HS-219: Problem-Space

Please note: This class is currently being edited into small clips and will replace the raw footage that is currently available for viewing.

Class Description:

Learning about working in problem-space and posing otherwise difficult or complex problems into a more intuitive geometric space, making it easier to visualize, solve, and control.

Learning Outcomes:

Being able to approach both common and uncommon problems with a more solid foundation of where to begin and experiment. How to transform problems into a spatial dimension, and manipulate them once they’re using basic 3D skills. Unlike some of the other Houdini.School classes, there is no final project that is worked towards; instead, each session will focus on different examples of the larger topic.

Topics Covered:

Session 1 

Intro + Attribute Clipping

An introduction to the course using a simple and grounded example of using the Clip SOP to clip an arbitrary attribute, which by default only lets you clip via a plane in world-space.

• Introduction to course
• Viewing Attributes in Worldspace
• Attribute Clipping using Noise
• Attribute Clipping using Normals
• Attribute Clipping using Surface Distance

Session 2 

Vector Manipulation and Creation

Using geometric transforms and deformations to direct vectors and forces.

• Brief re-introduction
• Example A: Particle Forces
• Example B: Instance Directions

Session 3

Distorted Worldspace

Some operations use a uniform radius, only work in worldspace, or don’t support class-based customization. We’ll explore how to work around these things to bring a new level of control to some of our favorite tools.

• Non-uniform Polywire
• Non-uniform near-point operations
• Non-uniform surface distance
• Noise Position