Generate Array

This example demonstrates procedural 3D geometry generation by computing an array of values from a mathematical expression and converting it into a renderable point cloud.

Overview

An Arraygen process generates arbitrary values. The resulting array is converted to a GPU buffer, then to a point cloud mesh rendered in Lines mode. An LFO rotates the geometry, and the output passes through bloom and long exposure shaders for a glowing trail effect.

Key concepts

• Array Generator: Computes an array of values from an ExprTK expression each frame, where i iterates over the array and pos tracks playback position.
• Array to Buffer: Converts a CPU-side array into a GPU buffer suitable for rendering.
• Pointcloud to Mesh: Interprets a GPU buffer as XYZ vertex coordinates and produces renderable geometry.
• Post-processing: Bloom adds glow to bright areas, while long exposure creates persistent motion trails through a feedback buffer.

Data flow

1. Arraygen evaluates the expression for 300 elements
2. Array to Buffer sends the data to the GPU
3. Pointcloud to Mesh builds geometry from the XYZ buffer
4. A sine warp gradient provides procedural texturing
5. Model display renders the geometry in Lines mode
6. Bloom and long exposure ISF Shaders are applied as post-processing

Try it

Open this example to see a procedurally generated point cloud animated in real-time.

Download this example

Learn more

• Math expressions - Expression-based value generation
• ISF Shaders - Interactive Shader Format for GPU effects
• LFO - Low-frequency oscillator for animation
• Model display - 3D mesh rendering process
• Graphics pipeline - How rendering works in ossia score

---