Shape Blend Operator

The Shape Blend Operator takes any number of mesh objects and transitions from one to another over a set amount of time. The order of these object blends is controlled by the hierarchy of the relevant DynamicSets. These are not morphs between objects, (that is handled by the Blurp Operator) only simply transitions from one object to another.

In the Introduction, there was some discussion as to the hierarchy within DynamicSets and how the order of the nodes could affect the particle animation (click HERE to refresh your memory). The Shape Blend Operator makes extensive use of this hierarchical order and it is critical to it's operation. The Shape Blend Operator uses its placement in the DynamicSet and traverses down from there.



In the example above, there is a Shape Blend operator followed by multiple Instanced objects in the Countdown DynamicSet. Usually such a setup would be pure nonsense and so would be the result of it. However, the Shape Blend Operator takes over the hierarchy and blends between the different particle shapes below it, one after another. So it will process Instance 0 first, followed by Instanced 1, Instanced 2, and so on. This is how you control what shape will appear and the order in which they will appear.

Operator Inputs 

ON - (Bool) This input data stream determines whether the operator is considered 'on' or 'off.' You can connect other operators to this input channel such as a Bool Helper to activate/deactivate the whole operator.

Time - (Time) This input data stream is used to define the local time for the operator when the user wants to override the default system time.

Particle - (Particle) This input data stream reads in the currently selected particle group that is to be given a standard shape. The data stream MUST be connected and will be highlighted yellow if it is not.

Blend Time - (Frame) This input data stream is used to override the Blend Time spinner in the Shape Blend rollout.

In Blend Gradient - (Alpha Gradient) This input data stream is used to override the Blend In gradient in the Shape Blend rollout. (NOTE: This input data stream is for future use only)

Out Blend Gradient - (Alpha Gradient) This input data stream is used to override the Blend Out gradient in the Shape Blend rollout. (NOTE: This input data stream is for future use only)

Operator Outputs 

No Operator Outputs.

Rollout Menu 

Blend Time - This spinner sets the transition time in frames between the two blends.

Blend In - This grayscale gradient controls the timing to blend in the target shape. Usually, both gradients (In and Out) should match perfectly to avoid an intersecting frame were both shapes are visible at the same time.

Blend Out - This grayscale gradient controls the speed it takes to blend out the source shape. Usually, both gradients should match perfectly to avoid an intersecting frame were both shapes are visible at the same time.