is already in progress.
	return 1;
}

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
// end of the main loop
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

int AppWorldLogic::shutdown()
{
	// closing the socket
	socket->close();

	// destroying the socket
	socket.deleteLater();
	return 1;
}

int AppWorldLogic::save(const Unigine::StreamPtr &stream)
{
	// Write here code to be called when the world is saving its state (i.e. state_save is called): save custom user data to a file.
	UNIGINE_UNUSED(stream);
	return 1;
}

int AppWorldLogic::restore(const Unigine::StreamPtr &stream)
{
	// Write here code to be called when the world is restoring its state (i.e. state_restore is called): restore custom user data to a file here.
	UNIGINE_UNUSED(stream);
	return 1;
}

int AppWorldLogic::init()
{

	// For every type of the application, define the particles operation mode
	if (is_master)
		particles->setSyncMode(ObjectParticles::SYNC_MODE_MASTER);
	else
		particles->setSyncMode(ObjectParticles::SYNC_MODE_SLAVE);

	return 1;
}

int AppWorldLogic::update()
{

	
	if (is_master)
	{
		BlobPtr data = Blob::create();
		particles->takeSyncData(data);
		socket->write(data->getData(), data->getSize());
	}
	else
	{
		BlobPtr data = Blob::create();
		socket->readStream(data, 1048576); // 1Mb, maximum size of the packet
		data->seekSet(0); // Moving the pointer to the first symbol,
						  // because after reading the data from the socket,
						  // the pointer is at the end of the data.
		particles->applySyncData(data);
	}

	return 1;
}

ObjectParticles Class

Enums

SYNC_MODE#

Synchronization mode to be used for the particle system.
NameDescription
SYNC_MODE_NONE = 0In this mode, the particle system neither provides nor takes any synchronization data.
SYNC_MODE_MASTER = 1This mode enables storing of the particle system data used for synchronization by the slave system.
SYNC_MODE_SLAVE = 2This mode makes a particle system take the stored synchronization data from the master particle system.

SCREEN_SIZE_MODE#

Screen size mode for emitted particles. Can be used to limit maximum and minimum sizes of particles.
NameDescription
SCREEN_SIZE_MODE_NONE = 0Minimum and maximum sizes of particles on the screen are not limited.
SCREEN_SIZE_MODE_WIDTH = 1Minimum and maximum sizes of particles on the screen are limited relative to screen width.
SCREEN_SIZE_MODE_HEIGHT = 2Minimum and maximum sizes of particles on the screen are limited relative to screen height.

Members


static ObjectParticlesPtr create ( ) #

Constructor. Creates a particle system.

Math::BoundBox getBoundBoxParticles ( ) const#

Returns the estimated bounding box considering the changes of the particle system (velocity, length, etc.).

Return value

Bounding box

Math::BoundBox getBoundBoxSimulation ( ) const#

Returns the exact bounding box of the particle system.

Return value

Bounding box

void setClearOnEnable ( bool enable ) #

Enables or disables re-initialization of the particle system each time it is enabled. When this option is disabled, turning on the particle system will restore the state it had before it was turned off.

Arguments

  • bool enable - true to re-initialize particle system each time it is enabled; otherwise, false.

bool isClearOnEnable ( ) const#

Returns a value indicating if particle system is to be re-initialized each time it is enabled.

Return value

true if particle system is to be re-initialized each time it is enabled; otherwise, false.

void setCollisionEnabled ( bool enabled ) #

Enables or disables collision detection for spheres that approximate each particle. This method is slower than intersection detection, but more precise.

Arguments

  • bool enabled - true to enable sphere-based collision detection for particles, false to disable it.

bool isCollisionEnabled ( ) const#

Returns a value indicating if collision detection for spheres that approximate each particle. This method is slower than sphere center-based intersection detection, but more precise.

Return value

true if the sphere-based collision detection for particles is enabled; otherwise, false.

void setCollisionMask ( int mask ) #

Sets a new Collision Mask to be used for particles. Particles will collide with an object, if they both have matching masks.

Arguments

  • int mask - New Collision Mask to be used for particles.

int getCollisionMask ( ) const#

Returns the current Collision Mask to be used for particles. Particles will collide with an object, if they both have matching masks.

