Xpresso : distance traveled

[Pitchi]

Good Thank you for the explanations.

[Dr. Sassi]

You're very welcome, Pitchi.

Cheers

[Pitchi]

I managed to create a fairly simple system where I calculate the distance traveled and then use it for wheels and tracks
track.c4d

[Dr. Sassi]

Thank you very much for the file, Pitchi.

I noticed you feel quite comfortable in XPresso. This is great to see!

If I may:
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In the sidebar or the XPresso editor> XManager> XGroup, I have sorted the items in the way they get processed. (Top to Bottom. Which is rarely a problem, if at all, but just in case. Preventing hierarchy problems).
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I also changed the Previous Position to Global Matrix> Matrix2Vector. I assume you like to have two of these on the tank, which might cause a problem if just moved to the side. With this little extra, it is more stable. (In "track.4d" file: If you move the CTRL in X or move the Track (Null) in X, to set up a pair, you will see the result.)
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The colors from the Random Effector are just used for demo purposes, no extra or needed function otherwise at all.

Your file:
CV4_2026_drs_26_XPtc_01.c4d

I hope you have a lot of fun with your project.

[Pitchi]

Yes, of course, it works better with the previous global matrix. thanks you

[Dr. Sassi]

Thank you very much, Pitchi, for the reply.

You're very welcome.

My best wishes

[Pitchi]

I have another question. I created a tank rig (I've attached the files and a video to explain). I'm using a mesh with Deformer Shrink Wrap on a surface the tank drives on. I'm using a Matrix to retrieve the positions of the mesh points, and the average of these point positions orients the tank on the surface. But the problem is that it doesn't follow the surface very well. Is there a technique to make an object perfectly follow a surface like the red cube? As if it were actually colliding with the surface.
https://we.tl/t-RyuQlPtrag

[Dr. Sassi]

Hi Pitchi,

A new topic.

Thanks for the files.

What forces will be accumulated here??
The tank is heavy, so the first force is based on the weight and speed, resulting in massive inertia.
The motion up will force the wheels more or less up or down, based on the inertia, and that power will soon be released when the situation changes.
The “teeter totter”effect over the edge will change the balance of the tank, while the inertia is mixed into it.

When it is fast, it might “fly” a little bit; if it is slow, it will bounce slowly on the other side.

I also saw the changing direction on top of the little hill, which adds to the summery of forces.

When it bounces off the front of the other side, some energy goes into the ground, and is only partially inverted back based on the suspension system.

There are a few more forces, but you get the idea. With that being said, the engineer in me tells me: I have no idea how to get all these solved with a little setup.
The Artist in me tells me: Let's play.

File
CV4_2026_drs_26_SItd_01.c4d

Here is a small version; you can find the original version here:
https://help.maxon.net/c4d/2026/en-us/Default.htm#Resources/Scenes/2024-4_Connector_02.c4d

I just added one more “wheel” to the Flintstone car. Perhaps add more.

But it allows us to get something that is closer and easier to explore. Is it perfect, nope. Easy to move around, also a clear no. But it provides some direct references.

Perhaps cache it, then use Cappucino to transfer the data into keyframes, and refine those. After all, things in animation are there to express something. It is not a perfect simulation, always just plausible, while typically targeting expression. Or just follow your artistic intention.

I’m sure you can create with some effort a system that measures the ground, levels different “analytic” points, and find a balance, but it might look lifeless, especially when the distance to the ground is the only influence from the scene, hence my long text from above.

Btw, this is a complete new question, and it would be great to have those in a new thread, as it allows them to be found in a better way, or easier to read, if the questions are mixed over time. Thanks for considering.

Cheers

[Pitchi]

Good i understand, thanks you very much !

[Dr. Sassi]

Thank you very much, Pitchi, for your reply.

I hope this little test vehicle will provide enough data to get your project closer to your target.

I'm not clear if there is enough demand for tank (or similar) motion simulation to suggest a "Share Your Idea!" with Maxon.
But I could imagine an analytic tag for all Wheel Suspensions, which could guide this complex motion/Intertia data extraction.
https://www.maxon.net/en/support-center

All the best