3D Particle dance

[bonemap]

Hi,

Has anyone had success using 3D particles with video tracking live performers? I used a mask-like high threshold video input to the 'video gen' to have particles emitting in response to a video stream - tightening the threshold dramatically before the input source is linked and in the 3D Particles (up to 99.99 'vg threshold') produced the subtle amounts of particles being produced in some of the scenes represented in the following video.

Using primarily the '3D Particles' actor and the 'Snapshot' and 'Data Array' methods for storing and retrieving parameters that change the attributes of particle image/video input, color, life span etc. Well it appears to be an endless space for possibilities.  Isadora patch being developed for a live interaction with a dancer i.e. live particle effects responsive and following a dancer's movements - I hope, but still a long way to go. 

Cheers,
bonemap

[Skulpture]

Wouldn't it be cool if values could Morph between snapshots? It's been a dream of mine for a while :) 

[bonemap]

@Skulpture

Hi,

It is a good point. How to deal with transitions using the 'snapshot' method? I have never used snapshots in a show and using the 'Data Array' to manage multiple variable states for more than 20 parameters of a single instance of the 3D Particle actor is very tricky to set-up - It is reliable when done - but development and calibration with the data array is very slow - perhaps there is an alternative way to deliver stored variables to so many simultaneous inputs? If there is I would love to know! I am not sure that the Data Array functions particularly efficiently in terms of its human interface. However, I have found when using the 'data array' method with 3D Particles, that if the 'particle count' parameter is consistent then I can get the live particles to change direction seamlessly without disruption to other layers (such as happens with snapshots), but if the number of particle count changes the transition can be a bit harsh. Using colour and saturation i.e. turning the particles dark is another method I am experimenting with (as seen in the video) using a color picker control panel to update the particle color interactively.  I am not sure that this approach will work in production because there are always so many technical elements to control simultaneously. I suppose opacity or even a color key could be an option for hiding abrupt transitions, just means more patching.

cheers,

bonemap

[DusX]

@Skulpture

A super easy way is to put a 'smoother' actor before every important input.

Than the snapshots will input into the smoother.. and it will output a transition.. 

Works great for many purposes.

[bonemap]

@DusX

Thanks. I don't recall what happens to live input video when using snapshots - perhaps it is unaffected? I think it is time to get the dancer in for some testing.

cheers
bonemap