Return value

Collision Mask currently used for particles.

void setPhysicsIntersectionEnabled ( bool enabled ) #

Enables or disables detecting collision by the center of the sphere that approximates the particles. This method is faster than collision detection, but less precise. Physics intersections are detected only for matching bit masks.

Arguments

  • bool enabled - true to detect intersections, false not to detect.

bool isPhysicsIntersectionEnabled ( ) const#

Returns a value indicating if collisions are to be detected by the center of the sphere that approximates the particles. This method is faster than sphere-based collision detection, but less precise. Physics intersections are detected only for matching bit masks.

Return value

true if the sphere center-based intersection detection is enabled; otherwise, false.

void setPhysicsIntersectionMask ( int mask ) #

Sets a new Physics Intersection Mask to be used for particles. Physics intersections are detected only for matching bit masks.

Arguments

int getPhysicsIntersectionMask ( ) const#

Returns the current Physics Intersection Mask for particles. Physics intersections are detected only for matching bit masks.

Return value

Current Physics Intersection Mask used for particles.

Math::vec3 getContactNormal ( int num ) const#

Returns the point of the particles collision with other objects.

Arguments

  • int num - Collision point number.

Return value

Collision point coordinates.

Ptr<Object> getContactObject ( int num ) const#

Returns the object that collided with particles collided in a given collision point.

Arguments

  • int num - The collision point number.

Return value

The object participated in collision.

Math::Vec3 getContactPoint ( int num ) const#

Returns the normal vector for the collision point of the particles with other objects.

Arguments

  • int num - The collision point number.

Return value

Normal vector coordinates.

Math::vec3 getContactVelocity ( int num ) const#

Returns the velocity in the collision point of the particles with other objects.

Arguments

  • int num - The collision point number.

Return value

Velocity values for each of space dimensions.

void setCulling ( int culling ) #

Sets a value indicating if particles should disappear upon collision or intersection.

Arguments

  • int culling - 1 to make particles disappear; 0 to continue rendering of particles after collision/intersection.

int getCulling ( ) const#

Returns a value indicating if particles would disappear upon collision or intersection.

Return value

1 if particles would disappear; otherwise, 0.

void setDelay ( float mean, float spread ) #

Sets delay of particle system initialization relative to the parent particle one.

Arguments

  • float mean - A mean value in seconds. If a negative value is provided, 0 will be used instead.
  • float spread - A spread value in seconds.

float getDelayMean ( ) const#

Returns the mean value of particles initialization delay relative to the parent particle system.

Return value

The mean value in seconds.

float getDelaySpread ( ) const#

Returns the spread value of particles initialization delay relative to the parent particle system.

Return value

The spread value in seconds.

void setDepthSort ( bool sort ) #

Enables or disables depth sorting of particles. Depth sorting is required, if particles use alpha blending.

Arguments

  • bool sort - true to enable the depth sorting, false to disable it.

bool getDepthSort ( ) const#

Returns a value indicating if depth sorting of particles is enabled. Depth sorting is required, if particles use alpha blending.

Return value

true if the depth sorting is enabled; otherwise, false.

void setDuration ( float mean, float spread ) #

Sets a duration of each particle emission in seconds.

Arguments

  • float mean - Mean value in seconds. If a negative value is provided, 0 will be used instead.
  • float spread - Spread value in seconds.

float getDurationMean ( ) const#

Returns the current mean value of particle emission intervals.

Return value

The mean value in seconds.

float getDurationSpread ( ) const#

Returns the current spread value of particle emission intervals.

Return value

The spread value in seconds.

void setEmitterBased ( bool based ) #

Sets a value indicating if particles should follow emitter transformations, i.e. the direction of their flow should change after the emitter.

Arguments

  • bool based - 1 for particles to follow emitter transformations; 0 for them to flow independently.

bool isEmitterBased ( ) const#

Returns a value indicating if particles follow emitter transformations, i.e. the direction of their flow changes after the emitter.

Return value

true if particles follow emitter transformations; otherwise, false.

void setEmitterContinuous ( bool continuous ) #

Sets a value indicating if additional spawn points should be generated when the emitter is moved, which provides a continuous flow of particles.

Arguments

  • bool continuous - true to create the continuous flow of particles; false to create the discrete flow with sparse generation points.

bool isEmitterContinuous ( ) const#

Returns a value indicating if additional spawn points are generated when the emitter is moved, which provides a continuous flow of particles.

