GMU:3DIY/analoge 3d animation: Difference between revisions

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==Analoge 3D Animation - Die Idee==
==Preliminary Considerations==
Wir leben in einer Epoche in der alles jederzeit digital abrufbar ist. Fotografie, Kartographie, Musik, Filme, Bücher, Zeichnungen. Nach und nach sind alle großen analogen Medien durch digitale Pendants ersetzt - und nie war die Umwandlung in Einsen und Nullen leichter.
===Analog 3D Animation - The Idea===
Doch die technische Entwicklung bietet auch die Möglichkeit zum Umkehrschluss. Mit Hilfe des 3D Druckers wollen wir den Schritt gehen und eines der wenigen, rein digitalen Medien greifbar machen: Die Analogisierung des Digitalen. Die Analogisierung reiner 3D Animation.
We live in a time where everything is digitally acessable. Photography, cartography, music, films, books and drawings. One by one all major analoge medias are replaced by their digital pendant - and the transformation into "ones" and "zeros" has never been easier.
But the technological evolution also offers the possibility to take the opposite direction. With the help of the 3d printer we want to take the step and transform one of the few mere digital medias into an analog counterpart of itself: The analogisation of the digital. The analogisation of mere 3d animation.


3D Animation ist eine der wenigen Filmformen deren Essenz fast komplett in Bildschirmarbeit entsteht. Orte und Protagonisten sind digital. Kamera und Beleuchtung sind digital. Und auch das Trägermedium muss längst kein analoger Film mehr sein. Die Möglichkeit, einen Film komplett virtuell entstehen zu lassen, unterscheidet den 3D Animationsfilm von seinen analogen Vorgängern.
3d animation is on of the few movie genres which is almost fully created in digital work. Places and characters are digital. Camera and lighting is digital. And even the carrier medium isnt analog film anymore in many cases. (Pleas note, that we are not referring to Stop-Motion Animation which is actually an analog media.) The possibility to create a movie fully virtual, distinguishes the 3d animation movie from its analog forerunners.


Diese Besonderheit soll Ausgangspunkt für unser Projekt sein. Wir wollen mit Hilfe des 3D Druckers einen Gegenentwurf zu Digitalisierung analoger Medien umsetzen und ein digitales Medium analogisieren.
This speciality shall be the starting point of our project. We want to create an alternative draft to the digitalisation of analog medias and analogize a digital media instead.
Der 3D Drucker als eigenes Medium, welches digitale Vorgänge in der analogen Welt greifbarer machen kann, ist dafür ein optimales Werkzeug. Dabei interessiert uns auch die Abstraktion, die das 3D Modell durch den Vorgang des Ausdruckens zwangsläufig erfährt. (Relativ niedrige "Auflösung" des Modells durch sichtbare Kunststoffschichten) Eventuell soll diese Besonderheit im Inhalt der analogisierten Animation direkt oder indirekt thematisiert werden.
The 3d printer as a distinct media can realize digital operation into analog object. Therefore it is the perfect tool for our aim. Considering this, we are also interested in the abstraction of the printed result, that automatically appears while printing. (Due to the small resolution of the model and the visible plastic layers, created by the printhead)


==Das Prinzip Zoetrop==
===The Principle of the Zoetrope===
Um digitale Animation in analoge Animation umzuwandeln, gibt es mehrere Möglichkeiten. Klassischerweise wird Filmmaterial Frame für Frame mit den Einzelbildern der Animation belichtet, sodass eine komplette Filmkopie entsteht. (Beispielsweise für Kinovorführungen) Diese Art der Analogisierung ist für unsere Zwecke jedoch ungeeignet, da nur das Trägermaterial real ist. Die Animation selbst ist wiederum virtuell. Außerdem ist es mit dieser Methode unmöglich, das komplette Spektrum dreidimensionaler Animation einzufangen, denn das Filmbild ist wiederum nur eine zweidimensionale Kopie.
To transform digital animation into analog animation there are several ways.
The classical way is to expose film material frame by frame with the single shots of the animation until you have a complete copy of the movie. (e.g. for cinema movies) This form of analogisation is not suitable for our aims, cause only the carrier media is analog and real. The animation itself is a virtual image. Besides it is impossible to catch the full range of the 3rd dimension with this method, cause the film image itself is only a two dimensional copy.


[[File:Zoe prototype.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Erstes Testmodell eines Zoetrops]]
[[File:Zoe prototype.jpg|thumb|200px|first testmodel of a zoetrope]]


Aus diesem Grund haben wir uns dafür entschieden, auf ein sehr altes optisches Verfahren zu setzen, welches 1834 von William George Horner erfunden wurde: Das Zoetrop.  
Therefore we have decided to use a very old optical technique, which was invented in 1834 by William George Horner: the zoetrope.
Ein Zoetrop ist technisch gesehen eine als 360° Panorama angeordnete Filmsequenz, die direkt vor dem Auge des Betrachters abläuft. Durch Rotation des Panoramas laufen die einzelnen Animationsphasen wie ein Film ab. Für das menschliche Auge ist diese Animation aufgrund seiner Trägheit jedoch nur mit Hilfe eines "Shutters" wahrnehmbar, eines Bildunterbrechers, der für das menschliche Auge durch den Wechsel von Bild und Dunkelheit die Wahrnehmung der Einzelbilder ermöglicht.
A zoetrope basically a film sequence, arranged as a 360° panorama, that rotates infront of the viewers eyes. By the use of rotation the animation phases are arranged like a film. But the human eye can see the animation only with the help of a so called shutter. (otherwise the eye is too slow) The shutter in fact, is a kind of image interupter. The enables the slow human eye to perceive the animation through a quick change between image and darkness. (it lowers the framerate of the film by blocking the sight on the rotation with black phases)


