HELP. I need to create a lazer-like beam of light that illuminates
an object. You've got to be able to see the core of the lazer, and
the highlighted object that lies in its path…I also want to animate
the laser beam…. Kinda like a pulsating energy beam that surrounds
and illuminates an object. 12 hours later..I'm still absolutely
NOWHERE!
Suresh:
I would first start with a long, cylindrical object to simulate a
laser beam. Use transparency fall-off and self-illumination on the
object for added realism. For the "core" of the beam, simply use a
much thinner cylindrical object with 100% self-illumination. If you
have the Image Processing IPAS routines, use GLOW on both objects.
Attach a spotlight to the inside of the laser beam and make sure that
the spotlight target is locked to the end of the beam. This way, when
the beam hits an object, the light will also hit the object.
If you're using R3, you've got tons of options available in the new
materials editor for creating a "pulsating" effect. With R2, however,
you'll have to use an animated texture map on the beams for a
pulsating effect. I hope this helps!