Return value

true if particles are created in the continuous flow; otherwise, false.

void setEmitterEnabled ( bool enabled ) #

Enables or disables particle emission.

Arguments

  • bool enabled - true to enable particle emission, false to disable it.

bool isEmitterEnabled ( ) const#

Returns a value indicating if particle emission is enabled.

Return value

true if emission is enabled; otherwise, false.

void setEmitterSequence ( int sequence ) #

Sets the rendering order of the particle system inside the particles hierarchy.

Arguments

  • int sequence - The rendering priority. Particle systems with the lowest order number are rendered first.

int getEmitterSequence ( ) const#

Returns the current rendering order of the particle system inside the particles hierarchy.

Return value

The current rendering priority.

void setEmitterShift ( bool shift ) #

Sets a value indicating if the emitter spawns particles only when it is moving. The further it has moved, if compared to its position in the previous frame, the more particles will be spawned. If the emitter is not moving, there are no particles at all.

Arguments

  • bool shift - true to enable the shift-based spawning; false to disable it.

bool isEmitterShift ( ) const#

Returns a value indicating if the emitter spawns particles only when it is moving. The further it has moved, if compared to its position in the previous frame, the more particles will be spawned. If the emitter is not moving, there are no particles at all.

Return value

true if the shift-based spawning is enabled; false if it is not.

void setEmitterSize ( const Math::vec3 & size ) #

Sets a size of the emitter.

Arguments

  • const Math::vec3 & size - A new emitter size. If negative values are provided, 0 will be used instead of them. Depending on the type of the emitter, this value is interpreted as follows:
    • EMITTER_POINT, EMITTER_SPARK, EMITTER_RANDOM: all vector components are ignored.
    • EMITTER_SPHERE: the first vector component is the radius of the sphere.
    • EMITTER_CYLINDER: the first vector component is the radius of the cylinder, the second vector component is the height of the cylinder.
    • EMITTER_BOX: all vector components are interpreted as box dimensions (x, y, z).

Math::vec3 getEmitterSize ( ) const#

Returns the current emitter size.

Return value

The current size of the emitter. Depending on the type of the emitter, this value is interpreted as follows:
  • EMITTER_POINT, EMITTER_SPARK, EMITTER_RANDOM: all vector components are ignored.
  • EMITTER_SPHERE: the first vector component is the radius of the sphere.
  • EMITTER_CYLINDER: the first vector component is the radius of the cylinder, the second vector component is the height of the cylinder.
  • EMITTER_BOX: all vector components are interpreted as box dimensions (x, y, z).

void setEmitterSync ( int sync ) #

Sets a value indicating if a particle system emitter needs to be synchronized to a parent particle system.

Arguments

  • int sync - 1 to synchronize the emitter; otherwise, 0.

int getEmitterSync ( ) const#

Returns a value indicating if a particle system emitter is synchronized to a parent particle system.

Return value

1 if it is synchronized; otherwise, 0.

void setEmitterType ( int type ) #

Sets a type of the emitter.

Arguments

  • int type - The type of the emitter (one of the EMITTER_* values).

int getEmitterType ( ) const#

Returns the type (shape) of the emitter.

Return value

The type of the emitter (one of the EMITTER_* values).

void setEmitterVelocity ( const Math::vec3 & velocity ) #

Sets the emitter velocity, which is added to the initial velocity of spawned particles. If the value is equal to 0, the actual velocity of emitter node will be used.

Arguments

  • const Math::vec3 & velocity - Emitter velocity, in units per second.

Math::vec3 getEmitterVelocity ( ) const#

Returns the current emitter velocity, which is added to the initial velocity of spawned particles. If the value equals 0, the actual velocity of emitter node will be used.

Return value

The emitter velocity in units per second.

void setLife ( float mean, float spread ) #

Sets a lifetime duration of particles in seconds.

Arguments

  • float mean - A mean value in seconds. If a too small value is provided, 1E-6 will be used instead.
  • float spread - A spread value in seconds.

float getLifeMean ( ) const#

Returns the current mean value of particle lifetime duration.

Return value

The mean value in seconds.

float getLifeSpread ( ) const#

Returns the current spread value of particle lifetime duration.

