Generate timed ramp Generate ramps and line segments from one value to another within a specified amount of time. Cycling '74 Max Data Timing Destination Value of Ramp TEXT_HERE Total Ramp Time in Milliseconds TEXT_HERE Time Grain in Milliseconds TEXT_HERE Ramp Output TEXT_HERE Signals End of Ramp TEXT_HERE Initial value and type Sets the initial value to be stored in line and the output type for the object (floating-point or integer). If there is no argument, the initial value is 0 and the output type is int. Output granularity Sets an initial value for the grain: the time interval at which numbers are sent out. If the grain is not specified, line outputs a number every 20 milliseconds. The minimum grain allowed is 1 millisecond; any number less than 1 will be set to 20. Function depends on inlet In left inlet: The number is the target value, to be arrived at in the time specified by the number in the middle inlet. If no time has been specified since the last target value, the time is considered 0 and line immediately outputs the target value.

Note: the output type for the line object is set by using the first argument to the object (see Arguments).

In middle inlet: The number is the time, in milliseconds, in which to arrive at the target value.

In right inlet: The number is the interval (in milliseconds) at which intermediary numbers are regularly sent out. Function depends on inlet Performs the same function as int but with floats only if the object-argument is a float. Set target value and time Use various list combinations to reach a target value.
In one list combination, the first number specifies a starting value, followed by a comma and a number pair. The first number in the pair specifies the target value. The second number of the pair specifies the total amount of time (in milliseconds) in which line should reach the target value. In that amount of time, numbers are output regularly in a line from the currently stored value to the target value.

An example of this type of list is 0, 1 1000 0 1000. In this example, line would go from the starting value of 0 to 1 in one second, then back down to 0 in one second. Once the first ramp has reached its target value, the next one starts. A subsequent list, float, or int in the left inlet clears all ramps yet to be generated.

In another combination, the first number specifies a target value, not followed a comma, and the second number specifies a total amount of time (in milliseconds) in which line should reach the target value. The third number, which is optional, sets the grain. Grain will affect the time interval at which numbers are sent out. Once grains are set in a list, they will override the default until manually reset.

An example of this type of list is 1 1000 100. In this example, line would go from the current value to 1 in a second, outputting a value every 100 milliseconds.

If the list has an even number of elements greater than three, each pair of elements is considered a destination-ramptime pair in a breakpoint function. If the list has an odd number of elements greater than three, the last element will be ignored. Select a clock for timing The word clock, followed by the name of an existing setclock object, sets the line object to be controlled by that setclock object rather than by Max’s internal millisecond clock. The word clock by itself sets the line object back to using Max’s regular millisecond clock. Pause ramp In left inlet: Pauses the internal ramp but does not change the target value nor clear pending target-time pairs. line will continue outputting whatever value was its current value when the pause message was received, until either it receives a resume message or until a new ramp is input. Resume ramp In left inlet: Resumes the internal ramp and subsequent pending target-time pairs if the line object was paused as a result of the pause message. Set a new starting value In left inlet: The word set, followed by a number, makes that number the new starting value from which to proceed to the next received target value. The set message also stops line if it is in the process of sending out numbers. Stop generating output In left inlet: Stops line from sending out numbers, until a new target value is received. Compatibility Mode Provides compatibility when importing patches created with versions 7.x and earlier of Max. Set compatmode to 1 to use legacy behavior. Floating-Point Output Sets the floating-point output mode for the line object. The default is 2 (auto). Floating-Point Output off Does not output float values. If the initial argument is an integer, the floatoutput is set to off. Floating-Point Output on Outputs float values if specified in the initial argument. Floating-Point Output Auto Ouputs float values if distance is <= 1, line does not have a float argument, and step size is < 0.4. Time Grain (ms) Sets the grain value: the time interval at which numbers are sent out. The default is 20 milliseconds. The minimum grain allowed is 1 millisecond. Maximum Line Points Sets the maximum number of user defined points. The default is 129. To allow a greater number of points, use the maxpoints attribute. Out left outlet: Numbers are sent out at regular intervals, describing a straight line toward a target value. If a new target value and time are specified before the line is completed, the new line starts from the most recent output value, in order to avoid discontinuities.

If a value is received in the left inlet without an accompanying time value, it is sent out immediately (time is considered 0). Out right outlet: When line has arrived at its target value, bang is sent out.

Note: In practice, the target value is arrived at in just under the amount of time specified (time minus grain).