Guide on positioning the camera to track the model in a third-person view

Currently, I am tackling a project in Three.js where I am in need of setting up a third-person camera that tracks a 3D model as it navigates through the scene. Despite having a basic framework with animations and controls, I am encountering difficulties in getting the camera to properly follow the model's movements. Here is a breakdown of what I am aiming for and the challenges I am facing:

Summary of the Issue:

My goal is to have the camera trail the model from a third-person perspective. Specifically, as the model traverses in various directions (forward, backward, left, right), the camera should consistently follow the model while maintaining a fixed distance and orientation.

Current Setup:

<script setup>
import * as THREE from 'three';
import { OrbitControls } from 'three/addons/controls/OrbitControls.js';
import { GLTFLoader } from 'three/examples/jsm/loaders/GLTFLoader.js';
import { onMounted, ref } from 'vue';

const container3D = ref(null);

onMounted(() => {
    // Code for initializing the scene, camera, loading models, setting up animations, and handling controls
});
</script>

Problematic Situation:

The camera does not currently follow the model's movements as expected. It remains stationary and does not adjust its position or orientation based on the model's actions.

Attempts Made:

I have ensured the correct setup of the camera and renderer. I have implemented animation controls for manipulating the model's movements. I have utilized OrbitControls to manage the camera's view.

Inquiries:

How can I tweak the camera configuration to track the model from a third-person perspective? What modifications should be made in the code to ensure that the camera maintains a consistent distance from the model throughout its movement? Any advice or recommendations on resolving this issue would be highly valued. Thank you!

Answer №1

Yes, after multiple attempts, I finally achieved it! Hooray...

The key thing to understand is:

...
 goal = new THREE.Object3D();
  follow = new THREE.Object3D();
  follow.position.z = -coronaSafetyDistance;
...
      object.add(follow); // follow as a child of object
      goal.add(camera);
      scene.add(object);
...
      const objectPosition = new THREE.Vector3(); // create new vector3
      object.getWorldPosition(objectPosition); // get position and copy it to objectPosition

      const offset = new THREE.Vector3(0, 200, -300); // create offset from camera to object
      const goalPosition = objectPosition.clone().add(offset); // add dynamic position from objectpostion + offset
      camera.position.lerp(goalPosition, 0.05); // setup camera from our calculate
      camera.lookAt(objectPosition);

Here is the complete code snippet:

<script setup>
import * as THREE from 'three';
import { OrbitControls } from 'three/addons/controls/OrbitControls.js';
import { GLTFLoader } from 'three/examples/jsm/loaders/GLTFLoader.js';
import { onMounted, ref } from 'vue';

const container3D = ref(null);

onMounted(() => {
  // Code goes here...
});
</script>

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