Blend-Point Definition

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Blend-Point Definition
see also:Blend-Point Editor

In MotionDesigner, a "Blend-Point" is the name given to an instance on the X-axis where adjacent segments are joined, or where one segment ends and the next starts.

NOTE: Each of the motion graphs represent the same motion, but at a different motion derivative. Therefore, the blend-point at a certain X-axis value on the position graph is the same blend-point at the same X-Axis value on the other graphs.

Blend-points are displayed as small round circles in each of the graphs.

The Bend-Point Editor is used to precisely define the blend-point motion values.

Typically, machine designers will blend the segments end to end so that the graphs (that is, the motion) are continuous in at least position, velocity, and very likely, acceleration, too. (When we say "continuous in velocity", for example, we mean that there will not be a step change in velocity throughout the motion). Jerk can also be made continuous, but there are often conflicting outcomes that may not make this advantageous.

In the example image above, the blend-point being edited is the one at the beginning of the red, selected segment - Blend-Point (or Node) Number 2
You should see that the position, velocity and the acceleration conditions match at the blend-point.
The jerk conditions are unspecified - the jerk graph is not being shown - you can still specify motion conditions at any derivative even without the graph showing.

MotionDesigner makes no preconceptions about the needs of the user's motion design and does not force the user to accept preconceived blend-point conditions.
For example, if the user wants to have step changes in Position at a blend-point then he can do so.
The only restriction is that some segment types do not have enough flexibility that allows the specification of some blend-point conditions.

(Note the special case of the first Blend-Point is formed at the join of the last segment end-point with the first segment start-point)