Return value

The spread value in seconds.

void setLinearDamping ( float damping ) #

Sets a linear damping of particles.

Arguments

  • float damping - a new linear damping. If a negative value is provided, 0 will be used instead.

float getLinearDamping ( ) const#

Returns the current linear damping of particles.

Return value

The current linear damping.

void setMaxWarmingTime ( float time ) #

Sets max time for particles simulation during the warming, in seconds.

Arguments

  • float time - Time, in seconds.

float getMaxWarmingTime ( ) const#

Returns max time value for particles simulation during the warming, in seconds.

Return value

Time, in seconds.

int getNumContacts ( ) const#

Returns the total number of particles collisions with other objects.

Return value

Number of collisions.

int getNumParticles ( ) const#

Returns the current number of particles.

Return value

The number of particles.

Math::Vec3 getParticlePosition ( int num ) const#

Returns the position of a given particle.

Arguments

  • int num - The particle number.

Return value

Position coordinates for the particle.

float getParticleRadius ( int num ) const#

Returns the radius of a given particle.

Arguments

  • int num - The particle number.

Return value

Radius of the particle.

void setParticlesType ( int type ) #

Sets a type of particles to emit.

Arguments

  • int type - A type of particles (one of the TYPE_* values).

int getParticlesType ( ) const#

Returns the type of emitted particles.

Return value

The type of particles (one of the TYPE_* values).

void getParticleTransforms ( Vector< Math::Mat4> & OUT_transforms ) const#

Returns transformation matrices for spawned particles.

Arguments

  • Vector< Math::Mat4> & OUT_transforms - Array to which the transformation matrices will be added.
    Notice
    This output buffer is to be filled by the Engine as a result of executing the method.

Math::vec3 getParticleVelocity ( int num ) const#

Returns the velocity vector for a specified particle.

Arguments

  • int num - The particle number.

Return value

The velocity vector.

void setPeriod ( float mean, float spread ) #

Sets an interval of emitter inactivity in seconds.

Arguments

  • float mean - A mean value in seconds. If a negative value is provided, 0 will be used instead.
  • float spread - A spread value in seconds.

float getPeriodMean ( ) const#

Returns the current mean value of emitter inactivity intervals.

Return value

The mean value in seconds.

float getPeriodSpread ( ) const#

Returns the current spread value of emitter inactivity intervals.

Return value

The spread value in seconds.

void setPhysicalMask ( int mask ) #

Sets the bit mask for interactions with physicals. Two objects interact, if they both have matching masks.

Arguments

  • int mask - Integer, each bit of which is a mask.

int getPhysicalMask ( ) const#

Returns the bit mask for interactions with physicals. Two objects interact, if they both have matching masks.

Return value

Integer, each bit of which is a mask.

void setPhysicalMass ( float mass ) #

Sets the mass of the particles. This value matters only for computing physical interactions.

Arguments

  • float mass - The mass of the particles.

float getPhysicalMass ( ) const#

Returns the current mass of the particles. This value matters only for computing physical interactions.

Return value

The mass of the particles.

void setProceduralRendering ( bool rendering ) #

Enables particle system rendering to procedural texture to be used by an orthographic decal or a field height. For example, ship wake waves are simulated using this feature.

Arguments

  • bool rendering - 1 to enable rendering to procedural texture, 0 to disable.

bool isProceduralRendering ( ) const#

Returns the value indicating if the procedural rendering enabled or not. This feature enables rendering of particles into an orthographic decal or a field height, and can be used, for example, to create ship wake waves.

Return value

1 if the procedural rendering is enabled; otherwise, 0.

void setProceduralParenting ( int parenting ) #

Sets the type of relationship between the particle system and a decal / field node that uses the procedural texture.
Notice
Procedural rendering must be enabled.

Arguments

  • int parenting - Relationship type to be used for rendering the particle system to a procedural texture:
    • 0 - a decal/field node that uses the procedural texture is a child of the particle system.
    • 1 - a decal/field node that uses the procedural texture is a parent of the particle system.

int getProceduralParenting ( ) const#

Returns the current type of relationship between the particle system and a decal / field node that uses the procedural texture.
Notice
Procedural rendering must be enabled.

