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Canvas animation with JavaScript. Random coordinates and speed at every initiation

Edited : Thanks to all for valuable time and effort. Finally I made this )) JSfiddle
I was just playing with canvas and made this. Fiddle link here.
... some code here ...
var cords = [];
for(var i = 50; i <= width; i += 100) {
for(var j = 50; j <= height; j += 100) {
cords.push({ cor: i+','+j});
}
}
console.log(cords);
var offset = 15,
speed = 0.01,
angle = 0.01;
cords.forEach(function(e1) {
e1.base = parseInt(Math.random()*25);
e1.rgb = 'rgb('+parseInt(Math.random()*255)+','+parseInt(Math.random()*255)+','+parseInt(Math.random()*255)+')';
});
setInterval(function() {
cords.forEach(function(e1) {
e1.base = parseInt(Math.random()*25);
e1.rgb = 'rgb('+parseInt(Math.random()*255)+','+parseInt(Math.random()*255)+','+parseInt(Math.random()*255)+')';
});
},5000);
function render() {
ctx.clearRect(0,0,width,height);
cords.forEach(function(e1) {
//console.log(e1);
ctx.fillStyle = e1.rgb;
ctx.beginPath();
var r = e1.base + Math.abs(Math.sin(angle)) * offset;
var v = e1.cor.split(',');
ctx.arc(v[0],v[1],r,0,Math.PI * 2, false);
ctx.fill();
});
angle += speed;
requestAnimationFrame(render);
}
render();
Was wondering if -
Coordinates can be made random, now they are fixed as you can see. After 5000 mil, balls will show up in various random cords but even at their fullest they won't touch each other.
Every ball has same speed for changing size, I want that to be different too. Meaning, After 5000 mil, they show up with different animation speeds as well.
Also any suggestion on improving code and making it better/quicker/lighter is much appreciated. Thank you !

TL;DR - See it running here.
Making the coordinates random:
This requires you to add some random displacement to the x and y coordinates. So I added a random value to the coordinates. But then a displacement of less than 1 is not noticeable. So you'd need to magnify that random number by a multiplier. That's where the randomizationFactor comes in. I have set it to 100 since that is the value by which you shift the coordinates in each iteration. So that gives a truly random look to the animation.
Making Speed Random:
This one took me a while to figure out, but the ideal way is to push a value of speed into the array of coordinates. This let's you ensure that for the duration of animation, the speed will remain constant and that gives you a smoother feel. But again multiplying the radius r with a value between 0 and 1 reduces the speed significantly for some of the circles. So I have added a multiplier to 3 to compensate slightly for that.
Ideally I'd put a 2, as the average value of Math.random() is 0.5, so a multiplier of 2 would be adequate to compensate for that. But a little experimentation showed that the multiplier of 3 was much better. You can choose the value as per your preference.
Your logic of generating the coordinates changes as follows:
for(var i = 50; i <= width;i += 100) {
for(var j = 51; j <= height;j += 100) {
var x = i + (Math.random() - 0.5)*randomizationFactor;
var y = j + (Math.random() - 0.5)*randomizationFactor;
cords.push({ cor: x+','+y, speed: Math.random()});
}
}
Your logic of enlarging the circles changes as follows:
function render() {
ctx.clearRect(0,0,width,height);
cords.forEach(function(e1) {
//console.log(e1);
ctx.fillStyle = e1.rgb;
ctx.beginPath();
var r = e1.base + Math.abs(Math.sin(angle)) * offset * e1.speed * 3;
var v = e1.cor.split(',');
ctx.arc(v[0],v[1],r,0,Math.PI * 2, false);
ctx.fill();
});
angle += speed ;
requestAnimationFrame(render);
}
Suggestion: Update the coordinates with color
I'd probably also update the location of circles every 5 seconds along with the colors. It's pretty simple to do as well. Here I've just created a function resetCoordinates that runs every 5 seconds along with the setBaseRgb function.
var cords = [];
function resetCoordinates() {
cords = [];
for(var i = 50; i <= width;i += 100) {
for(var j = 51; j <= height;j += 100) {
var x = i + (Math.random() - 0.5)*randomizationFactor;
var y = j + (Math.random() - 0.5)*randomizationFactor;
cords.push({ cor: x+','+y, speed: Math.random()});
}
}
}

UPDATE I did some fixes in your code that can make your animation more dynamic. Totally rewritten sample.
(sorry for variable name changing, imo now better)
Built in Math.random not really random, and becomes obvious when you meet animations. Try to use this random-js lib.
var randEngine = Random.engines.mt19937().autoSeed();
var rand = function(from, to){
return Random.integer(from, to)(randEngine)
}
Internal base properties to each circle would be better(more dynamic).
var circles = [];
// better to save coords as object neither as string
for(var i = 50; i <= width; i += 100)
for(var j = 50; j <= height; j += 100)
circles.push({
coords: {x:i,y:j}
});
We can adjust animation with new bouncing property.
var offset = 15,
speed = 0.005,
angle = 0.01,
bouncing = 25;
This is how setBaseRgb function may look like
function setBaseRgb(el){
el.base = rand(-bouncing, bouncing);
el.speed = rand(5, 10) * speed;
el.angle = 0;
el.rgb = 'rgb('+rand(0, 255)+','+rand(0, 255)+','+rand(0, 255)+')';
}
All your animations had fixed setInterval timeout. Better with random timeout.
cords.forEach(function(el){
// random timeout for each circle
setInterval(setBaseRgb.bind(null,el), rand(3000, 5000));
})
You forgot to add your base to your circle position
function render() {
ctx.clearRect(0,0,width,height);
circles.forEach(function(el) {
ctx.fillStyle = el.rgb;
ctx.beginPath();
var r = bouncing + el.base + Math.abs(Math.sin(el.angle)) * offset;
var coords = el.coords;
ctx.arc(
coords.x + el.base,
coords.y + el.base,
r, 0, Math.PI * 2, false
);
ctx.fill();
el.angle += el.speed;
});
requestAnimationFrame(render);
}
render();
Effect 1 JSFiddle
Adding this
if(el.angle > 1)
el.angle=0;
Results bubling effect
Effect 2 JSFiddle
Playing with formulas results this
Effect 3 JSFiddle

