world rotation or look at option

[Pierre]

Hi,

I previously made a similar request regarding Forest Pack, and Marcin suggested a more suitable method using RailClone, which I have now set up with a few modifications.
I am working on a RailClone object using a Linear 1S1 Generator applied to a series of concentric, egg-shaped splines (generated via an Array modifier). The distribution follows these concentric shapes correctly.
 I need the scale of the cones to increase from the center outwards. I successfully achieved this by linking the scale to the Material ID of the splines. And  I need the cones to tilt towards a specific target or at least tilt gradually outwards (Vertical at the center, tilting up to 45 degrees max at the outer edges).
Currently, the rotation is applied locally relative to the spline path (tangent). I need the rotation to happen in World Space (or be decoupled from the spline) so that the cones all point in the same direction (towards the target) rather than following the curve of the egg shape.

 Could you help me achieve this orientation override?

Thanks!
Pierre

[Michal Karmazín]

Hi Pierre,

You can use the approach shown in this closely related post, where the corresponding angle is calculated using the XSplineXDirection attribute. Please find attached a modified version of your scene (260108_cone_ITOOSOFT.max), in which you can adjust the ZRotationAngle (to choose the direction) and YRotationAngle (to control the inclination) parameters as needed. I hope this helps.

Best regards,

[Pierre]

Thank you very much Marcin,
is there a way to make this rotation gradual: vertical near the pivot of the spline  and increasingly inclined as you go outwards?

[Michal Karmazín]

You’re welcome. You can get the distance by accessing the XSplineCoords attribute and use it to recalculate the angle so it changes gradually. I’m attaching a revised version of your scene (260108_cone_ITOOSOFT_REV.max) prepared by my colleague, Paul.

Best regards,

[Pierre]

I'll take a look at your solution.
Thank you to you and Paul for your help, it's always a great help.
Regards
Pierre