Return value

Relationship type to be used for rendering the particle system to a procedural texture:
  • 0 - a decal/field node that uses the procedural texture is a child of the particle system.
  • 1 - a decal/field node that uses the procedural texture is a parent of the particle system.

void setProceduralPositioning ( int positioning ) #

Sets positioning mode to be used for child nodes using the procedural texture to which the particle system is rendered.
Notice
  • Positioning mode can be set only when the particle system is a parent of a decal/field node that uses the procedural texture (parenting mode is set to 0)
  • Procedural rendering must be enabled.

Arguments

  • int positioning - Mode of the procedural positioning. Can be one of the following:
    • PROCEDURAL_POSITIONING_MANUAL = 0 - position of a child decal/field node, that uses the procedural texture, can be changed manually.
    • PROCEDURAL_POSITIONING_AUTO = 1 - position of a child decal/field node, that uses the procedural texture, is automatically defined by the position of particle system and cannot be changed manually.

int getProceduralPositioning ( ) const#

Returns the value indicating the procedural position mode.
Notice
Procedural rendering must be enabled.

Return value

Mode of the procedural positioning. Can be one of the following:
  • PROCEDURAL_POSITIONING_MANUAL = 0
  • PROCEDURAL_POSITIONING_AUTO = 1

void setProceduralTextureResolution ( const Math::vec3 & res ) #

Sets the resolution of the procedural texture.
Notice
Procedural rendering must be enabled.

Arguments

  • const Math::vec3 & res - Resolution of the texture.

Math::vec3 getProceduralTextureResolution ( ) const#

Returns the resolution of the procedural texture.
Notice
Procedural rendering must be enabled.

Return value

Resolution of the texture.

void setRestitution ( float restitution ) #

Sets a restitution value for particles.

Arguments

  • float restitution - A new restitution value. The provided value will be saturated in the range [0; 1].

float getRestitution ( ) const#

Returns the current restitution value for particles.

Return value

The current restitution value.

void setRoughness ( float roughness ) #

Sets a roughness of the particle surface.

Arguments

  • float roughness - A new roughness value. The provided value will be saturated in the range [0; 1].

float getRoughness ( ) const#

Returns the current roughness of the particle surface.

Return value

The current roughness.

void setSeed ( unsigned int seed ) #

Sets a seed value for the particles' random generator.

Arguments

  • unsigned int seed - A seed value.

unsigned int getSeed ( ) const#

Returns the seed value used for the particles' random generator.

Return value

The seed value.

void setNumberPerSpawn ( int spawn ) #

Sets the number of particles to be spawned simultaneously each time according to the spawn rate.

Arguments

  • int spawn - Number of particles to be spawned simultaneously.

int getNumberPerSpawn ( ) const#

Returns the current number of particles to be spawned simultaneously each time according to the spawn rate.

Return value

Current number of particles to be spawned simultaneously.

void setSpawnRate ( float rate ) #

Sets a rate at which particles are created.

Arguments

  • float rate - A new spawn rate. If a too small value is provided, 1E-6 will be used instead.

float getSpawnRate ( ) const#

Returns the current particle spawn rate.

Return value

The current spawn rate.

void setSpawnScale ( float scale ) #

Sets a spawn scale that enables to modulate smooth and gradual initialization of the particle system starting with the given spawn state and up to the specified spawn rate.

Arguments

  • float scale - A spawn scale. The provided value is clipped to range [0;1]. By the value of 0, there are no spawned particles at the start. By the value of 1, the system is initialized with the specified spawn rate.

float getSpawnScale ( ) const#

Returns the current spawn scale that enables to modulate smooth and gradual initialization of the particle system starting with the given spawn state and up to the specified spawn rate.

Return value

The current spawn scale.

void setSpawnThreshold ( float threshold ) #

Sets the velocity threshold for spark and random emitters. They spawn particles if the velocity value of the parent particles is high enough.

Arguments

  • float threshold - A velocity threshold for the parent particles.

float getSpawnThreshold ( ) const#

Returns the current velocity threshold for spark and random emitters. They spawn particles if velocity of the parent particles is high enough.

Return value

The current velocity threshold of the parent particles.

void setTextureAtlas ( int atlas ) #

Sets a value indicating if a diffuse texture for the particles is a NxN texture atlas.