Drawing animated lines

I'm trying to make the Logo Turtle in HTML 5 with javascript and canvas (I want to study simple algorithms with my students, and i want to make easy instructions).
I successfully made basic instructions, but the lines appear all at the same time, and i want to see them appear one after one.
Here is my code :
var dessin = document.getElementById("dessin")
var ctx = dessin.getContext("2d");
var angle = 0; // angle en degrés
// on donne les coordonnées de départ
var x = dessin.width / 2;
var y = dessin.height / 2;
function forward(distance) {
var iter = 1;
var Angle = angle % 360;
var theta = Angle / 180 * Math.PI;
var vitesse = 10;
var compteur = 1;
var timer = setInterval(function() {
ctx.beginPath();
ctx.moveTo(x, y);
x = Math.cos(theta) * distance / vitesse + x;
y = Math.sin(theta) * distance / vitesse + y;
ctx.lineTo(x, y);
ctx.stroke();
compteur++;
if (compteur > vitesse) {
clearInterval(timer);
}
}, 1000 / vitesse);
//setTimeout(clearInterval(timer),2000);
}
function turn_left(angle_rotation) {
angle = (angle - angle_rotation) % 360;
}
//Firing commands
turn_left(45);
forward(100);
turn_left(45);
forward(100);
<canvas id="dessin" width="400" height="400"></canvas>
I want to have two lines (a diagonal one, and a vertical one), but i have lot of it...
How can i do that ?
Thanks !
PS : I don't speak English very well, my apologies...

Your problem is your code is asynchrone. To achieve what you want to do, you need an animations manager.
Here, our animations manager is just two var : one is a boolean to know if we are moving, another is an array which accumulates queued animations:
var moveManager = [];
var isMoving = false;
I also make timer global because we have only one animation at a time :
var timer;
After you need to make the logic of your animations manager which is : If i'm not moving and I have a queued animation so play it :
function nextMove() {
if (!isMoving && moveManager.length) {
var move = moveManager.shift();
move();
}
}
And, last thing, each animation manages itself start, stop and call to next animation :
function turn_left(angle_rotation) {
moveManager.push(function() {
isMoving = true;
angle = (angle - angle_rotation) % 360 ;
isMoving = false;
nextMove();
});
}
With all this, you can continue your turtle.
Working jsFiddle => https://jsfiddle.net/y9efewqb/5/
PS : I use your code to explain how to make your turle but some part should be optimized (use requestAnimationFrame instead of using setInterval, make all this in classes to avoid global var, ...)

Javascript setInterval works but not infinite loop

I don't understand why the infinite loop does not work but uncommenting the function call works.
<body>
<canvas id="myCanvas"style="border:2px solid black;" width="1600" height="900">
Your browser does not support the HTML5 canvas tag.
</canvas>
<script>
var c = document.getElementById ("myCanvas").getContext ("2d");
var boxSize = 25;
var numBoxes = 1;
var x = 1000;
var dx = 1;
var y = 100;
var dy = 1;
var a = 0.01;
var da = 0.1;
var size = 20;
var w = c.canvas.width;
var h = c.canvas.height;
//function testing () {
while (true) {
c.clearRect (0, 0, w, h);
x = x + 1;
y = y + 1;
a = a + 0.1;
x = x + dx;
y = y + dy;
if (x < size / 2 || x + (size / 2) > w) {
dx = -dx;
da = -da;
}
if (y < size / 2 || y + (size / 2) > h) {
dy = -dy;
da = -da;
}
c.save ();
c.translate (x, y);
c.rotate (a);
c.strokeRect (-size / 2, -size / 2, size, size);
c.restore ();
}
// testing ();
// setInterval (testing, 10);
</script>
</body>

When you use setInterval you keep adding the function you are calling to the queue of things for the browser to do. Repaint events are also added to this queue.
When you use an infinite loop, the browser never gets to the end of the function, so it never gets around to running a repaint and the image in the document never updates.

JavaScript-in-a-browser is a part of a larger construction. You need to align to the rules of this construction and don't hurt it. One of the rule is that your JavaScript must run quick and exit then. Exit means that control gets back to the framework, which does all the job, repaint the screen etc.
Try to hide and show something many times:
for (n = 0; n < 200; n++) {
$("#test").hide();
$("#test").show();
}
When this code runs, you won't see any flickering, you will see that the last command will have effect.
Have to say, it's not easy to organize code that way, if you want to make a cycle which paints nice anims on a canvas, you have to do it without while.

Grass like smoothing animation on beziercurve?

