Leaf movement simulation in a 3d world

Question

I am using opengl, and a simple texture or mesh to draw a leaf.

Can somebody show me a nice movement method to simulating leafs in a 3d world?

thanks, Leslie

Answer 1

I guess it really depend on what type of leafs you want to simulate. for each type go out and check how it's moving in the air. there is no need for an actual physical simulation just find a function that has an output similar to what the leaf moves.

here are some sample function:

Vec3 LeafAPosition(Vec3 lastPosition, time now, time lastTime)
{
    Vec3 result;
    result.z = lastPosition.z - constant_value1 * (now - lastTime);
    result.x = lastPosition.x - constant_value2 * cos(lasttime) + constant_value2 * cos(now);
    result.y = lastPosition.y - constant_value2 * sin(lasttime) + constant_value2 * sin(now);

    return result;
}

Vec3 LeafBPosition(Vec3 lastPosition, time now, time lastTime)
{
    Vec3 result;
    result.z = lastPosition.z - constant_value1 * (now - lastTime);
    result.x = lastPosition.x - constant_value2 * (now - lastTime);
    result.y = lastPosition.y - constant_value3 * (now - lastTime);

    return result;
}

I'll post more functions as soon as they came to my head.