Arguments

  • int atlas - 1 if a texture atlas is used; 0 if an ordinary diffuse texture is assigned.

int getTextureAtlas ( ) const#

Returns a value indicating if a diffuse texture for the particles is used as a NxN texture atlas.

Return value

1 if a texture atlas is used; otherwise, 0.

void setVariationX ( int variationx ) #

Sets a value indicating if the initial orientation of particles diffuse texture should be randomly varied along the X axis.

Arguments

  • int variationx - 1 to add random variation along the X axis, 0 not to add.

int getVariationX ( ) const#

Returns a value indicating if the initial orientation of particles diffuse texture is randomly varied along the X axis.

Return value

1 if there is random variation along the X axis, 0 if there is not.

void setVariationY ( int variationy ) #

Sets a value indicating if the initial orientation of particles diffuse texture should be randomly varied along the Y axis.

Arguments

  • int variationy - 1 to add random variation along the Y axis, 0 not to add.

int getVariationY ( ) const#

Returns a value indicating if the initial orientation of particles diffuse texture is randomly varied along the Y axis.

Return value

1 if there is random variation along the Y axis, 0 if there is not.

void setWarming ( int warming ) #

Enables the warm start for the particles. It means that the particle system starts to be rendered with already emitted particles, rather then from a zero point.

Arguments

  • int warming - 1 to enable the warm start; 0 to disable it.

int getWarming ( ) const#

Returns a value indicating if the warm start is enabled for the particles. It means that the particle system starts to be rendered with already emitted particles, rather then from a zero point.

Return value

1 if the warm start is enabled; 0 if it is disabled.

Math::WorldBoundBox getWorldBoundBoxParticles ( ) const#

Returns the estimated world bounding box considering the changes of the particle system (velocity, length, etc.).

Math::Vec3 getWorldOffset ( ) const#

Returns the current world offset of the local origin of coordinates of the particle system. The offset of the origin of coordinates is changed depending on the position of the particle system so that the particles are simulated near their emitter.

Return value

Offset coordinates values.

void addEmitterSpark ( const Math::Vec3 & point, const Math::vec3 & normal, const Math::vec3 & velocity ) #

Adds a spark emitter in the given point.

Arguments

  • const Math::Vec3 & point - Point for sparks emission.
  • const Math::vec3 & normal - Normal vector at the point of spark emission.
  • const Math::vec3 & velocity - Velocity in the point of spark emission (velocity of source particles or node by contact).

void clearParticles ( ) #

Deletes all particles spawned by the emitter.

static int type ( ) #

Returns the type of the object.

Return value

Object Particles type identifier.

bool saveStateSelf ( const Ptr<Stream> & stream ) const#

Saves the object's state to the stream.
Notice
This method saves all object's parameters.

Saving into the stream requires creating a blob to save into. To restore the saved state the restoreStateSelf() method is used:

Source code (C++)
// initialize an object and set its state
//...//

// save state
BlobPtr blob_state = Blob::create();
object->saveStateSelf(blob_state);

// change state
//...//

// restore state
blob_state->seekSet(0);				// returning the carriage to the start of the blob
object->restoreStateSelf(blob_state);

Arguments

  • const Ptr<Stream> & stream - Stream smart pointer.

Return value

true on success; otherwise, false.

bool restoreStateSelf ( const Ptr<Stream> & stream ) #

Restores the object's state from the stream.
Notice
This method restores all object's parameters.

Restoring from the stream requires creating a blob to save into and saving the state using the saveStateSelf() method:

Source code (C++)
// initialize an object and set its state
//...//

// save state
BlobPtr blob_state = Blob::create();
object->saveStateSelf(blob_state);

// change state
//...//

// restore state
blob_state->seekSet(0);				// returning the carriage to the start of the blob
object->restoreStateSelf(blob_state);

Arguments

  • const Ptr<Stream> & stream - Stream smart pointer.

Return value

true on success; otherwise, false.

void setSyncMode ( ObjectParticles::SYNC_MODE mode ) #

Sets synchronization mode to be used for the particle system.

Arguments

ObjectParticles::SYNC_MODE getSyncMode ( ) const#

Returns the current synchronization mode used for the particle system.

Return value

Current synchronization mode, one of the SYNC_MODE values.

void takeSyncData ( const Ptr<Stream> & stream ) #

Writes particle synchronization data to the specified stream. This method should be used by the particle system with the master sync mode.

