Controllers are data graph nodes whose purpose is to allow users to intuitively interact with (i.e. control) the data graph in SAMSON. In effect, controllers are 3D widgets that are visible in the viewport, and are typically clicked, moved, modified, etc. by the user in order to have an indirect effect on other data graph nodes. For example, one SAMSON Extension defines a translation controller that makes it possible to translate selected nodes.

A translation and rotation controller of the local move editor in SAMSON

Controllers may have several controller nodes. For example, the translation controller in the figure above has four controller nodes: one per direction (X, Y and Z), and one for translation in the camera plane.