The Powder Toy

Nutty idea--multiple layers

  • um3k     29th Jul 2010 Member 0 Permalink
    I just thought of something that would be quite useful for electronics--allow layering of multiple simulation planes. Each one would be simulated normally, with the exception of special elements and/or walls that link the layers. There would only need to be two types, link up and link down. One would put a link down on one layer and a link up on the layer below it (in the same location), when an electrical charge hits one, it would transfer it to the other layer. The bonus is that each layer could potentially run on its own thread, thus minimizing the speed decrease on multi-threaded processors.

    Any thoughts?
  • Felix     29th Jul 2010 Member 0 Permalink
    It would be better to run collision detection, edge detection etc in other threads. And besides, you can squeeze a lot into one screen.
  • OniLink--     29th Jul 2010 Member 0 Permalink
    Sounds excellent. Would definitely help with complex electronic simulations. Especially if you could enable/disable viewing certain layers, so you could view multiple layers of your choice at once.
  • Sylvi     29th Jul 2010 Moderator 0 Permalink
    D: I suggesting this on the old forums, except no one payed attention. Almost like a silicone board, or using Paint.Net
  • triclops200     29th Jul 2010 Former Staff 0 Permalink
    yes, it would be possible, but think of the lag for those who don't have multiple threaded processors, now it is a good idea, but it would still add extra lag. and a good bit of code. It might be in the future, but I doubt it.
  • Simon     29th Jul 2010 Administrator 0 Permalink
    I think performance would be a big issue, besides, to have the multi-layer idea useful for anything else as well (not just for electronics) there would be other performance problems.
  • Sylvi     29th Jul 2010 Moderator 0 Permalink
    We could make an alpha version for some to use, but add a no save button so no one saves it and have 20 people wondering what it is?
  • triclops200     29th Jul 2010 Former Staff 0 Permalink
    lol, even the alpha would be hard to get to work
  • Snipa299     30th Jul 2010 Member 0 Permalink
    well, can't you also make reactors? have a layer for electronics, and another for all the mechanical stuff. If used right, you could basically make a 3-D engine! just add a rotate tool to view it from the sides or the top. heh, if you modify the code enough, PT might go 3-D!! AWESOME! =D
  • triclops200     30th Jul 2010 Former Staff 0 Permalink
    did you even read it, it is not happening anytime soon.
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