Arguments

  • const Ptr<Stream> & stream - Stream to which particle synchronization data is to be written.

void applySyncData ( const Ptr<Stream> & stream ) #

Reads particle synchronization data from the specified stream and applies it to the particle system. This method should be used by the particle system with the slave sync mode.

Arguments

  • const Ptr<Stream> & stream - Stream with particle synchronization data to be applied.

void setFPSVisibleCamera ( int camera = -1 ) #

Sets the update rate value when the object is rendered to the viewport. The default value is infinity.

Arguments

  • int camera - Update rate value when the object is rendered.

int getFPSVisibleCamera ( ) const#

Returns the update rate value when the object is rendered to the viewport.

Return value

Update rate value when the object is rendered.

void setFPSVisibleShadow ( int shadow = 30 ) #

Sets the update rate value when only object shadows are rendered. The default value is 30 fps.

Arguments

  • int shadow - Update rate value when only object shadows are rendered.

int getFPSVisibleShadow ( ) const#

Returns the update rate value when only object shadows are rendered.

Return value

Update rate value when only object shadows are rendered.

void setFPSInvisible ( int invisible = 0 ) #

Sets the update rate value when the object is not rendered at all. The default value is 0 fps.

Arguments

  • int invisible - Update rate value when the object is not rendered at all.

int getFPSInvisible ( ) const#

Returns the update rate value when the object is not rendered at all.

Return value

Update rate value when the object is not rendered at all.

void setUpdateDistanceLimit ( float limit = 1000 ) #

Sets the distance from the camera within which the object should be updated. The default value is 1000 units.

Arguments

  • float limit - Distance from the camera within which the object should be updated.

float getUpdateDistanceLimit ( ) const#

Returns the distance from the camera within which the object should be updated.

Return value

Distance from the camera within which the object should be updated.

void setEmitterLimitPerSpawn ( int spawn ) #

Sets the maximum number of particles to be spawned simultaneously each time according to the Spawn Rate.

Arguments

  • int spawn - New number of particles emitted per spawn.

int getEmitterLimitPerSpawn ( ) const#

Returns the maximum number of particles to be spawned simultaneously each time according to the Spawn Rate.

Return value

Current number of particles emitted per spawn.

Ptr<ParticleModifierScalar> getAngleOverTimeModifier ( ) const#

Returns the modifier used to control how the orientation angle values change over time.

Return value

Modifier, that controls orientation angle values.

Ptr<ParticleModifierScalar> getRotationOverTimeModifier ( ) const#

Returns the modifier used to control how the particle angular velocity values change over time.

Return value

Modifier, that controls particle angular velocity values.

Ptr<ParticleModifierScalar> getRadiusOverTimeModifier ( ) const#

Returns the modifier used to control how the particle radius values change over time.

Return value

Modifier, that controls particle radius values.

Ptr<ParticleModifierScalar> getGrowthOverTimeModifier ( ) const#

Returns the modifier used to control how the particle radius value changes over time.

Return value

Modifier, that controls particle growth.

Ptr<ParticleModifierScalar> getLengthStretchOverTimeModifier ( ) const#

Returns the modifier used to control how the stretch values of Length particles change over time.

Return value

Modifier, that controls stretching of Length particles.

Ptr<ParticleModifierScalar> getLengthFlatteningOverTimeModifier ( ) const#

Returns the modifier used to control how the flattening values of Length particles change over time.

Return value

Modifier, that controls flattening of Length particles.

Ptr<ParticleModifierScalar> getVelocityOverTimeModifier ( ) const#

Returns the modifier used to control how the velocity values of particles change over time.

Return value

Modifier, that controls linear velocity of particles.

Ptr<ParticleModifierVector> getDirectionOverTimeModifier ( ) const#

Returns the modifier used to control how the direction of emission changes over time.

Return value

Modifier, that controls direction of emission of particles.

Ptr<ParticleModifierVector> getPositionOverTimeModifier ( ) const#

Returns the modifier used to control how particles positions change over time.

Return value

Modifier, that controls position of particles.

Ptr<ParticleModifierVector> getGravityOverTimeModifier ( ) const#

Returns the modifier used to control how the gravity force that affects particles changes over time.