This is what I am trying to achieve--GRASS Animation(Desired animation)
This is where the project is standing currently --My hair animation
This is a more structurised code of the above code --My hair animation(by markE)--markE`s code of hair animation
PROBLEM:--
I am able to give movements to hairs but animation should be more like wavy grass like freeflowing.Its not very smooth now.What can be done to make the hairs flow in more natural manner.
Please provide me with a small sample if possible!!!
<canvas id="myCanvas" width="500" height="500" style="background-color: antiquewhite" ></canvas>
JAVASCRIPT
//mouse position
var x2=0;
var y2=0;
window.addEventListener("mousemove",function(){moving(event);init()},false)
//these variables define the bend in our bezier curve
var bend9=0;
var bend8=0;
var bend7=0;
var bend6=0;
var bend5=0;
var bend4=0;
var bend3=0;
var bend2=0;
var bend1=0;
//function to get the mouse cordinates
function moving(event) {
bend_value();//this function is defined below
try
{
x2 = event.touches[0].pageX;
y2 = event.touches[0].pageY;
}
catch (error)
{
try
{
x2 = event.clientX;
y2 = event.clientY;
}
catch (e)
{
}
}
try
{
event.preventDefault();
}
catch (e)
{
}
if(between(y2,204,237) && between(x2,115,272))
{
console.log("Xmove="+x2,"Ymove="+y2)
}
}
//function for declaring range of bezier curve
function between(val, min, max)
{
return val >= min && val <= max;
}
(function() {
hair = function() {
return this;
};
hair.prototype={
draw_hair:function(a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h){
var sx =136+a;//start position of curve.used in moveTo(sx,sy)
var sy =235+b;
var cp1x=136+c;//control point 1
var cp1y=222+d;
var cp2x=136+e;//control point 2
var cp2y=222+f;
var endx=136+g;//end points
var endy=210+h;
var canvas = document.getElementById('myCanvas');
var context = canvas.getContext('2d');
// context.clearRect(0, 0,500,500);
context.strokeStyle="grey";
context.lineWidth="8";
context.beginPath();
context.moveTo(sx,sy);
context.bezierCurveTo(cp1x,cp1y,cp2x,cp2y,endx,endy);
context.lineCap = 'round';
context.stroke();
// context.restore();
// context.save();
}
};
})();
//this function provides and calculate the bend on mousemove
function bend_value(){
var ref1=135;//this is ref point for hair or curve no 1
var ref2=150;//hair no 2 and so on
var ref3=165;
var ref4=180;
var ref5=195;
var ref6=210;
var ref7=225;
var ref8=240;
var ref9=255;
if(between(x2,115,270) && between(y2,205,236))
{
if(x2>=135 && x2<=145){bend1=(x2-ref1)*(2.2);}
if(x2<=135 && x2>=125){bend1=(x2-ref1)*(2.2);}
if(x2>=150 && x2<=160){bend2=(x2-ref2)*(2.2);}
if(x2<=150 && x2>=140){bend2=(x2-ref2)*(2.2);}
if(x2>=165 && x2<=175){bend3=(x2-ref3)*(2.2);}
if(x2<=165 && x2>=155){bend3=(x2-ref3)*(2.2);}
if(x2>=180 && x2<=190){bend4=(x2-ref4)*(2.2);}
if(x2<=180 && x2>=170){bend4=(x2-ref4)*(2.2);}
if(x2>=195 && x2<=205){bend5=(x2-ref5)*(2.2);}
if(x2<=195 && x2>=185){bend5=(x2-ref5)*(2.2);}
if(x2>=210 && x2<=220){bend6=(x2-ref6)*(2.2);}
if(x2<=210 && x2>=200){bend6=(x2-ref6)*(2.2);}
if(x2>=225 && x2<=235){bend7=(x2-ref7)*(2.2);}
if(x2<=225 && x2>=215){bend7=(x2-ref7)*(2.2);}
if(x2>=240 && x2<=250){bend8=(x2-ref8)*(2.2);}
if(x2<=240 && x2>=230){bend8=(x2-ref8)*(2.2);}
if(x2>=255 && x2<=265){bend9=(x2-ref9)*(2.2);}
if(x2<=255 && x2>=245){bend9=(x2-ref9)*(2.2);}
}
}
function init(){//this function draws each hair/curve
var canvas = document.getElementById('myCanvas');
var context = canvas.getContext('2d');
var clear=context.clearRect(0, 0,500,500);
var save=context.save();
// /* console.log("bend2="+bend2)
// console.log("bend3="+bend3)
// console.log("bend4="+bend4)
// console.log("bend5="+bend5)
// console.log("bend6="+bend6)
// console.log("bend7="+bend7)
// console.log("bend8="+bend8)
// console.log("bend9="+bend9)*/
hd1 = new hair();//hd1 stands for hair draw 1.this is an instance created for drawing hair no 1
clear;
hd1.draw_hair(0,0,0,0,0,0,0+bend1/2,0);//these parameters passed to function drawhair and bend is beint retrieved from function bend_value()
save;
hd2 = new hair();
clear;
hd2.draw_hair(15,0,15,0,15,0,15+bend2/2,0);
save;
hd3 = new hair();
clear;
hd3.draw_hair(30,0,30,0,30,0,30+bend3/2,0);
save;
hd4 = new hair();
clear;
hd4.draw_hair(45,0,45,0,45,0,45+bend4/2,0);
save;
hd5 = new hair();
clear;
hd5.draw_hair(60,0,60,0,60,0,60+bend5/2,0);
save;
}
window.onload = function() {
init();
disableSelection(document.body)
}
function disableSelection(target){
if (typeof target.onselectstart!="undefined") //IE
target.onselectstart=function(){return false}
else if (typeof target.style.MozUserSelect!="undefined") //Firefox
target.style.MozUserSelect="none"
else //All other ie: Opera
target.onmousedown=function(){return false}
target.style.cursor = "default"
}

