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Lefteris Notas 0a2d08b2ad Add Planar Capture System implementation checklist and developer reference

- Created a comprehensive implementation checklist for the Planar Capture System (Systems 136-147) detailing tasks across multiple phases including C++ core, material foundation, Blueprint actors, data assets, integration, and performance testing.
- Added a developer reference document outlining the architecture, data flow, state machine, budget enforcement, render target pooling, horror features, integration points, multiplayer networking, performance characteristics, debugging methods, and build order for the capture systems.
- Introduced examples of capture surface usage in the Project Void horror game, including specific implementations for mirrors, monitors, portals, and fake windows, along with a checklist for integration tasks.

2026-05-22 15:36:08 +03:00

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141 — Monitor Surface Actor (`BP_Monitor`)

Purpose

Security screen, TV, or diegetic display monitor. Uses a fixed camera actor reference instead of dynamic mirror/portal math. Runs at low FPS by default (5fps) with scanline and static noise effects.

Dependencies

Requires: BP_PlanarCaptureActor (137), BPC_PlanarCapture (136)
Required By: BPC_DiegeticDisplay (18) — can display diegetic HUD content
Engine/Plugin Requirements: None additional

Class Info

Property	Value
Parent Class	`BP_PlanarCaptureActor` (C++ `ABP_PlanarCaptureActor`)
Class Type	Blueprint Actor
Asset Path	`Content/Framework/Capture/BP_Monitor.uasset`
C++ Status	🔵 BP Spec Only
BP Asset	Create in editor: `BP_Monitor`

1. Configuration (Class Defaults)

Variable	Value	Description
`CaptureComponent.CaptureMode`	`Monitor`	Fixed to Monitor mode
`CaptureComponent.CaptureFOV`	`70.0`	Narrower FOV for security camera feel
`CaptureComponent.QualityProfiles[0].CaptureInterval`	`0.2`	5fps Low quality (override)
`SurfaceMPC`	`MPC_CaptureSurface`	Global MPC

Monitor-Specific Properties (Add to BP)

Variable	Type	Default	Description
`bPoweredOn`	bool	true	On/off state
`bShowScanlines`	bool	false	CRT scanline overlay
`StaticNoiseIntensity`	float	0.0	Static/noise overlay (0.0–1.0)
`FlickerCurve`	UCurveFloat	—	On/off flicker timing curve
`PoweredOffMaterial`	UMaterialInterface	—	Material shown when off (black screen, cracked)

2. Material Setup

Slot	Material	Description
SurfaceMesh[0]	`MI_Monitor_Security`	Security screen with scanline support

3. Event Graph

Event BeginPlay

Event BeginPlay
  ├─ Parent: BeginPlay
  ├─ Set CaptureComponent.CaptureMode = Monitor
  ├─ Set CaptureComponent.CaptureFOV = 70.0
  ├─ [If bPoweredOn] EnableSurface
  └─ [Else] SetSurfaceMaterial(PoweredOffMaterial)

Event: PowerOn

PowerOn()
  ├─ Set bPoweredOn = true
  ├─ SetSurfaceMaterial(MI_Monitor_Security)
  ├─ EnableSurface()
  └─ [If FlickerCurve valid] StartFlickerTimeline

Event: PowerOff

PowerOff()
  ├─ Set bPoweredOn = false
  ├─ DisableSurface()
  ├─ SetSurfaceMaterial(PoweredOffMaterial)
  └─ StopFlickerTimeline

Event: SetStaticNoise(Intensity: float)

SetStaticNoise(Intensity)
  ├─ Clamp Intensity 0.0–1.0
  ├─ Set StaticNoiseIntensity = Intensity
  └─ SetSurfaceMPCParameter("StaticNoiseIntensity", Intensity)

4. Flicker Timeline Setup

If FlickerCurve is assigned, create a Timeline that drives:

Timeline: FlickerTimeline
  Curve: FlickerCurve (Float Track)
  On Update:
    ├─ Read curve value → bIsFlickerOn
    ├─ If bIsFlickerOn and not bPoweredOn → PowerOn (brief)
    └─ If not bIsFlickerOn and bPoweredOn → PowerOff (brief)

5. Communication Matrix

Target	Method	What
`BPC_DiegeticDisplay` (18)	Interface (I_DiegeticDisplay)	Can display diegetic HUD content as secondary output
`SS_AudioManager` (132)	Direct	Monitor static/buzz/hum SFX
`BPC_ScareEventSystem` (101)	Dispatcher	Monitor flicker/horror image scare

6. Manual Implementation Guide

6.1 Create BP_Monitor

Create Blueprint Class: Parent = BP_PlanarCaptureActor, Name = BP_Monitor
Set CaptureComponent.CaptureMode = Monitor in defaults
Set CaptureComponent.CaptureFOV = 70.0
Override QualityProfiles[0].CaptureInterval to 0.2 (5fps Low)
Assign MI_Monitor_Security to SurfaceMesh
Create PoweredOffMaterial — simple dark/black emissive material

6.2 Camera Placement

Create a CameraActor or SceneCaptureCamera (BP child of CameraActor) in the level
Position it where the monitor should "look from"
In BP_Monitor instance: set CaptureComponent.FixedCameraActor → your camera actor

6.3 Power Control

For narrative-driven power control:

External system calls: BP_Monitor → PowerOn() / PowerOff()
Trigger: Narrative flag set → Branch → PowerOn or PowerOff

7. Build Checklist

Create BP_Monitor Blueprint child
Assign MI_Monitor_Security material
Create PoweredOffMaterial (dark screen)
Place camera actor and assign FixedCameraActor
Test PowerOn/PowerOff cycle
Test flicker curve timeline
Test static noise parameter
Test: place multiple monitors, verify quality budget works

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141 — Monitor Surface Actor (BP_Monitor)