Time

Overview

• Node Name: Time
• Category: provider
• File: extensions/flowgraph/nodes/util/time.lua

Provides the current time and frame delta times. As a provider category node, it requires no flow input and continuously outputs timing data.

Pin Schema

Output Pins

Internals

Key Methods

Time Sources

• time: Uses os.clockhp() - high-precision real-time clock.
• dtReal: From self.mgr.dtReal - wall-clock delta, unaffected by pause or slow-motion.
• dtSim: From self.mgr.dtSim - simulation delta, respects pause state and time scaling.

How It Works

1. Every frame, work() updates all three output pins.
2. os.clockhp() provides absolute time (useful for measuring durations).
3. dtReal and dtSim come from the flowgraph manager's frame timing.
4. No input pins needed - the node is a passive data provider.

Usage Example

-- Measure elapsed time:
-- Connect 'time' output to a variable, compare across frames

-- Frame-rate independent animation:
-- Use dtSim for simulation-aware timing
-- Use dtReal for UI/HUD timing that ignores pause

-- Accumulate time in a custom node:
-- self.elapsed = self.elapsed + dtSim
-- Equivalent to building a timer from delta time

Key Dependencies

• os.clockhp() - high-precision clock
• self.mgr.dtReal / self.mgr.dtSim - flowgraph manager timing

See Also

• Route Distance (Flowgraph Node) - Related reference
• Closest Road (Flowgraph Node) - Related reference
• Custom Lua (Flowgraph Node) - Related reference
• FlowGraph Guide - Guide