I think your combo expression simplifies to something like this:

 

p1=thisLayer.position;

p2=thisComp.layer("drag me").position;

distance=length(p1,p2);

n = linear(distance, 0, 40,20, 0);

value + (p2 - p2.valueAtTime(0))*n

 

But I don’t think it’s going to behave the way you want, based on your link.

 

Dan

 

From: scott.aelist

Sent: Thursday, November 14, 2013 3:41 PM

To: After Effects Mail List

Subject: [AE] expressions: parent/move layer based on proximity?

 

I'm trying to merge two expressions i've found, one that 'parents' a layer's position to a master layer, and another that modulates a value based on proximity. My goal is to have a master layer 'smear' the position of child layers depending on how close they are. Sort of like the way this AI tool works.

I believe the problem is in the syntax of the last three lines where I try to combine the proximity value to the parenting.

I get: ERROR: Class property has no method named value

Any ideas what I'm doing wrong?

 

// get proximity //

// Point1 is current layer, point2 is control layer
point1=this_layer.position;
point2=this_comp.layer("drag me").position;
// Find the vector between the 2 points
delta=sub(point1, point2);
// Now find the length
distance=length(delta);
//Use linear() to remap distance to range of 40 to 0
n = linear(distance, 0, 40,20, 0);

// parenting //
myParent = thisComp.layer("drag me");
myProp = myParent.transform.position;

// combine proximity and parenting //

x = transform.position[0] + (myProp[0].value - myProp[0].valueAtTime(0) * n);
y = transform.position[1] + (myProp[1].value - myProp[1].valueAtTime(0) * n);
[x,y]