UNITY: Logitech F310 Game Controller Fix

The Logitech F310 is a good quality basic game controller out in the market for about $16, so naturally it'd be the go-to controller for game testing.

After reading many (many) articles about using it for OSX game development, it seems like the consensus was that it's a plug and play controller and no drivers are needed for it to run as long as you're in Direct Input mode ("D" on the switch).  The device shows up as "Logitech Dual Action" in the system profiler, so should work right?

 It did not.

After a few nights of trying different forum tips, switching over to PC (which worked without a hitch), and even installing 3rd party utilities, it just didn't work.

I finally gave up and posted the question on the forum.  A nice gentleman from Unity by the name of Jordi Bonastre gave me a simple suggestion for my dilemma:  INSTALL THE LOGITECH DRIVERS.

After installing the Logitech Control Center, the F310 controller worked wonderfully.

I'm guessing the reason why it worked for some of the box, is because most people probably have Logitech Control Center installed for their keyboard or mouse already.

MAYA: UV Mapping Workflow with Transfer Maps

Part of the ongoing Maya-to-Unity studies, today's exercise was to transfer UV maps to and from objects with identical vertices, that were offset to facilitate faster UV mapping.  Use:

Polygon > Mesh > Transfer Attributes (option)

Select the SOURCE first, then TARGET second.  Usually Maya tools are "Target first".
Make sure "UV Sets" are toggled on, and to use sample space: "Topology".  Transfers UV's like a charm.

UNITY: Digital Tutors: Introduction to Unity 4

CH11: Working with Physics

Mesh Collider:

• Mass: no more than 100x other 
• Is Kinematic: Not affected by forces or gravity, until acted upon by another rigidbody (best for doors, etc).
• Interpolate: (change if there's glitches and twitches)
• > None
• > Interpolate
• > Extrapolate 
• Collision Detection:
•  collision checks are done on certain frames, if object moves so fast that it misses collision check, it could pass through objects.
• > Discreet (sparse checking)
• > Continuous (medium checking)
• > Continuous Dynamics (most/fast checking)
• Constraints: Can be used to restrict rigidbody movement in specific axis
• Freeze Position XYZ
• Freeze Rotation XYZ

• Rigidbodies should not intersect

CH 12: Getting Started with Scripting

A game is essentially a set of rules and systems set in place for the player to follow, which creates gameplay.

• Before scripting, create SCRIPTS folder.
• Three different available scripting languages:
• JavaScript
• C#
• Boo
• Use whichever language you're most comfortable with (this tutorial series uses C#)
• Name the file using some kind of naming convention for your own sanity.
• Unity uses MonoDevelop, but you can use Visual Studio etc. as well.

C#:

• "using" statements allow for use of pre-made code already present in the UNITY game engine.
• CLASS is a script in C#
• public class HelloWorld : MonoBehavior
• in this instance, HelloWorld is the class name
• in this instance, MonoBehavior is the type
• MonoBehavior inside of UNITY is a script object
• two default functions:
• void Start()
• runs once for initialization
• void Update()
• runs once per frame
• Debug.Log(); // basically a 'print to console' command
• every "statement" should end with semi-colons.

• Create a GameObject called "MessageMachine" and drop message related scripts onto this object. (or drop on to MainCamera)
• All scripts need to be attached to an object in the hierarchy.
• Once attached, it becomes a "component" of the GameObject
• void Start();
• good for initialization
• void Update();
• good for updating stats
• game state win/lose conditions
• player health, ammo, etc
• boss health

CH 13: Creating the Player Spawn Controller

Goal: to have the player randomly spawn at one of the many designated spawn points.

Steps:

• Create new Empty GameObject
• Name it "PlayerSpawn_01"
• Position "PlayerSpawn_01" into the scene
• Duplicate and rename to "PlayerSpawn_02"
• Position "PlayerSpawn_02" to your liking
• Duplicate and rename to "PlayerSpawn_03" and position
• Duplicate and rename to "PlayerSpawn_04" and position

• Group all objects into a "TAG"
• add TAG
• name it "PlayerSpawn"
• this allows us access to these objects via code
• Make sure "First Person Controller" object is tagged as "Player"

• Create C# Script "PlayerSpawnController"
• Talk out what you want do first, which will give you a hint as to what you're going to need to script.
• Will be needing arrays (lists)
• Align the curly brackets first { }
• Use void Awake()
• gather all of player spawn objects:

Example:

void Awake()

{
    playerSpawnArray = GameObject.FindGameObjectsWithTag("PlayerSpawn");

}

Must declare a public variable before it can be used.

