Add GUI capability to follow objects through the 3D model

[jon_abbott]

It would be helpful if the 3D model view could be set to follow an object as it moves around the model. The idea would be to right-click on an operator for example, select "Follow this object", and then whenever the operator moves to various processors, the camera view pans to follow them. Here are some implementation details:

• For simplicity, only one object should be followed at a time.
• Some kind of position averaging or adjustable panning speed limit would be useful in case the model speed is set very high, otherwise it might be too chaotic to follow, and might cause motion sickness in the end user.
• There should be a way to set the follow distance and camera orientation (r and theta).
• It should be possible to have this capability with an operator, tote, box or any other moving object so that goods or operators can be visually traced through the model during simulation runs.
• Objects should also be capable of being followed as they exit resources such as processors. An example would be to right-click on a processor and select "Follow exiting items", so that each time an item leaves the object, the camera follows it until another object requests the camera view.
• If an object is destroyed while being followed, the camera view should be left where the object was destroyed.

Thanks for considering this idea.

[philboboADSK]

Marco Baccalaro posted a module that adds GUI elements for adding cameras to the model that follow objects:

Cams Module

[jon_abbott]

Excellent. I will give it a spin. Thanks!

[jon_abbott]

Thanks, Phil. This is close to what I am envisioning. Here is my feedback after using it:

• There doesn't appear to be a readme with instructions (except in the original forum post).
• It would also be useful to have a floating camera that follows the object around, so that you don't have to set up many fixed cameras in larger models.
• The "Set Focus to Highlighted" option has the word highlighted misspelled.
• It would be useful to have this functionality officially incorporated into FlexSim so that it doesn't need to be re-installed with each version.

[Ben_WilsonADSK]

Here is a link to the latest version of the Cams Module. Also updated link in Phil's main answer above.

[cody_barniak]

Hi @Ben Wilson, I would like to know if there is a camera module for version 7.7.4, that is currently the version my school has user licence for. I have tried installing the Cams Module according to the step by step posted above but when I start the program an error is featured that says Cams Module works for a different version. Thanks for any advice on how to get the camera to follow an object. Saludos Cody.

[Ben_WilsonADSK]

Hi @Cody Barniak, looks like there are some older versions of the Cams module on the old community forum.

[amerloQ2XZU]

I cite my colleague @Marco Baccalaro for any futher details on the module.

[marco_baccalaro]

Hello,

I developed that module for an internal use so it isn't complete and I update it just when I have time to do it.

I've also developed another module that follows any object (most of all Task Executers and Flowitems) where I can choose if to lock the visual on the operator's head, behind his shoulders or free to move but always looking at the object.

I use these modules mainly to make simulation videos and with the VR.

Now I am full of work so I can't find any time to update those modules.

I also think that could be useful to have these functionalities on the standard FlexSim.

FlexSim developers can do these functionalities for sure better than how I've done and always updated to the latest version.

[Jacob_Gillespie]

This feature will be available in the upcoming FlexSim 17.2. Right now we haven't implemented the cams module capabilities but are planning on doing that as well sometime.