Problem: syntax for checking and changing a variable in a different class

[littlemegzz]

I am trying to modify the LoTrap mod (Valve portal gun for UT3) so that it will not work if it hits an unvalid wall. I have created a new type of Volume called LoTrapVolume and I have an edited version of the Weap_LoTrap gun that will clean up the portals if it hits an invalid wall.

Essentially I do not know the syntax to be able to reference:

If the object that is colliding with my LoTrapVolume is a LoTrap projectile
Access and change a variable within another script ( from LoTrapVolume01.uc I need to change 'bValidWall' boolean, located in Weap_LoTrap_Edit01.uc, to false )

I am new to unreal script, so saying - just look up documentation, does not help me.

Following is my edited version of the Weap_LoTrap gun

class Weap_LoTrap_Edit extends Weap_LoTrap;

 // Is the wall valid to create a portal on?
 var bool bValidWall;
 var int whichPortalToCleanUp;
 
 
 // check whether Portal has hit a valid wall or not (based on hitting a LotrapVolume). 
function bool HitValidPortalWall( vector HitLocation, vector HitNormal )
{
	if (bValidWall)
	{
		return true;
	}
	else 
	{
		
		return false;
	}

}

/* original CleanUpPortals function


// Cleans up any existing portals
simulated function CleanUpPortals()
{
	
	if( m_Teleporters[0] != none )
	{
		m_Teleporters[0].BeginClose();
	}

	if( m_Teleporters[1] != none )
	{
		m_Teleporters[1].BeginClose();
	}

	// Even if the teleporters are destroyed, they aren't garbage collected unless we clean up references to them as well
	m_Teleporters[0] = none;
	m_Teleporters[1] = none;
}

*/

simulated function ProcessPortalHit( byte FiringMode, vector HitLocation, vector HitNormal )
{
	local byte OtherMode;

	// Server side code only
	if( Role != ROLE_Authority )
	{
		return;
	}

	// We are allowed to fire again now.
	m_MyProjectile = none;

	// Only continue if we hit a wall that is big enough for our portal
	if( HitValidPortalWall( HitLocation, HitNormal ) )
	{

		OtherMode = (FiringMode == 1 ) ? 0 : 1;

		if( m_Teleporters[FiringMode] == none )
		{
			if( FiringMode == 0 )
			{
				m_Teleporters[FiringMode] =	Spawn( class'LoTrap_Teleporter_Blue',,,HitLocation, rotator(HitNormal),,true );
			}
			else
			{
				m_Teleporters[FiringMode] =	Spawn( class'LoTrap_Teleporter_Red',,,HitLocation, rotator(HitNormal),,true );
			}
		}
		else
		{
			m_Teleporters[FiringMode].SetLocation( HitLocation);
			m_Teleporters[FiringMode].SetRotation(  rotator(HitNormal)  );
		}

		// Begins the scaling of the portal
		m_Teleporters[FiringMode].BeginOpen();

		// Update both the portals
		m_Teleporters[FiringMode].SetTargetTeleporter( m_Teleporters[OtherMode] );

		if( m_Teleporters[OtherMode] != none )
		{
			m_Teleporters[OtherMode].SetTargetTeleporter( m_Teleporters[FiringMode] );
		}

		m_Teleporters[FiringMode].UpdateRenderTarget();

		if( m_Teleporters[OtherMode] != none )
		{
			m_Teleporters[OtherMode].UpdateRenderTarget();
		}
	} else
	{
		// I may need to split up this function to know whether it was the blue or orange portal which hit so the CleanUpPortals function does not destroy valid portals
		CleanUpPortals();
		
		// clean up validity check
		bValidWall = true;
	}
}

Here is my attempt to create the LoTrapVolume

/**
 * Copyright 2012 Dale, Alison. All Rights Reserved.
 * Desctiption: Custom volume which stops Lotrap portals from occuring
 */

class LotrapVolume01 extends Volume
	native
	placeable;

var bool bNotValidWall;
var bool bBounceHitObject;



// On Touch with a LoTrap projectile will set the HitValidPortalWall return value to false. (HitValidPortalWall function is found in Weap_LoTrap.uc)
event Touch( Actor Other, PrimitiveComponent OtherComp, vector HitLocation, vector HitNormal )
{
	// ? super.Touch( Actor Other, PrimitiveComponent OtherComp, vector HitLocation, vector HitNormal );
	
