boid 3d particle image

Flowing Linear Particles

londonsquared's picture

Hi, I'm having a bit of trouble working on my first quartz composition now and was wondering if anyone might be willing to give some advice or help getting going in the right direction. I've been wanting to learn quartz for a while and have taken a project for a client to push myself. Perhaps not the best plan but I am learning a lot and pleased to have discovered this site with all its wonderful work.

What I'm trying to do seems fairly simple, but I am having quite a bit of trouble with it. I am trying to make an interactive screensaver that senses movement and then triggers linear particles from several fixed positions. I would like the particle lines to flow somewhat randomly in slightly swirly or curved paths, as if they are being blown by wind.

I have managed to get the tracking part working in a basic manner building off the "Security" sample that comes with quartz composer. My trouble is with the particles. I have seen some projects that are great at manipulating them into linear strands and others manage the flow really well.

I am able to analyze them logically for the most part, but it is a really slow process for achieving this project in time. Also I think these compositions are generally more complex than what I really need at the moment. Any pointers or tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Using Dynamic Images from a directory in a boid particle system

chadu's picture

I have the Boid particle example running properly, and can successfully load images into sprites or other items using Directory Scanner and then rotating through them.

I am having a little difficulty thinking about how to do the following:

Load images from a directory, use randomized ones for particles in a Boid system.

Display the forces acting on the boid system as a visible fluid.

I am essentially looking to make a stream of polaroid framed images.

Any pointers for this QC/Kineme noob?