EX:

public GameObject[] playerSpawnArray;

CH14: Finishing the Player Spawn Controller

An array is basically a list to hold multiple pieces of data for a single variable.  What the above script is doing is looking for any GameObject in the scene with the tag "PlayerSpawn" until there are no more.

To get random player spawn, we need to create a new function to handle that.  We only want it to run whenever it's called, which is also another reason to embed into a function.

EX:
public GameObject GetRandomPlayerSpawn(int randNum)
{
    randNum = Random.Range( 0 ,  (playerSpawnArray.Length) );    
// set range to max playerSpawns found.

    if (playerSpawnArray.Length > 0 )
    {
        return playerSpawnArray[randNum];
    }
    // need to put something as a failsafe, in case the IF statement isn't met.
    else
    {
        return null;
    }
}

Need to initialize the "randNum" variable at the beginning, so under the main class, declare a private variable:

EX:
private int randNum;


Create an empty game object and call it "Controllers", then create another empty game object and call it "PlayerSpawnController".  Freeze both transforms, then parent "PlayerSpawnController" to "Controllers".

Add appropriate script to "PlayerSpawnController" object.

Exposing variables in Unity editor is crucial for gameplay creation.  Once you hit play, this script will populate the exposed variable with items that it has found.

CH15: Creating the GameState Script

In this tutorial, we're going to create the GameState script.  This script handles the core rules of the game.  All other scripts connect to this script, and communicates through.  Handles Player spawn, enemy spawn, placing objects, etc.

Create another C# script, and name it "GameState".  What do we want the GameState script to do?

• find the player
• find the playerSpawnController script
• take the player and move the player object to one of the random spawn points

Note: Scripting is an iterative process.  Don't expect everything to work the first try.  It's a process of bug hunting + refinement.  

First step: create variables that we'll need.

Example script:

public class GameState : MonoBehavior

{

private GameObject player;

private PlayerSpawnController playerSpawnCTRL;  

// creates an object of this script class so we can access it through this script.

private GameObject randPlayerSpawn;

// create a variable to hold data created by the random player spawn script.

void Awake ()

{

     player = GameObject.FindWithTag ("Player");

     playerSpawnCTRL = GameObject.FindGameObjectWithTag("PlayerSpawnControl").GetComponent ();

     // make sure PlayerSpawnController is properly tagged

}

void Start ()

{  // we need to initialize our randNum value in this script

     int randNum = 0;

     randPlayerSpawn = playerSpawnCTRL.GetRandomPlayerSpawn(randNum);

    // actually spawn the player

     SpawnPlayer();

}

void SpawnPlayer()

{

     // take player object and move to random player spawn transform.position.

     player.transform.position = randPlayerSpawn.transform.position;

     Debug.Log("You have spawned at " + randPlayerSpawn.name );

}

}

Variable declaration tip:  " scope type name = initialValue "

Add another empty game object into the scene and rename it "GameState", then drop this script into it.

CH 16: Scripting the HUD

This chapter teaches you how to create a HUD to display feedback to the player.  I'll be doing this script in Unity, so only important notes will be put here.  Refer to project script ( available at request ) for details.

- you have to let Unity know what type of textures these are, so under "Texture Type" in the inspector, switch them over to "GUI".

- add "GUITexture" component to "HUD" object.

- you can manipulate the position of the "lantern" texture by changing the transform of the HUD object.

- Set SCALE to 0,0 and use PIXEL INSET (in pixels)

- Set Width and Height to half of what the icon size should be.

Creating a feedback C# script: " Inventory ", but it could be named anything (weapons, ammo, lantern fuel, etc)

- STATIC what is it?  Simply means "global"
- create "Texture2D" array variable to hold the textures to be used by lantern.
- Declaring Arrays requires the "[ ]" after the type of variable to indicate that it's that type, but an array.  Example:

public Texture2D[] hudFuelAmount;

- we only need updates when items are picked up, so don't use "Update()".
- create a "FuelPickup" function instead.

- Apply script to PlayerObject
- assign texture2D array elements in Unity UI (can probably use this technique for texture swapping too, for different zombie skins)

- clicking on the GEAR icon will bring up available options, rather than dragging and dropping

CH17: Creating Items in Unity

Create an item pickup that'll update our HUD.  Again, like the last chapter, this will only be notes and not a summary.  Refer to the scripts and the training videos for the actual lesson.

- import LanternFuel object
- create LanternFuel prefab
- create C# script "LanternFuel"

- use "OnTriggerEnter" event

"player.gameObject.SendMessage("FuelPickUp"); " is a form of running the function "FuelPickup". Great way of communication between scripts.  NAME HAS TO MATCH.

- " Destroy(this.gameObject); " refers to the object the script is currently on, and destroys the gameObject.

