ufcfx5-15-3mobile device development particle systems

UFCFX5-15-3Mobile Device Development

Particle Systems


Agenda

Role of Particle Systems in Visual Effects (VFX) Particle System Types Concepts of Particles Dynamics of Particles Typical Components and Elements of a Particle System Unity Particle Systems Examples


Role of Particle Systems

Most objects in a 3D environment are depicted as solid objects, e.g. meshes, 2D apps use sprites.

Meshes and sprites depict solid objects with a well -defined shape.

However, other entities are more intangible and transient, e.g. smoke, fire, liquids and crystal ‘magic’ effects.

Particle systems typically provide a means to portray the visual characteristics and motion of such entities.


Particle Systems Types

A particle system can be static or animated Each particle can be displayed all at once (static) or

displayed over time (animated) Usually, most particle effects featured in a 3D

environment are animated, but the particle system would be able to produce some static effects if required

Examples of static particle effects would be hair or fur, these are typically found in 3D Animation systems such as Maya and 3D Studio MAX


Concepts of Particles

Particles are small images or meshes moved and displayed in large numbers.

Each particle represents a small portion of the resulting entity, which move together in a motion that attempts to portray the dynamics of the real-world entity

Such natural dynamic systems have been the study of much research toward the development and evolution of CGI-based particle systems.


Dynamics of Particles

Each particle has a predefined lifetime, typically of a few seconds, during which the particle can undergo various changes in colour, orientation and velocity.

The system emits particles within a region of space such as a sphere, cone, or arbitrary mesh

Particles can be moved under the influence of gravity and or have their own force of movement that can interact with other physics-based systems in the scene.


Typical Components of Particle Systems

Emitter

The emitter acts as the source of the particles. Where the emitter is positioned in 3D space determines the initial creation point of the particles.

Animator

The animator determines how the particles motion behave during their existence in the system.

Renderer

The renderer is responsible for displaying the particles and applying colour and any associated textures. Properties of colour can be modified over time e.g. colour gradients.


‘Light Snow’ Emitter

e.g.

Minimum Emission = 25

Maximum Emission = 50


‘Light Snow’ Animator

Animate the Colours


Renderer

‘Billboard’ makes the particle face the viewer


‘Flame’ Particle System

The Flame particle system has four sub components Three Emitters Inner Core, Outer Core, Smoke A Light Source


‘Flame’ Light Source


Latest System

Unity now features an alternative particle system using the same concepts and principles as the original system.

It now includes facilities for collisions detection of particles on other objects.

However, all the current particle FX assets are based on the original system.


Summary

Particle Systems attempt to simulated non solid object dynamic behaviour and visual characteristics. They are typically used to created fire, dust, liquid, and crystal effects. Most particle systems will consist of a particle Emitter, Animator and Renderer The number of properties associated with each component is extensive, developers would usually choose a

suitable base particle system to evolve into the required VFX. Unity has a new particle system component which features similar elements and principles but now has

collision detection features. All the current FX are based on the original system Naturally occurring dynamic systems have been the focus of research in the development and evolution of CGI-

based particle systems.

ufcfx5-15-3mobile device development particle systems

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