	// Check whether the actor touching the volume is one of the LoTrap projectiles (there is a different projectile whether you click with the left or right mouse button)
	AssociatedActor.Touch(Other, OtherComp, HitLocation, HitNormal);
	
	/* I'm not sure on the syntax with check if it is a Lotrap projectile */
	If (Pawn(Other) != None && Pawn(Other) = /*REFERENCE LOTRAP Projectile*/ )
	{
		// Change the 'bValidWall' boolean in Weap_LoTrap_Edit.uc to false
		/* Again, I need to learn how to reference and edit variables in other scripts */
		// I may need to split up this function to know whether it was the blue or orange portal which hit so the CleanUpPortals function does not destroy valid portals
		
		
	}
}


event UnTouch(Actor Other)
{
    super.UnTouch(Other);

    if (Pawn(Other) != none && Pawn(Other) = /* REFERENCE LOTRAP PROJECTILE*/)
    {
	
	// TODO: Change the 'bValidWall' boolean in Weap_LoTrap_Edit.uc to True - NOT SURE HOW
	}
}

simulated event PostBeginPlay()
{
	Super.PostBeginPlay();

	// match bProjTarget to weapons (zero extent) collision setting
	if (BrushComponent != None)
	{
		bProjTarget = BrushComponent.BlockZeroExtent;
	}
}

simulated function bool StopsProjectile(Projectile P)
{
	return false;
}

defaultproperties
{
   BrushColor=(B=200,G=177,R=72,A=255)
   bColored=True
   Begin Object Class=BrushComponent Name=BrushComponent0 ObjName=BrushComponent0 Archetype=BrushComponent'Engine.Default__Volume:BrushComponent0'
      ObjectArchetype=BrushComponent'Engine.Default__Volume:BrushComponent0'
   End Object
   BrushComponent=BrushComponent0
   Components(0)=BrushComponent0
   bProjTarget=True
   CollisionComponent=BrushComponent0
   SupportedEvents(1)=Class'Engine.SeqEvent_TakeDamage'
   Name="Default__LoTrapVolume"
   ObjectArchetype=Volume'Engine.Default__Volume'
}

Here is the original Weap_Lotrap code, if it helps

//-----------------------------------------------------------
//
//-----------------------------------------------------------
class Weap_LoTrap extends UTWeapon;

/* List of teleporters that we have currently in existence */
var LoTrap_Teleporter m_Teleporters[2];

/* The pretty particle system for this weapon */
var UTParticleSystemComponent m_ParticleSwirly;
var UTParticleSystemComponent m_ParticleLeftBlue;
var UTParticleSystemComponent m_ParticleRightOrange;

/* Keeps track of the current projectile, to make sure we only have one in the air at a time */
var LoTrap_Proj m_MyProjectile;

simulated state Active
{
	simulated function BeginState( name PreviousStateName )
	{
		Super.BeginState( PreviousStateName );

		// Attach the system to the 1st person mesh.
		if( SkeletalMeshComponent( Mesh ) != none )
		{
			SkeletalMeshComponent( Mesh ).AttachComponentToSocket( m_ParticleSwirly, 'FX_Socket' );
			SkeletalMeshComponent( Mesh ).AttachComponentToSocket( m_ParticleLeftBlue, 'Left' );
			SkeletalMeshComponent( Mesh ).AttachComponentToSocket( m_ParticleRightOrange, 'Right' );

			m_ParticleLeftBlue.SetDepthPriorityGroup(SDPG_Foreground);
			m_ParticleLeftBlue.SetFOV(UTSkeletalMeshComponent(Mesh).FOV);

			m_ParticleRightOrange.SetDepthPriorityGroup(SDPG_Foreground);
			m_ParticleRightOrange.SetFOV(UTSkeletalMeshComponent(Mesh).FOV);

			// Activate it.
			m_ParticleLeftBlue.ActivateSystem();
			m_ParticleRightOrange.ActivateSystem();
			m_ParticleSwirly.ActivateSystem();
		}
	}
}

simulated function Projectile ProjectileFire()
{
	// Already have one in the air, destroy it.
	if( m_MyProjectile != none )
	{
		m_MyProjectile.Destroy();
	}

	m_MyProjectile = LoTrap_Proj(Super.ProjectileFire());

	if (m_MyProjectile != None )
	{
		m_MyProjectile.m_MyWeapon = self;
	}

	return m_MyProjectile;
}

function bool HitValidPortalWall( vector HitLocation, vector HitNormal )
{
	// make sure that the four corners from the hit location will be big enough to support our mesh.
	return true;
}