 - make sure to add a BoxCollider to your prefab, and select "Is Trigger".

Adding sound to Inventory.cs:
Add a public AudioClip variable "fuelCollectedSound"

then in your function add:
AudioSource.PlayClipAtPoint(fuelCollectedSound, transform.position);

CH18: Creating Lantern Functionality

CH19: Loading Levels

Application.LoadLevel("MainMenu"); //use this to go back to main menu
http://docs.unity3d.com/Documentation/ScriptReference/Application.LoadLevel.html

CH20: Publishing Our Game

MAYA | UNITY: Character Joint Hierarchy

Hierarchy based off of the Official Unity Mecanim Tutorial Robot:

ROBOT (model):

• Robot2 (geometry)
• Root (joints)
• Neck
• Head
• Ribs
• Left_Shoulder_Joint_01
• Left_Arm_Joint_01
• Left_Wrist_Joint_01
• Left_Thumb_Joint_01
• Left_Thumb_Joint_01b
• Left_Index_Finger_Joint_01a
• Left_Index_Finger_Joint_01b
• Left_Index_Finger_Joint_01c
• Left_Middle_Finger_Joint_01a
• Left_Middle_Finger_Joint_01b
• Left_Middle_Finger_Joint_01c
• Left_Ring_Finger_Joint_01a
• Left_Ring_Finger_Joint_01b
• Left_Ring_Finger_Joint_01c
• Left_Pinky_Finger_Joint_01a
• Left_Pinky_Finger_Joint_01b
• Left_Pinky_Finger_Joint_01c
• Right_Shoulder_Joint_01
• Right_Arm_Joint_01
• Right_Wrist_Joint_01
• Right_Thumb_Joint_01
• Right_Thumb_Joint_01b
• Right_Index_Finger_Joint_01a
• Right_Index_Finger_Joint_01b
• Right_Index_Finger_Joint_01c
• Right_Middle_Finger_Joint_01a
• Right_Middle_Finger_Joint_01b
• Right_Middle_Finger_Joint_01c
• Right_Ring_Finger_Joint_01a
• Right_Ring_Finger_Joint_01b
• Right_Ring_Finger_Joint_01c
• Right_Pinky_Finger_Joint_01a
• Right_Pinky_Finger_Joint_01b
• Right_Pinky_Finger_Joint_01c
• Hip 
• Left_Thigh_Joint_01
• Left_Knee_Joint_01
• Left_Ankle_Joint_01
• Left_Toe_Joint_01
• Right_Thigh_Joint_01
• Right_Knee_Joint_01
• Right_Ankle_Joint_01
• Right_Toe_Joint_01

UNITY: DAN Cannon Prototype

Personal Game Dev Note:

I wasn't allowed to drag my instance of the "_GameScoreKeeper" that was in the Hierarchy into the public "Game_Commander" type object slot on the "Target", but once I turned it into a prefab I was able to drop it in no problem.

Also, didn't declare it as a "GameObject", but as a "Game_Commander" after giving the object a Game_Commander Class script.

Also(2), don't forget to declare the method as "public", otherwise it's inaccessible to other scripts.


UPDATE (2013.SEP.18):

STATIC:
Use "Static" variables, methods, classes, etc. to declare something to be part of the CLASS itself, and not the INSTANCE of the class.

Statics

You can just use the dot operator "." to access the method, and don't need to instantiate an object of that class to use it's members.

Entire classes can be static.  However, STATIC classes can not be instantiated.

NON-STATIC:
Non static variables and methods belong to the instance of the class.


ENABLE / DISABLE USING IF-STATEMENTS
Use this technique to disable GUI Buttons, etc.

PROPERTIES:

UNITY: Adding Vector Data

Figured out Vector data can be added together as variables.  Example:

"      private Vector2 offset = new Vector2(200, 200);
private Vector2 screenDim = new Vector2( Screen.width, Screen.height );
private Vector2 textLocation = new Vector2( (Screen.width / -2), (Screen.height / -2));

         void WriteCountText()
{
countText.pixelOffset = textLocation + offset;
countText.text = "Count: " + count2.ToString();
}
"

UNITY: Roll-A-Ball Tutorial

Official Roll-A-Ball Tutorial by Unity3D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lv0SqtSzBxc

Tutorial 01: Setting Up the Game

• Unity primitives are all either 1x1x1 or 1x2x1 in size when created
• Empty Game Objects are used as directories in the Hierarchy

