patch - masking

[arfa]

scene - snake spirals upward around a tree. In front, then behind... etc.
I tried using a patch layer to hide when behind. It works brilliantly - except there seems no way to include tree outline in the patch. Am I missing a checkbox? Is there a setting somewhere?
If not I will add this to feature request.

I have resorted to a 'mechanical' patch which works but the patch layer is so quick and precise that it would be neat if it could include the outline.
I also tried 2 trees - front and behind. Also OK but the patch is a one-click-wonder

As an aside as part of my learning curve...
Is there a way to set up a masking layer(s) that would perform the patch trick - including outline?
The basic mask reveals on overlap. Is there a layer combination that has hide on overlap? I need to spend more time on learning masking and any suggestions here would be appreciated.

[slowtiger]

The easiest solution is still to have the tree duplicated, then trim the top one so it only covers where needed. This can be done easily with a mask.

[funksmaname]

I think patch layers are a bad idea. For a start, they are circular. Also, you need to have lots of them I imagine. A simple mask with 'ignore outline' on should do the trick. I'll have a mess with it in a bit and see if I can send a solution... but the theory goes, you'd just have 'stripes' of mask on a single layer to obscure the 'back' portion of the snake - shouldn't be too much trouble (in theory )

[funksmaname]

ah, crosspost with tiger - actually - his solution is probably simpler to get your head around and would work just as well.

[arfa]

Yes, layer duplication covers a lot of bases.
At the moment the tree has no texture but I am thinking it will and patches [better to read 'overlayed vector objects'] will most likely not line up the tex.

I will try visible/invisible toggle rather than altering the shape.

A simple mask with 'ignore outline' on should do the trick.

As I said I need to give more time to masking but if you have time to expand on this I would appreciate that.

An alternate shape for patch layers would be ideal but O is oK.
I would only have three.
Its quick and clean - apart from the outline. Actually it looks nicely weird with the head diving into the bark but I am bit off weird at the mo.

thx

[funksmaname]

So, this is one way of doing it... I didn't use the 'ignore strokes' as it didn't do what I wanted.
The tree is unmasked, and there's a rough mask masking the snake. The main advantage of this over patch layers is that I can make it any shape I want, so you dont NEED to exclude the stroke (just mask what you dont want and keep what you want) - this can also be animated same as any other layer. Also, it's a single layer, so easier to manage that multiple patches.

Group (Hide all)
-- snake (mask this layer)
-- MASK (add to mask but keep invisible)
-- background (don't mask)

Hope this is helpful! file here:
http://www.mediafire.com/?x67u9tuxw8r5v87

[arfa]

Exactly it...!
I got my version working quick enough from your example. Thank you for that.

Reading around I can see there are a few masking permutations I still need to explore.

> multiposting...
forum life is a curious reality. I admire the more 'seasoned' of you that have the patience. I guess to some extent you all need the cross-fertilisation and fresh input as much as I.

MoRe to come

[funksmaname]