/**
 * When destroyed, make sure we clean up any portals that are still around
 */
simulated event Destroyed()
{
	super.Destroyed();

	CleanUpPortals();
}

/**
 * A notification call when this weapon is removed from the Inventory of a pawn
 * @see Inventory::ItemRemovedFromInvManager
 */

function ItemRemovedFromInvManager()
{
	Super.ItemRemovedFromInvManager( );
	CleanUpPortals();
}

// Cleans up any existing portals
simulated function CleanUpPortals()
{
	if( m_Teleporters[0] != none )
	{
		m_Teleporters[0].BeginClose();
	}

	if( m_Teleporters[1] != none )
	{
		m_Teleporters[1].BeginClose();
	}

	// Even if the teleporters are destroyed, they aren't garbage collected unless we clean up references to them as well
	m_Teleporters[0] = none;
	m_Teleporters[1] = none;
}

simulated function ProcessPortalHit( byte FiringMode, vector HitLocation, vector HitNormal )
{
	local byte OtherMode;

	// Server side code only
	if( Role != ROLE_Authority )
	{
		return;
	}

	// We are allowed to fire again now.
	m_MyProjectile = none;

	// Only continue if we hit a wall that is big enough for our portal
	if( HitValidPortalWall( HitLocation, HitNormal ) )
	{

		OtherMode = (FiringMode == 1 ) ? 0 : 1;

		if( m_Teleporters[FiringMode] == none )
		{
			if( FiringMode == 0 )
			{
				m_Teleporters[FiringMode] =	Spawn( class'LoTrap_Teleporter_Blue',,,HitLocation, rotator(HitNormal),,true );
			}
			else
			{
				m_Teleporters[FiringMode] =	Spawn( class'LoTrap_Teleporter_Red',,,HitLocation, rotator(HitNormal),,true );
			}
		}
		else
		{
			m_Teleporters[FiringMode].SetLocation( HitLocation);
			m_Teleporters[FiringMode].SetRotation(  rotator(HitNormal)  );
		}

		// Begins the scaling of the portal
		m_Teleporters[FiringMode].BeginOpen();

		// Update both the portals
		m_Teleporters[FiringMode].SetTargetTeleporter( m_Teleporters[OtherMode] );

		if( m_Teleporters[OtherMode] != none )
		{
			m_Teleporters[OtherMode].SetTargetTeleporter( m_Teleporters[FiringMode] );
		}

		m_Teleporters[FiringMode].UpdateRenderTarget();

		if( m_Teleporters[OtherMode] != none )
		{
			m_Teleporters[OtherMode].UpdateRenderTarget();
		}
	}
}
simulated function String GetHumanReadableName()
{
	return "LoTrap Gun";
}