Tutorial 02: Moving the Player

• Rigidbody
• required for physics interaction
• can be created and added directly via "Add Component" in the inspector.
• void Update();
• used for controller inputs, etc.
• void FixedUpdate();
• used for anything physics related
• CTRL + ' when highlighting an object in MonoDevelop will bring up the reference page
• Store "Input.GetAxis" calls in a float variable
• use "rigidbody.Addforce" for physics based movement
• create new Vector3 type variable to store movement
• " Vector3 movement = new Vector3(x, y, z); "
• " rigidbody.AddForce (movement); "
• use " Time.DeltaTime " as frames per second

Tutorial 03: Moving the Camera

• Tying the camera to the Player game object
• not as simple as parenting the camera to the Player object
• add a new script to the Camera object via Add Component
• scripts always get added to the root assets directory, so move it to " scripts "
• create a " GameObject " type public variable called "player" so a field will open up for drag and drop inside of Unity.
• create a Vector3 type private variable called "offset" that the script can alter under the Start() function.
• void LateUpdate();
• follow cameras, procedural animations, gathering last known states
• create reference to player GameObject by dragging in to previously created "player" slot

Tutorial 04: Play Area and Pickup Objects

• Creating environment
• create empty game object as a holder / folder
• reset position back to origin
• create geometry and put it under empty game object for organization
• Creating Pickup items
• create new cube
• lift it, shrink it, and rotate 45 degrees on all axis
• add component: script (for rotating animation)
• not using forces, so we can use " void Update() "
• use lower case "t", " transform.Rotate(new Vector3(15, 30, 45) * Time.DeltaTime); "
• make into Prefab:
• Create "Prefab" Folder
• Drag "Pickup" item from Hierarchy into Prefab folder
• When this is done, a Prefab Item is created
• Item in Hierarchy now shows BLUE
• Create empty GameObject named "Pickups" to hold our pickups in the Hierarchy view
• Reset position to 0,0,0
• Spread Pickup items around
• make sure the blue prefab item itself is selected for duplication, not the group node
• change move to "Global" instead of "Local" 

Tutorial 05: Collecting and Counting

• In order to count items, we have to create collision detections
• collisions have to be detected to trigger new behaviors
• collisions have to be "tested" to see which object has been pinged

• edit "PlayerController" script
• but before that, let's inspect the player object
• We're interested in the "Sphere Collider"
• In object header:
• turn down arrow (reveals more info)
• icon
• enable/disable checkbox
• types of component
• object sensitive gear gizmo
• icon of little book with question mark (help)
• Use book icon to go to offline Reference
• Offline Reference (PC)
• Component Help
• Switch to Scripting Help
• we want to use "OnTriggerEnter" function
• can be used for detecting object collision, without actual physical collision occuring
• "void OnTriggerEnter(Collider other)"
• references the "other" item we collide with
• "Destroy(other.gameObject);" 
• destroys referenced game object that we collided with
• destroyed game objects and all their children are removed from the scene
• In this tutorial, we'll deactivate gameObject instead of destroying it
• Remove the "Destroy" code
• look up "Tag" under "GameObject"
• Tags can be assigned to objects for identification
• Tags must be declared in the "Tag Manager" before using
• look up "SetActive"
• method used to activate or disable objects
• example code:
• if(other.gameObject.tag == "Pickup")
• {
• other.gameObject.SetActive(false);
• }
• Basically checks if other object collided with has a Tag called "Pickup, and if it does, executes the code. In this instance, it tells the other game object to execute "SetActive" method to false.
• In UNITY, select Pickup object and under the inspector, check the TAG list
• add TAG
• under the first element (0), add "Pickup"
• name has to match exactly to the script
• apply tag to prefab
• Turn colliders into "Triggers"
• static objects don't get recalculated
• dynamic objects get recalculated
• must add RigidBody objects
• turn off Use Gravity
• activate "Is Kinematic"
• performane Tidbit:
• UNITY calculates all Static items and holds it in memory cache
• if we rotate a static collider, the cache gets rebuilt globally
• adding RigidBody and turning on "Is Kinematic" excludes items from Static collider cache
• "Is Kinematic" allows for animation through transforms (IE: elevators and moving platforms)