Update: I'm currently adjusting the code to produce the requested result and commenting it.
(function() { // The code is encapsulated in a self invoking function to isolate the scope
"use strict";
// The following lines creates shortcuts to the constructors of the Box2D types used
var B2Vec2 = Box2D.Common.Math.b2Vec2,
B2BodyDef = Box2D.Dynamics.b2BodyDef,
B2Body = Box2D.Dynamics.b2Body,
B2FixtureDef = Box2D.Dynamics.b2FixtureDef,
B2Fixture = Box2D.Dynamics.b2Fixture,
B2World = Box2D.Dynamics.b2World,
B2PolygonShape = Box2D.Collision.Shapes.b2PolygonShape,
B2RevoluteJoint = Box2D.Dynamics.Joints.b2RevoluteJoint,
B2RevoluteJointDef = Box2D.Dynamics.Joints.b2RevoluteJointDef;
// This makes sure that there is a method to request a callback to update the graphics for next frame
window.requestAnimationFrame =
window.requestAnimationFrame || // According to the standard
window.mozRequestAnimationFrame || // For mozilla
window.webkitRequestAnimationFrame || // For webkit
window.msRequestAnimationFrame || // For ie
function (f) { window.setTimeout(function () { f(Date.now()); }, 1000/60); }; // If everthing else fails
var world = new B2World(new B2Vec2(0, -10), true), // Create a world with gravity
physicalObjects = [], // Maintain a list of the simulated objects
windInput = 0, // The input for the wind in the current frame
wind = 0, // The current wind (smoothing the input values + randomness)
STRAW_COUNT = 10, // Number of straws
GRASS_RESET_SPEED = 2, // How quick should the straw reset to its target angle
POWER_MOUSE_WIND = 120, // How much does the mouse affect the wind
POWER_RANDOM_WIND = 180; // How much does the randomness affect the wind
// GrassPart is a prototype for a piece of a straw. It has the following properties
// position: the position of the piece
// density: the density of the piece
// target: the target angle of the piece
// statik: a boolean stating if the piece is static (i.e. does not move)
function GrassPart(position, density, target, statik) {
this.width = 0.05;
this.height = 0.5;
this.target = target;
// To create a physical body in Box2D you have to setup a body definition
// and create at least one fixture.
var bdef = new B2BodyDef(), fdef = new B2FixtureDef();
// In this example we specify if the body is static or not (the grass roots
// has to be static to keep the straw in its position), and its original
// position.
bdef.type = statik? B2Body.b2_staticBody : B2Body.b2_dynamicBody;
bdef.position.SetV(position);
// The fixture of the piece is a box with a given density. The negative group index
// makes sure that the straws does not collide.
fdef.shape = new B2PolygonShape();
fdef.shape.SetAsBox(this.width/2, this.height/2);
fdef.density = density;
fdef.filter.groupIndex = -1;
// The body and fixture is created and added to the world
this.body = world.CreateBody(bdef);
this.body.CreateFixture(fdef);
}
// This method is called for every frame of animation. It strives to reset the original
// angle of the straw (the joint). The time parameter is unused here but contains the
// current time.
GrassPart.prototype.update = function (time) {
if (this.joint) {
this.joint.SetMotorSpeed(GRASS_RESET_SPEED*(this.target - this.joint.GetJointAngle()));
}
};
// The link method is used to link the pieces of the straw together using a joint
// other: the piece to link to
// torque: the strength of the joint (stiffness)
GrassPart.prototype.link = function(other, torque) {
// This is all Box2D specific. Look it up in the manual.
var jdef = new B2RevoluteJointDef();
var p = this.body.GetWorldPoint(new B2Vec2(0, 0.5)); // Get the world coordinates of where the joint
jdef.Initialize(this.body, other.body, p);
jdef.maxMotorTorque = torque;
jdef.motorSpeed = 0;
jdef.enableMotor = true;
// Add the joint to the world
this.joint = world.CreateJoint(jdef);
};
// A prototype for a straw of grass
// position: the position of the bottom of the root of the straw
function Grass(position) {
var pos = new B2Vec2(position.x, position.y);
var angle = 1.2*Math.random() - 0.6; // Randomize the target angle
// Create three pieces, the static root and to more, and place them in line.
// The second parameter is the stiffness of the joints. It controls how the straw bends.
// The third is the target angle and different angles are specified for the pieces.
this.g1 = new GrassPart(pos, 1, angle/4, true); // This is the static root
pos.Add(new B2Vec2(0, 1));
this.g2 = new GrassPart(pos, 0.75, angle);
pos.Add(new B2Vec2(0, 1));
this.g3 = new GrassPart(pos, 0.5);
// Link the pieces into a straw
this.g1.link(this.g2, 20);
this.g2.link(this.g3, 3);
// Add the pieces to the list of simulate objects
physicalObjects.push(this.g1);
physicalObjects.push(this.g2);
physicalObjects.push(this.g3);
}
Grass.prototype.draw = function (context) {
var p = new B2Vec2(0, 0.5);
var p1 = this.g1.body.GetWorldPoint(p);
var p2 = this.g2.body.GetWorldPoint(p);
var p3 = this.g3.body.GetWorldPoint(p);
context.strokeStyle = 'grey';
context.lineWidth = 0.4;
context.lineCap = 'round';
context.beginPath();
context.moveTo(p1.x, p1.y);
context.quadraticCurveTo(p2.x, p2.y, p3.x, p3.y);
context.stroke();
};
var lastX, grass = [], context = document.getElementById('canvas').getContext('2d');
function updateGraphics(time) {
window.requestAnimationFrame(updateGraphics);
wind = 0.95*wind + 0.05*(POWER_MOUSE_WIND*windInput + POWER_RANDOM_WIND*Math.random() - POWER_RANDOM_WIND/2);
windInput = 0;
world.SetGravity(new B2Vec2(wind, -10));
physicalObjects.forEach(function(obj) { if (obj.update) obj.update(time); });
world.Step(1/60, 8, 3);
world.ClearForces();
context.clearRect(0, 0, context.canvas.width, context.canvas.height);
context.save();
context.translate(context.canvas.width/2, context.canvas.height/2);
context.scale(context.canvas.width/20, -context.canvas.width/20);
grass.forEach(function (o) { o.draw(context); });
context.restore();
}
document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0].addEventListener("mousemove", function (e) {
windInput = Math.abs(lastX - e.x) < 200? 0.2*(e.x - lastX) : 0;
lastX = e.x;
});
var W = 8;
for (var i = 0; i < STRAW_COUNT; i++) {
grass.push(new Grass(new B2Vec2(W*(i/(STRAW_COUNT-1))-W/2, -1)));
}
window.requestAnimationFrame(updateGraphics);
})();