defaultproperties
{
   Begin Object Class=UTParticleSystemComponent Name=Particle_Swirly ObjName=Particle_Swirly Archetype=UTParticleSystemComponent'UTGame.Default__UTParticleSystemComponent'
      Template=ParticleSystem'WP_LoTrap.FX.FX_LoTrapSwirly'
      SecondsBeforeInactive=0.000000
      Name="Particle_Swirly"
      ObjectArchetype=UTParticleSystemComponent'UTGame.Default__UTParticleSystemComponent'
   End Object
   m_ParticleSwirly=Particle_Swirly
   Begin Object Class=UTParticleSystemComponent Name=Particle_LeftBlue ObjName=Particle_LeftBlue Archetype=UTParticleSystemComponent'UTGame.Default__UTParticleSystemComponent'
      Template=ParticleSystem'WP_LoTrap.FX.FX_LeftBlue'
      SecondsBeforeInactive=0.000000
      Name="Particle_LeftBlue"
      ObjectArchetype=UTParticleSystemComponent'UTGame.Default__UTParticleSystemComponent'
   End Object
   m_ParticleLeftBlue=Particle_LeftBlue
   Begin Object Class=UTParticleSystemComponent Name=Particle_RightOrange ObjName=Particle_RightOrange Archetype=UTParticleSystemComponent'UTGame.Default__UTParticleSystemComponent'
      Template=ParticleSystem'WP_LoTrap.FX.FX_RightOrange'
      SecondsBeforeInactive=0.000000
      Name="Particle_RightOrange"
      ObjectArchetype=UTParticleSystemComponent'UTGame.Default__UTParticleSystemComponent'
   End Object
   m_ParticleRightOrange=Particle_RightOrange
   ShotCost(0)=0
   ShotCost(1)=0
   InventoryGroup=1
   AttachmentClass=Class'LoTrap.Attachment_LoTrap'
   GroupWeight=0.700000
   ArmsAnimSet=AnimSet'WP_FlakCannon.Anims.K_WP_FlakCannon_1P_Arms'
   WeaponFireSnd(0)=SoundCue'A_Weapon_FlakCannon.Weapons.A_FlakCannon_FireAltCue'
   WeaponFireSnd(1)=SoundCue'A_Weapon_FlakCannon.Weapons.A_FlakCannon_FireAltCue'
   WeaponPutDownSnd=SoundCue'A_Weapon_Link.Cue.A_Weapon_Link_LowerCue'
   WeaponEquipSnd=SoundCue'A_Weapon_Link.Cue.A_Weapon_Link_RaiseCue'
   MuzzleFlashSocket="MuzzleFlash"
   MuzzleFlashPSCTemplate=ParticleSystem'WP_ShockRifle.Particles.P_ShockRifle_MF_Alt'
   WeaponFireTypes(0)=EWFT_Projectile
   WeaponFireTypes(1)=EWFT_Projectile
   WeaponProjectiles(0)=Class'LoTrap.LoTrap_Proj_Primary'
   WeaponProjectiles(1)=Class'LoTrap.LoTrap_Proj_Alt'
   Begin Object Class=UTSkeletalMeshComponent Name=FirstPersonMesh ObjName=FirstPersonMesh Archetype=UTSkeletalMeshComponent'UTGame.Default__UTWeapon:FirstPersonMesh'
      FOV=60.000000
      SkeletalMesh=SkeletalMesh'WP_LoTrap.Meshes.SK_WP_LoTrap'
      Animations=UTAnimNodeSequence'LoTrap.Default__Attachment_LoTrap:SkeletalMeshComponent0.MeshSequenceA'
      AnimSets(0)=AnimSet'WP_Translocator.Anims.K_WP_Translocator_1P_Base'
      Translation=(X=-6.000000,Y=0.000000,Z=-4.000000)
      ObjectArchetype=UTSkeletalMeshComponent'UTGame.Default__UTWeapon:FirstPersonMesh'
   End Object
   Mesh=FirstPersonMesh
   Begin Object Class=SkeletalMeshComponent Name=PickupMesh ObjName=PickupMesh Archetype=SkeletalMeshComponent'UTGame.Default__UTWeapon:PickupMesh'
      SkeletalMesh=SkeletalMesh'WP_LoTrap.Meshes.SK_WP_LoTrap_MID'
      ObjectArchetype=SkeletalMeshComponent'UTGame.Default__UTWeapon:PickupMesh'
   End Object
   DroppedPickupMesh=PickupMesh
   PickupFactoryMesh=PickupMesh
   Name="Default__Weap_LoTrap"
   ObjectArchetype=UTWeapon'UTGame.Default__UTWeapon'
}

Thankyou for whatever help you can give me on this.

[RattleSN4K3]

Well, basically you access properties and change its value by having an instance of a class - like in the most OOP languages

class O extends Object;

var int MyVar;

class A extends Actor placeable;

var O MyObject;

event PostBeginPlay()
{
    // this creates an instance
    MyObject = new class'O';

    `Log("Old value:"@MyObject.MyVar);
    // adding 5 to the properties
    MyObject.MyVar = MyObject.MyVar + 5
    // can also be written as:
    // MyObject.MyVar += 5

    `Log("New value:"@MyObject.MyVar);
}

This is a basic example for accessing a variable.

--------------------------

But if you want to access a variable of a child class but you have only a variable of the parent class you need to cast the object

class O2 extends O;

var int MyVar2;

class A2 extends Actor placeable;

var O MyObject;

event PostBeginPlay()
{
    // this creates an instance of O2 but stored in a Ovar
    // it's possible because O is a parent of O2
    MyObject = new class'O2';
   

    `Log("Old value:"@MyObject.MyVar);
    // adding 5 to the properties
    MyObject.MyVar += 7

    `Log("New value:"@MyObject.MyVar);


    // this will cause a error on compiling because the properties is not accessible on design-time
    //`Log("New var:"@MyObject.MyVar2);

    // casting object and accessing props
    // casted object = CLASSNAME(INSTANCED_OBJECT)
    // O2(MyObject)
    `Log("Old value MyVar2:"@ O2(MyObject).MyVar2);
    // adding 10 to the properties
    MyObject.MyVar2 += 10