Tutorial 06: Displaying Text

• We need a tool to store collection count, and tool to add on top
• Add these tools to "PlayerController" script
• add private variable "count"
• initialize to zero under Start();
• count = 0;
• under "void OnTriggerEnter(Collider other)"
• add: " count = count + 1 "
• Displaying Info via GUI Text:
• Add new empty GameObject: " Display_Text", transform 0,0,0
• Create "GUI Text" gameObject
• Parent to "Display_Text" game object
• Move to " Upper Left "
• 0,0 = lower left
• 1,1 = upper right\
• Set Transform to 0,1,0
• Then use "Pixel Offset" setting in the GUIText
• X = 10, Y = -10
• Under "PlayerController" script:
• add new public "GUIText" variable called "countText"
• this opens up another slot in Unity that allows for drag and drop
• initialize "countText" to: 
• "Count: " + count.ToString(); 
• count.ToString(); must be after "count" has an initialized value
• update "countText" everytime an object is picked up
• under "void OnTriggerEnter(Collider other)"
• add "countText.text = "Count: " + count.ToString();
• create new function instead of typing "countText.text = ....." repeatedly
• void SetCountText()
• {
• countText.text = "Count: " + count.ToString();
• }
• add function call to respective locations of the script
• drag GuiText object into new "PlayerController" script slot
• VOILA!
• Displaying WIN condition:
• create new GUIText object "WinText"
• parent to DisplayText game object
• add reference to PlayerController script:
• create new public GUIText variable: " winText "
• initialize winText.text = ""; // empty text
• under " SetCountText()" function:
• add:
• if (count >= 12)
• {
• winText.text = "YOU WIN!";
• }
• save and return to unity
• drag-associate WinText object to the PlayerSphere reference call (drop it into the field)

Tutorial 07: Publishing the Game

• Unity can build to all to all target platforms
• Open Build Settings
• Current build settings are denoted by the UNITY icon
• Switch build platform by highlighting target platform, and hitting "Switch Platform"
• Add current scene to build by clicking "Add Current", or drag and drop any scenes from Project folder to the "Scenes to Build" field
• include only the scenes needed
• Hit "Build" button
• Create new folder under main project root folder called "Builds"
• Name the build, and Save

UNITY: General Unity Notes

This will be an on-going post with all the little small tidbits I've found while working with Unity.

UPDATE: Each section of the manual will now be broken into sub-categories, starting with " Creating Gameplay "

2013.SEP.11:

Namespaces:

Robust C# language feature to prevent clashes between scripts. " Enemy.Controller1 "

Special Folders and Script Compilation Order:

Scripts in a later phase can utilize variables and functions in an earlier phase, but not vice versa.  Compile order:

• Phase 1: Standard Assets, Pro Standard Assets, Plugins
• Phase 2: Standard Assets/Editor, Pro Standard Assets/Editor, Plugins/Editor
• Phase 3: All other scripts not inside a folder called Editor
• Phase 4: All remaining scripts (example: ones inside the Editor folder)

Anything inside a folder called WebPlayerTemplates will not be compiled.

Event Functions:
Update events, Initialization events, GUI events, Physics events:

Awake(), Start(), Update(), FixedUpdate(), LateUpdate(), OnGUI(), etc.

"Transform.Find" Function:

This can be useful when an object has a child that can be added or removed during gameplay. A weapon that can be picked up and put down is one example.

Direct Component Access:

If a public variable of a "Component Type" is declared, you can drag any GameObject that has the component attached to it. This will access the component directly, rather than the GameObject itself.

Procedural Shaders:

Unity uses industry standard "Substance" shaders.  Procedural shaders take a much smaller storage footprint than a bitmap image.

Unity Built-In Shaders Guide
Extensive guide regarding Unity's built-in shader models.

Alpha Maps Guide
Guide to creating Alpha maps in photoshop.

Detail Meshes:
Use for any static terrain decorations that are not Trees or Grass.

Grass:
Same as Trees, but doesn't require a mesh.  Just need a texture.

Wind Zones:

Create:

• Create > GameObject > Create Other > Wind Zone 

Trees:

Use Unity's built in TREE BUILDER utility.  

• add Branch Group
• tweak
• add Leaf Group
• tweak
• import "Tree Creator" asset package
• add Materials
• Nature > Tree Creator Bark
• Nature > Tree Creator Leaves
• select Nodes in NodeTree
• apply Bark shader
• apply Trees shader

Textures:

Use the "RGBS" format: Store "Specular" information in the Alpha channel, and save with TIFF.  Doesn't work with PNGs.

Terrain:

In order to paint normal map "Splat maps", you have to make sure the Terrain has a normal-map-capable shader applied to it.

If you have 2 or more Terrain textures applied, you can begin to 'Blend' them together using a method similar to Photoshop layer masks.

Camera Depth:

Using Camera Depth, a variety of effects can be done. One example would be to have Depth 0 render the environment, then Depth 2 render the player's UI and the FPS weapon. That way the UI and weapon is always drawn on top, regardless of penetration etc between gun object and environment.

Prefabs:
Prefabs and Assets are different.  Assets have certain limitations that Prefabs do not when working in the project.

Icons:

You can assign an icon to an object by clicking on the icon next to the name in the Inspector, then selecting one of the default icons, or a custom icon of choice.  Name of object will be displayed as well.