Waving grass algorithm
UPDATE
I made a reduced update to better meet what I believe is your requirements. To use mouse you just calculate the angle between the mouse point and the strain root and use that for new angle in the update.
I have incorporated a simple mouse-move sensitive approach which makes the strains "point" towards the mouse, but you can add random angles to this as deltas and so forth. Everything you need is as said in the code - adjust as needed.
New fiddle (based on previous with a few modifications):
http://jsfiddle.net/AbdiasSoftware/yEwGc/
Image showing 150 strains being simulated.
Grass simulation demo:
http://jsfiddle.net/AbdiasSoftware/5z89V/
This will generate a nice realistic looking grass field. The demo has 70 grass rendered (works best in Chrome or just lower the number for Firefox).
The code is rather simple. It consists of a main object (grassObj) which contains its geometry as well as functions to calculate the angles, segments, movements and so forth. I'll show this in detail below.
First some inits that are accessed globally by the functions:
var numOfGrass = 70, /// number of grass strains
grass,
/// get canvas context
ctx = canvas.getContext('2d'),
w = canvas.width,
h = canvas.height,
/// we use an animated image for the background
/// The image also clears the canvas for each loop call
/// I rendered the clouds in a 3D software.
img = document.createElement('img'),
ix = 0, /// background image position
iw = -1; /// used for with and initial for flag
/// load background image, use it whenever it's ready
img.onload = function() {iw = this.width}
img.src = 'http://i.imgur.com/zzjtzG7.jpg';
The heart - grassObj
The main object as mentioned above is the grassObj:
function grassObj(x, y, seg1, seg2, maxAngle) {
/// exposed properties we need for rendering
this.x = x; /// bottom position of grass
this.y = y;
this.seg1 = seg1; /// segments of grass
this.seg2 = seg2;
this.gradient = getGradient(Math.random() * 50 + 50, 100 * Math.random() + 170);
this.currentAngle; ///current angle that will be rendered
/// internals used for calculating new angle, goal, difference and speed
var counter, /// counter between 0-1 for ease-in/out
delta, /// random steps in the direction goal rel. c.angle.
angle, /// current angle, does not change until goal is reached
diff, /// diff between goal and angle
goal = getAngle();
/// internal: returns an angel between 0 and maxAngle
function getAngle() {
return maxAngle * Math.random();
}
/// ease in-out function
function easeInOut(t) {
return t < 0.5 ? 4 * t * t * t : (t-1) * (2 * t - 2) * (2 * t - 2) + 1;
}
/// sets a new goal for grass to move to. Does the main calculations
function newGoal() {
angle = goal; /// set goal as new angle when reached
this.currentAngle = angle;
goal = getAngle(); /// get new goal
diff = goal - angle; /// calc diff
counter = 0; /// reset counter
delta = (4 * Math.random() + 1) / 100;
}
/// creates a gradient for this grass to increase realism
function getGradient(min, max) {
var g = ctx.createLinearGradient(0, 0, 0, h);
g.addColorStop(1, 'rgb(0,' + parseInt(min) + ', 0)');
g.addColorStop(0, 'rgb(0,' + parseInt(max) + ', 0)');
return g;
}
/// this is called from animation loop. Counts and keeps tracks of
/// current position and calls new goal when current goal is reached
this.update = function() {
/// count from 0 to 1 with random delta value
counter += delta;
/// if counter passes 1 then goal is reached -> get new goal
if (counter > 1) {
newGoal();
return;
}
/// ease in/out function
var t = easeInOut(counter);
/// update current angle for render
this.currentAngle = angle + t * diff;
}
/// init
newGoal();
return this;
}
Grass generator
We call makeGrass to generate grass at random positions, random heights and with random segments. The function is called with number of grass to render, width and height of canvas to fill and a variation variable in percent (0 - 1 float).
The single grass consist only of four points in total. The two middle points are spread about 1/3 and 2/3 of the total height with a little variation to break pattern. The points when rendered, are smoother using a cardinal spline with full tension to make the grass look smooth.
function makeGrass(numOfGrass, width, height, hVariation) {
/// setup variables
var x, y, seg1, seg2, angle,
hf = height * hVariation, /// get variation
i = 0,
grass = []; /// array to hold the grass
/// generate grass
for(; i < numOfGrass; i++) {
x = width * Math.random(); /// random x position
y = height - hf * Math.random(); /// random height
/// break grass into 3 segments with random variation
seg1 = y / 3 + y * hVariation * Math.random() * 0.1;
seg2 = (y / 3 * 2) + y * hVariation * Math.random() * 0.1;
grass.push(new grassObj(x, y, seg1, seg2, 15 * Math.random() + 50));
}
return grass;
}
Render
The render function just loops through the objects and updates the current geometry:
function renderGrass(ctx, grass) {
/// local vars for animation
var len = grass.length,
i = 0,
gr, pos, diff, pts, x, y;
/// renders background when loaded
if (iw > -1) {
ctx.drawImage(img, ix--, 0);
if (ix < -w) {
ctx.drawImage(img, ix + iw, 0);
}
if (ix <= -iw) ix = 0;
} else {
ctx.clearRect(0, 0, w, h);
}
/// loops through the grass object and renders current state
for(; gr = grass[i]; i++) {
x = gr.x;
y = gr.y;
ctx.beginPath();
/// calculates the end-point based on length and angle
/// Angle is limited [0, 60] which we add 225 deg. to get
/// it upwards. Alter 225 to make grass lean more to a side.
pos = lineToAngle(ctx, x, h, y, gr.currentAngle + 225);
/// diff between end point and root point
diff = (pos[0] - x)
pts = [];
/// starts at bottom, goes to top middle and then back
/// down with a slight offset to make the grass
pts.push(x); /// first couple at bottom
pts.push(h);
/// first segment 1/4 of the difference
pts.push(x + (diff / 4));
pts.push(h - gr.seg1);
/// second segment 2/3 of the difference
pts.push(x + (diff / 3 * 2));
pts.push(h - gr.seg2);
pts.push(pos[0]); /// top point
pts.push(pos[1]);
/// re-use previous data, but go backward down to root again
/// with a slight offset
pts.push(x + (diff / 3 * 2) + 10);
pts.push(h - gr.seg2);
pts.push(x + (diff / 4) + 12);
pts.push(h - gr.seg1 + 10);
pts.push(x + 15); /// end couple at bottom
pts.push(h);
/// smooth points (extended context function, see demo)
ctx.curve(pts, 0.8, 5);
ctx.closePath();
/// fill grass with its gradient
ctx.fillStyle = gr.gradient;
ctx.fill();
}
}
Animate
The main loop where we animate everything:
function animate() {
/// update each grass objects
for(var i = 0;i < grass.length; i++) grass[i].update();
/// render them
renderGrass(ctx, grass);
/// loop
requestAnimationFrame(animate);
}
And that's all there is to it for this version.

