Random input for numerical values
It would be very handy to be able to make any numerical value randomizable. You could enter a "#" or for each digit you would want a random integer for. For example just "#" would generate a random whole number from 0-9, "##" would generate 00-99, "1.##" 1.00 - 1.99 Etc.To allow for negative values you could enter "-##", or to range from negative to positive "-##:##" ... something like that.These random values could be generated through a baking process where they would calculated once at the first frame of an animation and be static after (unless it's keyed, in which case you could then animate the range between the first keyframe, and the second). Once baked the values would remain static until baked again.One use case would be in the seed value for a particle system. Currently, If you were to create an object with a particle system with a seed of "1", then duplicate it 10 times, all the duplicates would have a seed of "1". With this feature each instance could have a different (static) seed value.Or just make a random button for seeds. That would be great too. ;)
2 Comments
This is already achievable by adding a driver to the numerical value and then putting a Noise f-curve modifier on the driver curve.
Yes, the interface could stand to be improved (this is true for drivers in general), but the feature you're looking for already exists.
I have tried using the noise modifier on the driver but even though I see the f-curve change, the seed value does not.
The only way I've gotten close to having this work is by using noise.random() in the expression, but this causes the value to change on every frame.
I'm sure with some more elaborate scripting one could get it to remain static... but I suggest the feature for those less familiar with coding.