Return value

Modifier, that controls gravity of particles.

void setTextureAtlasSize ( const Math::ivec2 & size ) #

Sets the NxN size of the texture atlas for the particles.

Arguments

  • const Math::ivec2 & size - The size of the texture atlas to be used.

Math::ivec2 getTextureAtlasSize ( ) const#

Returns the NxN size of the texture atlas for the particles.

Return value

The size of the texture atlas.

void setScreenSizeMode ( ObjectParticles::SCREEN_SIZE_MODE mode ) #

Sets a new screen size mode for particles. This mode defines whether the maximum and minimum sizes of emitted particles should be limited relative to screen size or not (e.g., to avoid cases when snowflakes or raindrops obscure the view if they are too close to the camera or when they become invisible as the distance to the camera increases). Three modes are available:
  • NONE - minimum and maximum sizes of particles on the screen are not limited.
  • WIDTH - minimum and maximum sizes of particles on the screen are limited relative to screen width.
  • HEIGHT - minimum and maximum sizes of particles on the screen are limited relative to screen height.

Arguments

ObjectParticles::SCREEN_SIZE_MODE getScreenSizeMode ( ) const#

Returns the current screen size mode for particles. This mode defines whether the maximum and minimum sizes of emitted particles should be limited relative to screen size or not (e.g., to avoid cases when snowflakes or raindrops obscure the view if they are too close to the camera or when they become invisible as the distance to the camera increases). Three modes are available:
  • NONE - minimum and maximum sizes of particles on the screen are not limited.
  • WIDTH - minimum and maximum sizes of particles on the screen are limited relative to screen width.
  • HEIGHT - minimum and maximum sizes of particles on the screen are limited relative to screen height.

Return value

Current screen size mode for particles. One of the SCREEN_SIZE_MODE* values.

void setScreenMinSize ( float size ) #

Sets a new minimum screen size for particles (minimum fraction of the screen a single particle can occupy).

Arguments

  • float size - New minimum screen size to be set for particles. Minimum fraction of the screen a single particle can occupy:
    • The minimum value of 0 means the particle has a zero size and therefore is invisible on the screen (occupies no space at all).
    • The maximum value of 1 means the particle occupies the whole screen.

float getScreenMinSize ( ) const#

Returns the current minimum screen size for particles (minimum fraction of the screen a single particle can occupy). Any particle shall occupy at least the specified fraction of the screen.

Return value

Current minimum screen size for particles. Minimum fraction of the screen a single particle can occupy:
  • The minimum value of 0 means the particle has a zero size and therefore is invisible on the screen (occupies no space at all).
  • The maximum value of 1 means the particle occupies the whole screen.

void setScreenMaxSize ( float size ) #

Sets a new maximum screen size for particles (maximum fraction of the screen a single particle can occupy). Any particle shall occupy no more than the specified fraction of the screen, no matter how close the camera approaches it.

Arguments

  • float size - New maximum screen size to be set for particles. Maximum fraction of the screen a single particle can occupy:
    • The minimum value of 0 means the particle has a zero size and therefore is invisible on the screen (occupies no space at all).
    • The maximum value of 1 means the particle occupies the whole screen.

float getScreenMaxSize ( ) const#

Returns the current maximum screen size for particles (maximum fraction of the screen a single particle can occupy). Any particle shall occupy no more than the specified fraction of the screen, no matter how close the camera approaches it.

Return value

Current maximum screen size for particles. Maximum fraction of the screen a single particle can occupy:
  • The minimum value of 0 means the particle has a zero size and therefore is invisible on the screen (occupies no space at all).
  • The maximum value of 1 means the particle occupies the whole screen.

void setParticlesFieldMask ( int mask ) #

Sets a new Particles Field bit mask enabling you to control interactions with Particles Fields. A Particles Field will interact with particles generated by a Particles System if they both have matching Particles Field masks (one bit at least).

Arguments

  • int mask - New Particles Field bit mask to be set for the particle system. Integer, each bit of which is a mask.

int getParticlesFieldMask ( ) const#

Returns the current Particles Field bit mask enabling you to control interactions with Particles Fields. A Particles Field will interact with particles generated by a Particles System if they both have matching Particles Field masks (one bit at least).

Return value

Current Particles Field bit mask of the particle system. Integer, each bit of which is a mask.
Last update: 2024-02-27
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