Darn! Late to the party...
But LOTS of neat answers here -- I'm upvoting all !
Anyway, here's my idea:
Here's code and a Fiddle: http://jsfiddle.net/m1erickson/MJjHz/
<!doctype html>
<html>
<head>
<link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" media="all" href="css/reset.css" /> <!-- reset css -->
<script src="http://code.jquery.com/jquery-1.9.1.js"></script>
<script src="http://code.jquery.com/ui/1.10.1/jquery-ui.js"></script>
<style>
body { font-family: arial; padding:15px; }
canvas { border: 1px solid red;}
input[type="text"]{width:35px;}
</style>
</head>
<body>
<p>Move mouse across hairs</p>
<canvas height="100" width="250" id="canvas"></canvas>
<script>
$(function() {
var canvas=document.getElementById("canvas");
var ctx = canvas.getContext("2d");
var canvasOffset=$("#canvas").offset();
var offsetX=canvasOffset.left;
var offsetY=canvasOffset.top;
var cHeight=canvas.height;
var showControls=false;
var lastMouseX=0;
// preset styling CONSTANTS
var SWAY=.55; // max endpoint sway from center
var C1Y=.40; // fixed Y of cp#1
var C2SWAY=.20 // max cp#2 sway from center
var C2Y=.75; // fixed Y of cp#2
var YY=20; // max height of ellipse at top of hair
var PIPERCENT=Math.PI/100;
var hairs=[];
// create hairs
var newHairX=40;
var hairCount=20;
for(var i=0;i<hairCount;i++){
var randomLength=50+parseInt(Math.random()*5);
addHair(newHairX+(i*8),randomLength);
}
function addHair(x,length){
hairs.push({
x:x,
length:length,
left:0,
right:0,
top:0,
s:{x:0,y:0},
c1:{x:0,y:0},
c2:{x:0,y:0},
e:{x:0,y:0},
isInMotion:false,
currentX:0
});
}
for(var i=0;i<hairs.length;i++){
var h=hairs[i];
setHairPointsFixed(h);
setHairPointsPct(h,50);
draw(h);
}
function setHairPointsFixed(h){
h.s.x = h.x;
h.s.y = cHeight;
h.c1.x = h.x;
h.c1.y = cHeight-h.length*C1Y;
h.c2.y = cHeight-h.length*C2Y;
h.top = cHeight-h.length;
h.left = h.x-h.length*SWAY;
h.right = h.x+h.length*SWAY;
}
function setHairPointsPct(h,pct){
// endpoint
var a=Math.PI+PIPERCENT*pct;
h.e.x = h.x - ((h.length*SWAY)*Math.cos(a));
h.e.y = h.top + (YY*Math.sin(a));
// controlpoint#2
h.c2.x = h.x + h.length*(C2SWAY*2*pct/100-C2SWAY);
}
//////////////////////////////
function handleMouseMove(e){
mouseX=parseInt(e.clientX-offsetX);
mouseY=parseInt(e.clientY-offsetY);
// draw this frame based on mouse moves
ctx.clearRect(0,0,canvas.width,canvas.height);
for(var i=0;i<hairs.length;i++){
hairMoves(hairs[i],mouseX,mouseY);
}
lastMouseX=mouseX;
}
$("#canvas").mousemove(function(e){handleMouseMove(e);});
function hairMoves(h,mouseX,mouseY){
// No hair movement if not touching hair
if(mouseY<cHeight-h.length-YY){
if(h.isInMotion){
h.isInMotion=false;
setHairPointsPct(h,50);
}
draw(h);
return;
}
// No hair movement if too deep in hair
if(mouseY>h.c1.y){
draw(h);
return;
}
//
var pct=50;
if(mouseX>=h.left && mouseX<=h.right){
if(h.isInMotion){
var pct=-(mouseX-h.right)/(h.right-h.left)*100;
setHairPointsPct(h,pct);
draw(h);
}else{
// if hair is at rest
// but mouse has just contacted hair
// set hair in motion
if( (lastMouseX<=h.x && mouseX>=h.x )
||(lastMouseX>=h.x && mouseX<=h.x )
){
h.isInMotion=true;
var pct=-(mouseX-h.right)/(h.right-h.left)*100;
}
setHairPointsPct(h,pct);
draw(h);
}
}else{
if(h.isInMotion){
h.isInMotion=false;
setHairPointsPct(h,50);
};
draw(h);
}
}
function dot(pt,color){
ctx.beginPath();
ctx.arc(pt.x,pt.y,5,0,Math.PI*2,false);
ctx.closePath();
ctx.fillStyle=color;
ctx.fill();
}
function draw(h){
ctx.beginPath();
ctx.moveTo(h.s.x,h.s.y);
ctx.bezierCurveTo(h.c1.x,h.c1.y,h.c2.x,h.c2.y,h.e.x,h.e.y);
ctx.strokeStyle="orange";
ctx.lineWidth=3;
ctx.stroke();
if(showControls){
dot(h.s,"green");
dot(h.c1,"red");
dot(h.c2,"blue");
dot(h.e,"purple");
ctx.beginPath();
ctx.rect(h.left,h.top-YY,(h.right-h.left),h.length*(1-C1Y)+YY)
ctx.lineWidth=1;
ctx.strokeStyle="lightgray";
ctx.stroke();
}
}
});
</script>
</body>
</html>

