Align the Point SpotLight in the same orientation as the camera in Three.js for a flashlight effect

Just diving into this world and looking to create a basic 3D scene where I can navigate with PointerLockControls, but I also want to incorporate a flashlight. I've managed to get the spotlight to follow the camera, but its target is fixed at 0,0,0.

Any suggestions on the ideal approach to make this happen?

Appreciate any help or advice. Thank you!

Answer №1

After encountering the same issue, I tackled it in the following manner:

torch = new THREE.SpotLight(0xffffff,4,40);
camera.add(torch);
torch.position.set(0,0,1);
torch.target = camera;

Realizing that a SpotLight's .target requires an object (not just a position), I opted to position the torch directly behind the camera and direct it towards the camera. This way, the light illuminates objects in front of the camera through it.

This method works well for creating a flashlight effect where the light source is close to the chest (centered on the body) rather than to one side.

Answer №2

The SpotLight target in this case must be an Object3D, as opposed to a Vector3.

spotlight.target = myObject;

If you are facing difficulties, consider using a PointLight instead and follow this approach:

scene.add( camera );
camera.add( pointLight );

However, if you prefer to stick with a spotlight, try the following steps:

scene.add( camera );
camera.add( spotLight.target );
spotLight.target.position.set( 0, 0, -1 );
spotLight.position.copy( camera.position ); // make sure to update the spotlight position when the camera moves

While it is not always necessary to add the camera as a child of the scene, it is required in this scenario due to the light being a child of the camera.

Version: three.js r.69

Answer №3

WestLangley's innovative solution inspired me to experiment further. I discovered that by adding both spotlight.target and spotlight as children to the same object, such as the camera or another object like a car or gun, they can be positioned relative to the parent object without the need for constant position copying.

One approach could be as follows:

scene.add(camera);
camera.add(gun);
gun.position.set(-30,-30,0);
gun.add(spotlight);
spotlight.position.set(0,0,30);
gun.add(spotlight.target);
spotlight.target.position.set(0,0,31);

Now, the gun will automatically follow the camera, and the spotlight will illuminate along with the gun. If the gun undergoes any rotations, the spotlight will adjust accordingly. It truly showcases the flexibility and power of THREE software. :-)

Attaching the spotlight to the camera, aligning it in the same direction, and keeping it near the center will result in a constantly circular light cone. However, for a more dynamic and realistic effect, it can be beneficial to introduce a small offset for the light cone to change shape as needed. While I haven't tested it myself, a slight adjustment like in the example above can achieve this desired effect.

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