Big Ben, Big Headache?
by Dreamer · in General Discussion · 04/29/2005 (7:41 am) · 15 replies
I would really like to do a belltower with a clock in it, similar to Londons Big Ben, the only thing is I would like the hands to actually move and keep an accurate time.
Here's my thinking at the moment, create a building in the basic shape I want, and export it to *.dif , then create a clock mechanism as a *.dts with 12*60 animations.
Somehow attach the mechanism,to the building and create a script that checks the time about once a minute and have the clock mechanism play the animation appropriate for that time.
Thats alot of animations, and would make for a very large .dts, so I'm wondering if anyone can think of a better way that maybe I'm missing here.
Anyways thanks for the help!
Here's my thinking at the moment, create a building in the basic shape I want, and export it to *.dif , then create a clock mechanism as a *.dts with 12*60 animations.
Somehow attach the mechanism,to the building and create a script that checks the time about once a minute and have the clock mechanism play the animation appropriate for that time.
Thats alot of animations, and would make for a very large .dts, so I'm wondering if anyone can think of a better way that maybe I'm missing here.
Anyways thanks for the help!
#2
04/29/2005 (8:03 am)
Ok, but how would I calculate hand positions for each update?
#3
1) Use pure mathematics and generate the 2-D rotation based on the time to be shown itself, for each hand.
2) "Cheat", and create a set of pre-defined positions (60 in total) with their angles precalculated, and use an array of some sort to return a hand position.
Then, you'd want to coordinate space transform so your 2-D position matches the 3-space clock face, and apply the transform.
04/29/2005 (8:14 am)
Couple of different ways really:1) Use pure mathematics and generate the 2-D rotation based on the time to be shown itself, for each hand.
2) "Cheat", and create a set of pre-defined positions (60 in total) with their angles precalculated, and use an array of some sort to return a hand position.
Then, you'd want to coordinate space transform so your 2-D position matches the 3-space clock face, and apply the transform.
#4
04/29/2005 (8:18 am)
You have a finite number of positions on the clock face. A simple array of rotation information for each hand should do the trick.
#5
Any ideas as to how much if any strain this might put on the engine though?
04/29/2005 (8:40 am)
Hmm, I was tinkering around and realized that I could also significantly reduce the amount of animations by using 2 models 1 for each hand, each with 4 key frames. The o'clock the 15 after, the 30 and the 45 positions. Then if this winds up working, then just extend the animation time between keyframes on the first model to 15 minutes and the second model to 3 hours.Any ideas as to how much if any strain this might put on the engine though?
#6
04/29/2005 (8:45 am)
I would guess next to none. I've had much more complex animation setups. And limiting your time checking to a best guestimate would alleviate any network traffic hiccups. 
#7
04/29/2005 (9:04 am)
Wow I thought you were talking about Ben Garney and was like, "aw man wha'd he do now..."
#8
04/29/2005 (10:10 am)
LOL, sorry didn't realize he was called Big Ben :)
#9
04/29/2005 (10:13 am)
"That's just pillowtalk, baby." - Ash, Army of Darkness
#10
04/29/2005 (10:39 am)
Well, he's like 6'6" or something. If you go to IGC they'll be two people that are (probably) taller than everyone else. One is Mark F, the other is Ben G. Crazy tall people >:| 
#11
Sorry :(
04/29/2005 (2:46 pm)
Can I be a smart arse and just say... BigBen is just the "bell" in the clock tower, which is part of the Houses of Parliament.Sorry :(
#12
04/29/2005 (2:57 pm)
Yeah but us Americans all know better than those Brits do, and if we call the whole thing Big Ben, then that MUST be what it's rightful name is.
#13
-Joseph
04/29/2005 (3:04 pm)
Dreamer, Okay... As you are so wise, I will talk the rest of the UK in to calling the whole tower Big Ben!. :p-Joseph
#14
04/29/2005 (3:14 pm)
Sounds great, lemme know how it goes, hey while you're at it could you PLEASE talk the UK into calling French Fries by their rightful name? There is nothing worse than going to a gas station in a forgien country, that SUPPOSEDLY speaks english, and asking for a bag of chips, only to have them look at you strangely and point you to the nearest Burger Joint. All the while you're talking about the bag of Doritos over his shoulder. :)
#15
Also... over here, French Fries (thin chips) are called French Fries... but you mainly get them in fast food places.
PS.. sorry for taking over the topic :(
04/29/2005 (3:34 pm)
Erm, well... If I have to talk the UK in to calling the whole tower "Big Ben" (instead of being the "bell" which has been there since like 1858) then I think it's only fair you talk the US in the calling Chips, "Crisps".. And large fried potato pieces "Chips" Also... over here, French Fries (thin chips) are called French Fries... but you mainly get them in fast food places.
PS.. sorry for taking over the topic :(
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