Object Labels:

Items in the Project view can be labeled by clicking the little blue "..." in the object's preview.  Custom labels can be created by just typing in a name.

Component View:

There are two main types of Properties: Values and References.

2013.SEP.03:

Unity Effects!

http://docs.unity3d.com/Documentation/Components/comp-Effects.html

Easily put a trail on bullets this way.

2013.SEP.0C.D: Unity Beginner Scripting (Unity Official)

" Classes "
Use classes to to store and organize your information, and how to create constructors to work with your class.

Analogy:

• Classes : Factory
• Functions : Machines
• Variables : Boxes

Example scripts: (basic movement, inventory, and shooting):

http://unity3d.com/learn/tutorials/modules/beginner/scripting/classes 

Name of classes should be the same as the script.  Avoid changing it unless absolutely necessary.  A class is a container for variables and functions, an organizational tool for "object oriented programming".  The idea is to split the script into multiple scripts, each handling one task.

A PlayerControl script that has all "movement", "inventory", and "shooting" all in the same script should be spit into individual scripts.  Each script handling a task makes it easier to read and more efficient to write.

Sub-Classes can be created within the script/class, and can be instantiated within the same script. 

Example:

//declare sub-class

public class Stuff

{

    public int bullets;

    public int grenades;

    public int rockets;

}

//creating an Instance (an object) of the "Stuff" class

public Stuff myStuff = new Stuff();

Data type: name of the class,  Name: "myStuff",  new,  end with name of class again.  Using " () " at the end means that a "constructor" is being used.

A " Constructor " is a function that can give default values to the variables in your class.

Example 01:

// Constructor, this goes inside sub-class

public Stuff ()

{

    bullets = 1;

    grenades = 1;

    rockets = 1;

}

Example 02:

// Constructor example 2, using parameters

public Stuff (int bul, int gre, int roc)

{

     bullets = bul;

     grenades = gre;

     rockets = roc;

}

Then instantiate using:

" public Stuff myStuff = new Stuff(50,5,5); "

This will instantiate a "new" instance of "Stuff", a "Stuff" type variable, with 50 bullets, 5 grenades, and 5 rockets.

Notes about Constructors:

• name of the Constructor is always the name of the Class
• Constructors never have a return type, not even "void"
• a Class can have multiple different Constructors, but only one is called when an object is initialized
• different instances of the Constructor will be used depending on their parameters

" Instantiate " 

http://unity3d.com/learn/tutorials/modules/beginner/scripting/instantiate

Create clones of Prefabs during run time.

One example is firing a Rocket from a bazooka.  Each Rocket would have to be instantiated into the game world so that it could be fired.

Example:

(inside instantiate script class)

public Rigidbody rocketPrefab;

public Transform barrelEnd;

void Update()

{

   if(Input.GetButtonDown ("Fire1"))

   {

      Instantiate(rocketPrefab);

   }

}

Drag and drop Prefab item into the public field.  Unfortunately, this setup will only instantiate the object at origin (0,0,0).  Instead, create an empty GameObject and position it at the barrel.  Drag this object into the Transform variable field "barrelEnd".  Then use:

" Instantiate (Prefab to clone, Position, Rotation to use); ", which would be:

" Instantiate ( rocketPrefab, barrelEnd.position, barrelEnd.rotation ); "

Rocket should be created at barrel tip, but falls down. To remedy this, define a new "Rigidbody" types variable called "rocketInstance", then define rocket instance:

Rigidbody rocketInstance;

rocketInstance = Instantiate(rocketPrefab, barrleEnd.position, barrelEnd.rotation) as Rigidbody;

At this point, you can use anything in the Rigidbody class, such as:

Rigidbody.AddForce (Transform.forward * amount);

or

" rocketInstance.Addforce (barrelEnd.forward * 5000); "

All is well, except that these objects need to be destroyed or else they'll eat up memory.  Create a new script that destroys the object over time.

script:

public class RocketDestruction : MonoBehavior

{

   void Start ()

   {

      Destroy (gameObject, 1.5f);

   }

}

2013.SEP.02.C: Unity Beginner Scripting (Unity Official)

" Delta Time "
Can be used in games to smooth and interpret values.  "Delta" means difference, and Time.DeltaTime is the time between each Update() or FixedUpdate().  Can be used to smooth out movement inputs, or other values.  It changes movement values to "per second" rather than "per frame".

Use: Multiply variable by " Time.DeltaTime "

" GetComponent "

Use this function to address properties of other scripts or components.

A script in Unity is considered a custom component.  "GetComponent" is used to modify other scripts on the same GameObject, or even other objects.  The function is very expensive, and should only be called on the "Awake()" function or "Start()" function.

