CHAPTER OBJECTIVES

In this chapter you will learn how to animate actors using parameters that you define, and how to use built-in mathematical functions to create more complex animations. Topics covered in this chapter include:

• Variables and functions for defining parametric motion equations

• Scripting actors with parametric equations

• Creating custom parameters

• Editing parameters

• Advanced parametric motion

INTRODUCTION

In this chapter you will learn how to apply an equation to describe motion relative to time or position. MicroStation comes with a number of built-in variables and functions for defining actor motion equations or custom parameters. When defining an equation, you can include custom parameters that you have previously defined, or you can key in the entire equation. The built-in variables and functions are case sensitive and have to be keyed in exactly as shown. Case sensitivity would be true of any custom parameters you create.

Often the same parametric motion equations are needed in a number of designs. You can save time by creating custom parameters that define these equations of motion. These can then be used when scripting the actors.

Where parameters are used often, they should be saved in a separate file (such as a script file) that contains only the required custom parameters. In the future, this script file can be included in the current script, thus making the custom parameters available for any design.

The following built-in variables are available for developing actor motion equations or custom parameters with the Script Actor tool.