    `Log("New value MyVar2:"@O2(MyObject).MyVar2);
}

So the key to success: Casting

You may also check the following page.
http://udn.epicgames.com/Three/Unrea...Reference.html
and it's subpages:
http://udn.epicgames.com/Three/UnrealScriptReference.html#Language Features
--------------------------------------

If you want to check if an actor is a type of another class (existing one on design-time) you can get this by casting the object.

function RandomF(Actor a)
{
    if (Pawn(a) != none) {
        // the Actor is a Pawn
        // do something
    }
    if (Projectile(a) != none) {
        // the Actor is a Projectile
        // do something
    }
}

---------------------------

Regarding the LoTrap code. I created a quick version of the custom volume. The volume as 4 properties (to be set in the editor). This volume needs the CollisionType property set to COLLIDE_BlockAll.

• bAllowBluePortal: If set, you can only shoot blue portals on this "surface".
• bAllowRedPortal: If set, you can only shoot red portals on this "surface".
• TeamNum: The team number this volume belongs to (255 for no team)
• bAllowOnlyTeam: If set, only players of the same team can shoot a portal on this "surface"

The volume code

class LoTrap_Volume extends Volume
    placeable;

var(LoTrap) byte TeamNum;
var(LoTrap) bool bAllowOnlyTeam;
var(LoTrap) bool bAllowBluePortal;
var(LoTrap) bool bAllowRedPortal;

function CheckProjectile(Actor Other)
{
    if (Other != none && LoTrap_Proj(Other) != none) {

        // only change bValidWall if either bAllowOnlyTeam is false (=any team is allowed to put portals on it) 
        // or the TeamNum is the same as the projectiles ones (so a Team members has fired the projectile)
        if (!bAllowOnlyTeam || Other.GetTeamNum() == TeamNum) {

            // Casting Other to LoTrap_Proj to access porperties of the new class
            if( LoTrap_Proj(Other).m_MyWeapon != none && Weap_LoTrapCustom(LoTrap_Proj(Other).m_MyWeapon) != none)
            {
                // check if the player/weapon has the correct firemode to spawn the specific portal
                if (LoTrap_Proj(Other).m_iMyFireMode == 0 && bAllowBluePortal) {
                    Weap_LoTrapCustom(LoTrap_Proj(Other).m_MyWeapon).bValidWall = true;
                } else if (LoTrap_Proj(Other).m_iMyFireMode == 1 && bAllowRedPortal ) {
                    Weap_LoTrapCustom(LoTrap_Proj(Other).m_MyWeapon).bValidWall = true;
                }
            }
        }
    }
}

event Touch( Actor Other, PrimitiveComponent OtherComp, vector HitLocation, vector HitNormal )
{
    CheckProjectile(Other);

    super.Touch(Other, OtherComp, HitLocation, HitNormal);
}

event Bump( Actor Other, PrimitiveComponent OtherComp, Vector HitNormal )
{
    CheckProjectile(Other);

    super.Bump(Other, OtherComp, HitNormal);
}

// No need to handle a special untouch event for LoTrap projectiles
event UnTouch( Actor Other )
{
    super.UnTouch(Other);
}

DefaultProperties
{
    // use COLLIDE_BlockAll to have a portal on a Volume
    //CollisionType=COLLIDE_TouchAll
    CollisionType=COLLIDE_BlockAll
    BlockRigidBody=true

    TeamNum=255
    bAllowOnlyTeam=false
    bAllowBluePortal=true
    bAllowRedPortal=true
}

Weapon code

class Weap_LoTrapCustom extends Weap_LoTrap;

var bool bValidWall;

simulated function FireAmmunition()
{
    // Server side code only
    if( Role != ROLE_Authority )
    {
        bValidWall = false;
    }

    super.FireAmmunition();    
}

function bool HitValidPortalWall( vector HitLocation, vector HitNormal )
{
    return bValidWall;
}

DefaultProperties
{
}

--------------------

Regarding your code:
There are several problems with your code. This post is too long already. Let me know, if you want to know the points.

[littlemegzz]

Thankyou so much. It is helpful to have it in such simple terms with examples. I will go and code my heart away now and get back if I have any more trouble.

[littlemegzz]

So I have tried your code, and no matter where I shoot, the portal is not made. I tried editing my code and stops one portal being made (no matter where it is shot) and then you may shoot anywhere.

As a side note, I also have to have the volume so that it allows the players to walk through it (like the emansipation grid in portal). I won't worry about cleaning up all portals if you go through it though. Im guessing that will take me way too long for now.