This simple (alpha) Glide node illustrates motion of an Object (sphere) along a rail curve (select demo ellipse, helix, or conic).
Thanks to Pilou for recent circle tangent posts.
Only one Rail is used at a time (so far).
Kirstens mPath (multiPath) node, based upon ArrayCurve command, provides movement points for Orient node at very nearly equal arc lengths, within a tolerance.
Based upon research reading, NURBS (rail) curves are usually not arc length parameterized, but mPath makes a good substitute. (?)
TicTac mode of Quartz2 runs about twice as fast, and the sphere runs on each of the demo 3 rails at different speeds, as they are not the same length.
(The motor node was helpful in getting the Glide to work.)
If a circle Object at the origin is used, the Frame seems to be perpendicular to the Rail.
If the Rail curves NURBS parameter values were used, the sphere would not run at constant speed along a (nonlinear) rail.
I was thinking of writing a script for Glide, but the node editor sufficed, so far.
- Brian
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