RandomCycleAnimator - Random Cycle Animation Plugin for Virt-A-Mate
1. Concept
RandomCycleAnimator is a plugin designed to enhance animations in Virt-A-Mate (VaM). It adds random forces and torques in a cyclic manner on top of fixed loop animations like Timeline or Cycle Force, creating more natural and varied movements. The goal is to add realism to idle poses or interactions, with easy management via a list system. For example, it enables subtle random animations like slight head tilts or body sways. Based on default Cycle Force, it uses easing for smooth transitions.
2. Overview of Operation
Attach the plugin to an Atom (e.g., Person), then select the target Atom from the "Select Atom" dropdown. This updates the "Select Target" list with that Atom's ForceReceivers. Add selected controllers to the list to apply cyclic random forces and torques. Customize force/torque magnitude, change speed, and cycle length, with randomization options. Display/delete added controllers in the list. Movements are physics-based, smoothed with easing functions, and pause in VaM's freeze mode. Preset Load/Save allows saving and loading settings.
3. Detailed Explanation of Each Element
- Select Atom Dropdown: Select an Atom in the scene. After selection, the Target list updates based on that Atom's ForceReceivers
- Select Target Dropdown: Choose a controller (head, hip, etc.) from the selected Atom's ForceReceivers. Temporarily held until added to the list.
- Add List Button: Adds the selected controller to the animation list and starts random actions.
- Controller List Text Field: Displays the list of added controllers (read-only). Updates on add/remove.
- Remove List Button: Removes the selected controller from the list and stops actions.
- Force Factor Slider & Random Toggle: Controls base linear force strength (0-1000). Random varies within Random Min/Max .
- Force Quickness Slider & Random Toggle: Controls force change speed (0-10). Random varies .
- Torque Factor Slider & Random Toggle: Controls base rotational torque strength (0-1000). With random option.
- Torque Quickness Slider & Random Toggle: Controls torque change speed (0-10).
- Period Slider & Random Toggle: Sets cycle length (0-10 seconds). Random varies.
- Random Min/Max Sliders: Defines range for all random variations (Min: -10-10, Max: -10-10). Quickness and Period ignore negative values for adjustment.
- Load Preset/Save Preset Buttons: Save/load settings as JSON files .
Note: Parameters like sliders are based on VaM's default Cycle Force mechanism. Be cautious with large "Force" or "Quickness" values, as they may cause excessive movement and character distortion. This plugin is lightweight, integrates seamlessly with VaM's physics system, and provides realistic results. Please be careful.
4. Additional Notes
- Works with Atoms other than Person. Example: Randomly changing angles for a searchlight. However, for non-Person Atoms, check "Physics" in the "Physics Object" tab to enable receiving physical forces from CycleForce.- Special Thanks: To Mx.grok(xAI) for invaluable contributions in development
