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Scanner

The Scanner object allows you to scan a series of RigidBody objects linked to it, by using a beam of definable length and size.

If the scan intersects one of the target objects, the identifier of the object is exposed as an internal parameter of the Scanner object (see below). Contact point distance, absolute 3d location and surface normal are also returned.

The returned values can be polled run-time by a Script and actions performed based on them.

The scan is performed once, whenever the Scanner object is started by another object (like EventOnInput) or by a Script.

In the Virtual Editor, the Scanner object is displayed as a 3d beam you can orient or attach to any moving object, like a Car object (see ScannerDemo sample project).

The scanner can also be attached to animated character bones, for example a soldier's hand.



Scan length
The scanner will only detect objects that are within the specified length (distance from scanner origin, in meters).

Important! Because a certain amount of computation is required for each surface traversed by the scan beam, the longer the scan, the greater the chances of crossing a very high number of surfaces, thus causing frame-rate loss. Scan length should always be the shortest allowed by your project design.

Scan beam size
The ability to specify any size for the scan beam section is what makes this object so powerful. Unlike classic single ray scanners, a beam-based scanner allows you, for example, to detect very small objects by using just a few or even one single scan. This is important when you use this object, as basis for an AI system, where, for example, a character needs to scan the surroundings, looking for obstacles and/or targets.

Display scan beam
Check this option to visualize the Scanner object geometry run-time. The geometry is automatically stretched to show the actual beam size and length.

Relationships
This list defines how the Scanner object relates to the objects linked to it. The following relationship types are supported:

IGNORE. Do nothing.

TARGET. Include this item among the objects to scan. The object is usually a RigidBody object.

PARENT. If the Scanner object is linked to another object AND the other object is set as PARENT, then it becomes the Scanner object parent. Run-time, when the parent moves and rotates, the scanner will follow it, keeping it's relative position as you set it in the Virtual Editor.

For information about the remaining controls, please click here.


INTERNAL PARAMETERS

The following internal parameters can be accessed by using event objects like EventOnValue or Script:

Scanned object. This is the OBJ_ handle of the RigidBody object that has just been detected by the scan. Please see Script object's help file for details on OBJ_ parameters.

Scan distance. The distance of the contact point, from the scanner origin, in meters.

Scan location X/Y/Z. Coordinates of the contact point.

Scan normal X/Y/Z. Components of the surface normal vector, at contact point. The surface is the target object surface.