Camera look at particle

[chrisperry05]

Hi i've only just started looking into Houdini so sorry if this is a very stupid question.

I want to make the camera follow and look at a specific particle, how would i go about doing this? I can't seem to find anything to bring in the particle data to the main obj network?

Thanks for any help.

[old school]

This falls under the category of point constraint in Houdini.

Two ways off the top of my head and both create a second object to follow the point along and then use the look-at object parameter in the camera:

1. Rivet Object

2. point() expression

2a. Add vtorigin() + point() to account for any transforms on the target object with the particles.

With the Rivet Object, you can use the viewport/shelf tool to interactively select the point you wish to "rivet" to.

See the attached example file.

I assume you know that if the particle dies, you loose your center of interest. Yes there are ways to provide fall-back logic to handle this but just so you know.

[old school]

Here's the file.

cam_lookat_particle.hip

[hopbin9]

Have a look at the Particle CHOP Node. It will do what you want and more. I haven't used it before so I can't explain how to set it up.

[chrisperry05]

That's great, thanks for your help.

[hopbin9]

Here's the file.

That's a better solution . Haven't seen the Rivet used before.

Thanks,