Stopping particle objects (same layer) from overlapping

mdmodeler · Post by **mdmodeler** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 11:18 pm

I've set the depth option to 0 on a particle layer attempting to not have my objects overlap when "particlized", played with spread, evenly spaced, etc. But they still overlap. Is there any way to stop objects from overlapping in a particle layer? Actually, the effect I'm trying to accomplish is a large armada of space ships that are spaced apart. I then will take multiple particle layers and change their Z positions to create a the layered effect I want.
Here is what I'm striving to simulate (this image is owned by Nickelodeon):

Here is my attempt in Moho:

Here is the flash animation that really shows the problem I'm having:
http://www.geocities.com/paulgfrey/irken_armada.html

bupaje · Post by **bupaje** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 11:23 pm

I don't know that you can unless someone can think of some fancy way to either use a mask or maybe you can connect groups of particles with bones to insure some spacing is maintained? You can see something I tried with bones some time back -maybe a similar rig with particles?

http://www.lostmarble.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=650

I did this recently because of a similar problem (if I understand right) I was creating particle trees and they would 'clump' (look at trees in the back).

http://stormvisions.com/moho/nm4.jpg

so I placed several spaced trees on a layer and then used this 'particle raft' in the particle group. I set it to produce less particles and the result -while not perfect- definetly is a little better spread.

http://stormvisions.com/moho/nm7.jpg

mdmodeler · Post by **mdmodeler** » Tue Apr 11, 2006 12:21 am

I wasn't sure if there was a solution. I actually figured out after I posted that there wasn't a setting that would give me what I was looking for. So now I'm investigating the scripting route. I'm a Java developer who has worked in C and C++ for quite a few years before I jumped on the Java bandwagon. I'm hoping to find a solution through scripting.
Thanks for the reply.

bupaje · Post by **bupaje** » Tue Apr 11, 2006 12:51 am

That sounds great. Some awesome scripts have been created by users with programming skills. Maybe you'll come up with something like the formation settings allowed in certain rts games? Anyway look forward to seeing how you solve it.