Here is a simple hair simulation that seems to be what you are looking for. The basic idea is to draw a bezier curve (in this case I use two curves to provide thickness for the hair). The curve will have a base, a bending point, and a tip. I set the bending point halfway up the hair. The tip of the hair will rotate about the axis of the base of the hair in response to mouse movement.
Place this code in a script tag below the canvas element declaration.
function Point(x, y) {
this.x = x;
this.y = y;
}
function Hair( ) {
this.height = 100; // hair height
this.baseWidth = 3; // hair base width.
this.thickness = 1.5; // hair thickness
this.points = {};
this.points.base1 = new Point(Math.random()*canvas.width, canvas.height);
// The point at which the hair will bend. I set it to the middle of the hair, but you can adjust this.
this.points.bendPoint1 = new Point(this.points.base1.x-this.thickness, this.points.base1.y - this.height / 2)
this.points.bendPoint2 = new Point(this.points.bendPoint1.x, this.points.bendPoint1.y-this.thickness); // complement of bendPoint1 - we use this because the hair has thickness
this.points.base2 = new Point(this.points.base1.x + this.baseWidth, this.points.base1.y) // complement of base1 - we use this because the hair has thickness
}
Hair.prototype.paint = function(mouseX, mouseY, direction) {
ctx.save();
// rotate the the tip of the hair
var tipRotationAngle = Math.atan(Math.abs(this.points.base1.y - mouseY)/Math.abs(this.points.base1.x - mouseX));
// if the mouse is on the other side of the hair, adjust the angle
if (mouseX < this.points.base1.x) {
tipRotationAngle = Math.PI - tipRotationAngle;
}
// if the mouse isn't close enough to the hair, it shouldn't affect the hair
if (mouseX < this.points.base1.x - this.height/2 || mouseX > this.points.base1.x + this.height/2 || mouseY < this.points.base1.y - this.height || mouseY > this.points.base1.y) {
tipRotationAngle = Math.PI/2; // 90 degrees, which means the hair is straight
}
// Use the direction of the mouse to as a lazy way to simulate the direction the hair should bend.
// Note that in real life, the direction that the hair should bend has nothing to do with the direction of motion. It actually depends on which side of the hair the force is being applied.
// Figuring out which side of the hair the force is being applied is a little tricky, so I took this shortcut.
// If you run your finger along a comb quickly, this approximation will work. However if you are in the middle of the comb and slowly change direction, you will notice that the force is still applied in the opposite direction of motion as you slowly back off the set of tines.
if ((mouseX < this.points.base1.x && direction == 'right') || (mouseX > this.points.base1.x && direction == 'left')) {
tipRotationAngle = Math.PI/2; // 90 degrees, which means the hair is straight
}
var tipPoint = new Point(this.points.base1.x + this.baseWidth + this.height*Math.cos(tipRotationAngle), this.points.base1.y - this.height*Math.sin(tipRotationAngle));
ctx.beginPath();
ctx.moveTo(this.points.base1.x, this.points.base1.y); // start at the base
ctx.bezierCurveTo(this.points.base1.x, this.points.base1.y, this.points.bendPoint1.x, this.points.bendPoint1.y, tipPoint.x, tipPoint.y); // draw a curve to the tip of the hair
ctx.bezierCurveTo(tipPoint.x, tipPoint.y, this.points.bendPoint2.x, this.points.bendPoint2.y, this.points.base2.x, this.points.base2.y); // draw a curve back down to the base using the complement points since the hair has thickness.
ctx.closePath(); // complete the path so we have a shape that we can fill with color
ctx.fillStyle='rgb(0,0,0)';
ctx.fill();
ctx.restore();
}
// I used global variables to keep the example simple, but it is generally best to avoid using global variables
window.canvas = document.getElementById('myCanvas');
window.ctx = canvas.getContext('2d');
ctx.fillStyle = 'rgb(200,255,255)'; // background color
window.hair = [];
window.prevClientX = 0;
for (var i = 0; i < 100; i++) {
hair.push(new Hair());
}
// initial draw
ctx.fillRect(0,0,canvas.width,canvas.height); // clear canvas
for (var i = 0; i < hair.length; i++) {
hair[i].paint(0, 0, 'right');
}
window.onmousemove = function(e) {
ctx.fillRect(0,0,canvas.width,canvas.height); // clear canvas
for (var i = 0; i < hair.length; i++) {
hair[i].paint(e.clientX, e.clientY, e.clientX > window.prevClientX ? 'right' : 'left');
}
window.prevClientX = e.clientX;
}

