On Curve iCrowd System - User Documentation

Overview

The On Curve System creates organized lines and queues of agents following curve paths, ideal for simulating waiting lines, processional movements, and structured formations.

Distribution Tab

Basic Setup

  • View Mode: Render - Standard visualization mode
  • Terrain: On Curve Terrain - Input terrain for ground alignment

Distribution Types

1. Radius Based Distribution

Agents distributed around curve points based on radius - Radius Control: Edit curve points in Edit Mode and use Alt+S to scale radius at each point - Radius Multiplier: 512.000 - Global multiplier for all radius values - Effect: More agents in areas with larger radius values

2. Count Based Distribution

Fixed number of agents per curve - Min (Per Curve): 50 - Minimum agents per curve - Max (Per Curve): 100 - Maximum agents per curve - System: Randomly selects between min/max for each curve

3. Min Distance Distribution

Agents spaced by minimum distance - Length: 0.2 m - Minimum spacing between agents - Use: Evenly spaced queues and lines

Global Limits

  • Max Agents Num: 100,000.000 - Total maximum agents in system

Positioning Controls

Personal Space

  • Relax Iterations: 12 - Processing passes for collision resolution
  • Min Distance: 0.500 m - Minimum space between agents
  • Max Distance: 1.000 m - Maximum personal buffer
  • Seed: 2 - Randomization pattern

Position Variation

  • Position Variation: 2.934 - Random offset from perfect curve alignment
  • Seed: 86 - Randomization pattern
  • Effect: Creates natural, imperfect lines instead of perfect grid

Settings Tab

Orientation Control

Rotation Modes

  1. Default
  2. Consistent facing direction

  3. Uniform appearance along curves

  4. Randomize

  5. Random rotation per agent

  6. Natural variation in facing directions

  7. At Object

  8. All agents face toward target object
  9. Optional randomization for natural look

Up Direction

  • Value: 1.000 - Controls alignment with terrain normals
  • Function: Keeps agents properly oriented to ground surface
  • Adjustment: Higher values increase terrain following

Scale Variation

  • Min Scale: 0.900 - Smallest agent size
  • Max Scale: 1.000 - Largest agent size
  • Seed: 0 - Randomization pattern
  • Effect: Natural size variation in crowd

Agent Configuration

Input Requirements

  • Animated Agents: Collections with idle animations
  • Multiple Collections: Support for varied agent types
  • Probability Control: Balance between different agent collections

Customization

  • Custom Collections: Import additional agent types
  • Clothing Variations: Modify agent appearances
  • Collection Blending: Mix different agent types

Curve Editing Guide

Radius-Based Setup

  1. Select curve object
  2. Enter Edit Mode (Tab)
  3. Select curve points where you want more agents
  4. Press Alt+S and drag to increase radius
  5. Larger radius = more agents around that point

Curve Types

  • Open Curves: Lines and queues
  • Closed Curves: Circular formations and surrounding areas
  • Multiple Curves: Complex formations and multiple lines

Typical Workflow

  1. Curve Creation
  2. Draw curves representing desired lines or formations
  3. Adjust radius at key points for density variation

  4. Set curve object in distribution panel

  5. Distribution Setup

  6. Choose distribution type (Radius/Count/Min Distance)
  7. Set agent limits and spacing parameters

  8. Adjust position variation for natural look

  9. Orientation & Scale

  10. Set rotation mode based on scene needs
  11. Adjust up direction for proper ground alignment

  12. Configure scale variations

  13. Agent Assignment

  14. Select agent collections
  15. Balance probabilities between collections
  16. Fine-tune appearance variations

Best Practices

For Realistic Lines

  • Use position variation to avoid perfect grid patterns
  • Combine min distance with personal space for natural spacing
  • Use radius based for areas needing higher density
  • Apply slight scale variation for diverse crowds

Curve Setup Tips

  • Use smoother curves for more natural agent distribution
  • Adjust radius gradually for smooth density transitions
  • Test different distribution types for each scene need
  • Use multiple simple curves instead of one complex curve

Performance Optimization

  • Use appropriate relax iterations (12 is good for quality)
  • Set realistic max agent counts
  • Balance position variation with performance needs
  • Use simpler curves for large-scale simulations

Use Cases

  • Waiting lines for attractions, security, or ticketing
  • Processional movements in ceremonies or events
  • Queue simulations for retail or services
  • Formation patterns for military or performance groups
  • Surrounding areas around objects or stages
  • Path lining for parades or special events

The On Curve System provides precise control over linear and curved formations, making it ideal for any scenario requiring organized lines, queues, or structured crowd arrangements.