Concept
TOWARD means moving in the direction of something, approaching a target. This involves calculating direction vectors and moving an object closer to a destination over time.
Translation Strategy
To create "toward" relationships on screen:
- Vector Calculation: Calculate the direction from current position to target
- Gradual Movement: Move in small steps toward the target rather than jumping immediately
- Distance Tracking: Monitor how close the object gets to its target
Key P5.js Methods
Vector Mathematics:
• Calculate direction:
dx = targetX - currentX,
dy = targetY - currentY
•
atan2(dy, dx) - Calculate angle toward target
•
cos(angle) and
sin(angle) - Convert angle to movement
Distance and Movement:
•
dist(x1, y1, x2, y2) - Calculate distance to target
•
lerp(start, stop, amount) - Smooth movement toward target
Drawing Elements:
•
ellipse(x, y, width, height) - Draw moving objects
•
line(x1, y1, x2, y2) - Draw direction indicators
•
Custom arrow drawing - Show direction visually
Animation:
• Update position each frame in
draw() function
• Use speed variables to control movement rate
Mouse Interaction:
•
mousePressed() - Set new target when mouse is clicked
•
mouseX and
mouseY - Get target coordinates
Code Structure
Basic Pattern for "Toward":
1. Define moving object and target: Set up initial positions
let movingObject = {x: 100, y: 100, speed: 2};
let target = {x: 300, y: 200};
2. Calculate direction: Find vector toward target
let dx = target.x - movingObject.x;
let dy = target.y - movingObject.y;
let distance = dist(movingObject.x, movingObject.y, target.x, target.y);
3. Move toward target: Update position each frame
if (distance > movingObject.speed) {
let moveX = (dx / distance) * movingObject.speed;
let moveY = (dy / distance) * movingObject.speed;
movingObject.x += moveX;
movingObject.y += moveY;
}