Made this some time ago, might be useful to some people. Just adjust the variables at the beginning of the code with the values that fits your wishes:
...
Mheight = 1;
height = 33;
width = 17;
distance = 10;
randomness = 14;
angle = Math.PI / 2;
...
Also on http://lucasm0ta.github.io/JsGrass/

Creating Mouse Event Handlers For Canvas Shapes

I'm coding a tile based game in javascript using canvas and was wondering how I could create a simple event handler for when the mouse enters the dimensions of a tile.
I've used jquery's http://api.jquery.com/mousemove/ in the past but for a very simple application but can't seem to wrap my head around how I'll do it in this case (quickly).
Hmm..
I started writing this post without a clue of how to do it, but I just tried using the jquery mousemove like I started above. I have a working version, but it seems 'slow' and very clunky. It's doesn't seem smooth or accurate.
I put all mode code into a js fiddle to share easily:
http://jsfiddle.net/Robodude/6bS6r/1/
so what's happening is:
1) jquery's mousemove event handler fires
2) Sends the mouse object info to the GameBoard
3) Sends the mouse object info to the Map
4) Loops through all the tiles and sends each one the mouse object
5) the individual tile then determines if the mouse coords are within its boundaries. (and does something - in this case, I just change the tiles properties to white)
but here are the sections I'm most concerned about.
$("#canvas").mousemove(function (e) {
mouse.X = e.pageX;
mouse.Y = e.pageY;
game.MouseMove(mouse);
Draw();
});
function GameBoard() {
this.Map = new Map();
this.Units = new Units();
this.MouseMove = function (Mouse) {
this.Map.MouseMove(Mouse);
};
}
function Map() {
this.LevelData = Level_1(); // array
this.Level = [];
this.BuildLevel = function () {
var t = new Tile();
for (var i = 0; i < this.LevelData.length; i++) {
this.Level.push([]);
for (var a = 0; a < this.LevelData[i].length; a++) {
var terrain;
if (this.LevelData[i][a] == "w") {
terrain = new Water({ X: a * t.Width, Y: i * t.Height });
}
else if (this.LevelData[i][a] == "g") {
terrain = new Grass({ X: a * t.Width, Y: i * t.Height });
}
this.Level[i].push(terrain);
}
}
};
this.Draw = function () {
for (var i = 0; i < this.Level.length; i++) {
for (var a = 0; a < this.Level[i].length; a++) {
this.Level[i][a].Draw();
}
}
};
this.MouseMove = function (Mouse) {
for (var i = 0; i < this.Level.length; i++) {
for (var a = 0; a < this.Level[i].length; a++) {
this.Level[i][a].MouseMove(Mouse);
}
}
};
this.BuildLevel();
}
function Tile(obj) {
//defaults
var X = 0;
var Y = 0;
var Height = 40;
var Width = 40;
var Image = "Placeholder.png";
var Red = 0;
var Green = 0;
var Blue = 0;
var Opacity = 1;
// ...
this.Draw = function () {
ctx.fillStyle = "rgba(" + this.Red + "," + this.Green + "," + this.Blue + "," + this.Opacity + ")";
ctx.fillRect(this.X, this.Y, this.Width, this.Height);
};
this.MouseMove = function (Mouse) {
if ((Mouse.X >= this.X) && (Mouse.X <= this.Xmax) && (Mouse.Y >= this.Y) && (Mouse.Y <= this.Ymax)) {
this.Red = 255;
this.Green = 255;
this.Blue = 255;
}
};
}

If you have a grid of tiles, then given a mouse position, you can retrieve the X and Y index of the tile by dividing the X mouse position by the width of a tile and Y position with the height and flooring both.
That would make Map's MouseMove:
this.MouseMove = function (Mouse) {
var t = new Tile();
var tileX = Math.floor(mouse.X / t.Width);
var tileY = Math.floor(mouse.Y / t.Height);
this.Level[tileY][tileX].MouseMove(Mouse);
};
Edit: You asked for some general suggestions. Here you go:
It's more common to use initial uppercase letters for only classes in JavaScript.
Mouse is a simple structure; I don't think it needs to have its own class. Perhaps use object literals. (like {x: 1, y: 2})
You may want to use JavaScript's prototype objects, rather than using this.method = function() { ... } for every method. This may increase performance, since it only has to create the functions once, and not whenever a new object of that class is made.