Use:
" GetComponent(); "
" otherGameObject.GetComponent(); " (after declaring a proper variable)

" OnMouseDown "
Can detect clicks on Colliders or GUI Text elements.

Use:
void OnMouseDown()
{
    (Do something) ;
}

example things that can go between the curlies:

• rigidbody.AddForce( transform.forward * 500 );
• rigidbody.useGravity = true; 

2013.SEP.02.B: Unity Beginner Scripting (Unity Official)

" Destroy "

• Use:
• " Destroy(GameObject/Component, optional delay); "
• by default, this destroys the current game object, along with its attached script, but a public GameObject variable "other" can be created, so another object can be referenced within Unity.
• "GetComponent" function
• Use: " Destroy (GetComponent(); "
• a timed delay can be employed as the optional 2nd argument
• Use: " Destroy(gameObject, 3f); " (floats only)

" GetButton and GetKey "

Part of Unity's "Input" Class.  Buttons return a Boolean.

• when nothing is pressed:
• GetButtonDown: FALSE
• GetButton: FALSE
• GetButtonUp: FALSE
• when button is pressed:
• GetButtonDown: TRUE
• GetButton: TRUE
• GetButtonUp: FALSE
• when button is released:
• GetButtonDown: FALSE
• GetButton: FALSE
• GetButtonUp: TRUE

It's recommended to use "GetButton" over "GetKey" because players can configure them before game launches.  You can configure buttons via "Input Manager" under the Edit menu.

Examples:

• GetButton Syntax: " bool var = Input.GetButton("string"); "
• GetKey Syntax: " bool var = Input.GetKey(Keycode.key); "

" GetAxis "

Unlike GetButton and GetKey, "GetAxis" returns a float value between -1 and 1.  Axis are setup in the Input Manager under the Edit menu.  Also unlike a button which only is a positive button value, GetAxis also needs a negative button value.  Other settings required for setting up an Axis:

• Gravity:
• speed of return to zero. Higher values snap, lower values float.
• Sensitivity:
• opposite of Gravity, speed of getting to 1 or -1. Higher value the more responsive, lower the value the more smooth.
• Dead:
• if using a joystick, controls the deadzone.
• Snap:
• returns to zero if both positive and negative buttons are held (for buttons)

To use: 

• " float h = Input.GetAxis("Horizontal"); "
• " float v = Input.GetAxis("Vertical"); "

" Input.GetAxisRaw "

Only returns whole values, useful for 2D that requires precise controls rather than smooth values (JWX NOTE: For menu navigations, etc).

2013.SEP.02:

" Translate and Rotate "

• transform.Translate(new Vector3(0,0,1));
• takes new vector3
• inside the Update();, it'll be updated by every frame
• multiplying by "Time.DeltaTime" will convert this from a frame by frame operation to a X-per-frame operation.
• can use shortcuts, Vector3.forward, Vector3.up, etc.
• multiply "moveSpeed" variable 
• only use when RigidBody "Is Kinematic"

" Look At "

• can be used to point and object's FORWARD vector to another object's transform location
• " transform.LookAt(target); "
• add public Transform type variable called "target"
• drag gameObject from Hierarchy into the "target" field in Unity UI

" Lerping "

Vector3.Lerp:

• used to smooth a transition between two Vector3 values
• short for "Linear Interpolate"
• use: " Vector3.Lerp(from Vector3. to Vector3. time float) "
• Lerp(from, to, time);
• Lerp(transform.position, newPosition, Time.DeltaTime);
• can multiply Time.DeltaTime with a float

Mathf.Lerp:

• used to smooth out two float values
• use " Mathf.Lerp(from float, to float, time float) "
• encapsulate in function that runs every frame (Update(), etc)

Color.Lerp:

• used for Lerping color values
• use " Color.Lerp(from Color, to Color, time float) "
• encapsulate in function that runs every frame (Update(), etc)

Use "void Awake () " function for defining new Lerp Variables.

2013.AUG.30:

• "object.enabled = true" to enable objects
• "object.enabled = false" to disable objects
• "object.enabled = !object.enabled" to toggle
• "!" exclamations are used to denote "not"
• "gameObject.SetActive(true)" 
• " Debug.Log("Active Self: " + myObject.activeSelf); "
• returns a boolean of whether or not the object itself is active
• " Debug.Log("Active Hierarchy: " + myObject.activeHierarchy); "
• returns a boolean of whether or not the object Hierarchy is active

• void Update ();
• frame rate dependent, and frame rate fluctuates depending on load
• for things like controllers
• void FixedUpdate ();
• refresh is fixed, update is consistent
• used for things requiring physics
• void LateUpdate();
• follow cameras, procedural animations, gathering last known states

2013.AUG.29:

• .ToString();
• method used to cast a result to a string.

