Hi,
I am trying to figure out how to perform a multiple level point instancing (if it is possible with the current Houdini versions).

Basically:
disk file (a chunk for example) -> instanced on the first set of points (a particle simulation for example) -> instanced on second set of points (a grid layout for example)



On both levels, I need to have control on the transformation and access to the point attributes through cvex. I have tried bits and pieces with only one level. And obviously it all works. Manipulating “Xform” etc. But once I try to make a second level of instancing it all gets a bit confusing.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

Look at this video :

https://vimeo.com/77116364 [vimeo.com]

In this video i made 2 different Copy instancing (or different levels) and animations.

1.at the first level we have a little boxes that make big boxes
2.at the second level the big boxes make extra large box

To make this you can use Cd (Point's Color) to define 2 different animations and levels.

I used Red color with attrTransfer SOP (with distance threshould and Blend Width) to define animation of the First Level (little boxes make big boxes).

And I used GREEN color to define animation of the second level (big boxes make final big box)

I made a very simple project about this method and you can download it.

Of course you can find too many ways to do that like using TimeShift node.

Time Shift method :

Create an animation for make a single box with pieces and append TimeShift node for it..

copy this animation to grid's points and make random value for TimeShift per copy with stamp function.