2013.AUG.20:

• Negative Z-Axis is "Forward"
• Use Mathf.Ceil to set a ceiling and cast to integer displays
• Use Mathf.Lerp and Mathf.LerpAngle for smoothing operations

UNITY: Creating a Driveable Vehicle in Unity 3D (youtube)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21zuMIsy2GM&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Notes:

MAYA:

• make sure units are set to METERS so that units are 1:1 with Unity.
• Length and Width: 5.0 units
• Grid Lines every: 1.0 units
• 
  
• Average car is about 4m long, 1.5m wide.
• label your body and wheels.

• Delete History and Freeze Transformations.
• Move model to properly sit on ground plane in Maya (keep transform)

• export FBX (to Unity folder if you'd like)

• mesh
• units: meters, scale factor of 1.0

UNITY:

• import FBX model into "ASSETS" folder.
• enter scale factor of 1.0 under model's inspector panel.
• turn off keyframe reduction.
• hit APPLY to save information (important!)
• drag icon into Unity scene.

• FBX Export automatically creates group node, but in this case we don't need it so pull the assets out of the group node.
• directly parent wheels under CHASSIS of car
• chassis >
• wheel_frontLeft
• wheel_frontRight
• wheel_rearLeft
• wheel_rearRight
• insert ground plane
• zero out ground plane transforms (0,0,0)
• (optional) add texture to ground plane

• download Car Script
• download Wheel Align Script
• download Camera Switching Script

• create empty GameObject and name it "WheelColliders"
• zero out node to (0,0,0)
• duplicate and name "FL_WheelCollider", which will be a template for the rest of the wheels.
• Add GameObject>WheelCollider to "FL_WheelCollider"
• Duplicate to the following structure:
• WheelColliders>
• FL_WheelCollider
• FR_WheelCollider
• RL_WheelCollider
• RR_WheelCollider
• line up all WheelColliders with actual wheel art assets
• move CENTER xyz via INSPECTOR, not through the Scene View.[ !! ]
• size using RADIUS
• rinse + repeat for other wheels, with given information (size, position)
• Add Rigidbody to CHASSIS of car object (top group)
• change mass to 2000 (Unity units are metric, mass in KG)
• interpolate set to "interpolate" (smooths out collisions)
• Add BoxCollider to CHASSIS
• (from different tutorial)
• rough out the collision shape of your vehicle
• Add CarScript to CHASSIS
• configure front Left and Right wheels for steering (script dependent)
• configure GEARS
• number of gears
• gear ratios
• 4.31, 2.71, 1.80, 1.41, 1.13, 0.93 (basic 6 speed)
• engine torque: 90
• Add WheelAlignment Script to each of the wheel geometry
• input corresponding Wheel Collider per wheel
• Add Audio source (Car script calls for it)

BAM. Car.

UNITY: Unity Strategy Games[2]: Mouse Click Feedback (tutorial)

1. - Raycast information only stores the hit on the first thing it collides with.
2. - can put object in 'ignore raycast layer'
3. - nest animations under hierarchy layer: raycast hit to point item group to ground, then use script to animate item position itself for an animated object indicator.
4. - Input.GetMouseButton(1); // mouse buttons:
1. button 1 = 0 (Left)
2. button 2 = 1 (Right)
3. button 3 = 2 (scrollwheel)
5. use animation panel to create animations within Unity.
6. Animation system: can add keyframes and EVENTS.  Events can call for functions like in actionscripting.
7. Destroy(this.gameObject);
1. Destroys this game object.

//------------ code bit --------------

void DestroyObject()

{

     Destroy(this.gameObject);

}

//------- end code bit --------------

to destroy parent:

//------------ code bit --------------

void DestroyObject()

{

     Destroy(this.gameObject.transform.parent.gameObject);

}

//------- end code bit --------------

UNITY: Unity Strategy Games[1] Core Mouse Control (tutorial)

I've decided that the only way I'll remember any of the tutorials I've watched is to write notes.  Guess what I'll be using this blog for.

Unity: RTS Mouse Control (by Unity Chat):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1P2Q9xKCAs

Notes:
- Camera.ScreenPointToRay: draws a line from where you click on screen, to where it lands in 3D space.

- Debug.DrawRay(ray.origin, ray.direction*rayCastLength, Color.yellow);: Draws a yellow indicator of raycast hit.  Can only be seen in the 'SCENE' view.

- to put an item at the mouse location, tell the GameObject (whatever item you want at your mouse point) to make it's transform the position of the ray hit.