===Weiterführende Links===
====Further Information (german)====
* [http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoetrop Übersicht Zoetrop]
* [[wikipedia:Zoetrop|Overview on zoetropes]]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3yarT_h2ws Video zur Funktionsweise eines Zoetrops]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3yarT_h2ws video showing the functionality of the zoetrope]
* [http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Praxinoskop Übersicht Praxinoskop (Weiterentwicklung)]
* [[wikipedia:de:Praxinoskop|overview on praxinoscopes (further development of the zoetrope)]]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAhCy7U2gMU Video zur Funktionsweise eines Praxinoskops]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAhCy7U2gMU video showing the functionality of a praxinoscope]


==Praktische Umsetzung==
===Realising the Zoetrope===
Basierend auf dem Prinzip des Zoetrops, wollen wir unsere 3D Animation umsetzen und dabei das Verfahren weiterentwickeln. Im Gegensatz zum ursprünglichen Prinzip, bei dem die Shutter-Schlitze auf einer anderen Ebene als die Panorama-Animation liegen, soll bei unserem Zoetrop beides auf einer Ebene liegen. Dies ermöglicht eine kompaktere Konstruktionsweise, sowie einen direkten Blick auf die Animation. (Keine Kavalierperspektive)
Based on the principle of the zoetrope we want to realize our 3d animation and enhance the zoetrope technique. In contrast to the original principle, where the shutter slots are on a different level than the animation, we want to imply our shutter in a way that enables viewing the animation not only from above, but also from the front. This also allows us to construct the zoetrope more compact, which will be necessary concerning the size limit of the 3d printer.
Außerdem soll die Konstruktion in sich geschlossen sein, sodass das Prinzip von Außen nicht auf den ersten Blick ersichtlich wird.  
Additionally the construction shall be self contained, so that the principle of our zoetrope isn't visible at the first sight.


===Der Shutter===
====The Shutter====
Damit Animation und Shutter auf einer Ebene liegen gibt es verschiedene Ansätze zu Umsetzung. Zum einen wollen wir versuchen die Animationsphasen wie Figuren auf einem Karussell aufzubauen. Die Shutter werden wie Stangen zwischen den Figuren aufgebaut und für kurze Zeit das Sichtfenster verdunkeln. Bei diesem Ansatz wäre allerdings der Kontrast des Bilds weniger gut, da die Dunkelphase relativ lang sein muss um den gewünschten Effekt zu erzielen.
To enable animation and shutter on the same level we have several approaches for realisation. On the one hand we want to try positioning the different animation phases like figures on a carrousel. The shutters shall be constructed like poles between the figures, so that they darken the viewing windows for a short time. This approach probably will not give a good contrast on the animation, because the period of darkness will have to be pretty long to achieve the desired effect.


Ein Anderer Ansatz ist ein rein optischer Shutter. Wie bei der vorigen Idee ist die Animation wie ein Karussell angeordnet. Man schaut durch ein Sichtfenster von außen auf das Karussell und sieht immer die am nächsten stehende Figur. Direkt über dem Sichtfenster ist ein Loch für den Lichteinfall. Zwischen den Figuren soll dieses Loch durch Blenden verdunkelt werden, sodass eine Art Stroboskopeffekt entsteht, der die Animationsphasen unterteilt.
Another approach is a pure optical shutter. The setting of the animation stays the same as in the other approach. (carrousel) You look on the carrousel through a viewing window from the outside and always see the figure that is nearest to the window. Above the viewing window is a hole for light incidence.
Denkbar wäre auch diesen Effekt direkt mittels Stroboskoplicht zu erzielen.
This hole will be darkened by a shutter drum between the animation phases, so that a strobe effect is generated. This strobe will divide the animation phases.
Um rauszufinden welche Umsetzung am besten funktioniert, wollen wir bei Varianten im digitalen 3D Modell simulieren.
This effect could also be achieved with a strobe light, but this will probably bring problems with the rotation speed. A mechanical shutter drum has the advance, that the speed of the strobe effect is exactly silmutaneous to the rotation of the carrousel (because the drum and the carrousel are driven by the same crank handle)


===Chromadepth===
====Chromadepth====
Zusätzlich zu dem Shuttersystem, von dem wir uns bessere Bildqualität erhoffen, wollen wir auf ein spezielles 3D Verfahren zurückgreifen. Das sogenannte Chromadepth.
Additionally we want to experiment with a special 3d technique called chromadepth. Chromadepth is a special 3d visualisation that can display colours of a two-dimensional image on different 3d layers. Red colours appear in the front of the image, while blue colours appear in the back. This technique is designed for 2d images. But due to having only a small distance between the viewers eye and our animation this technique could improve the three-dimensionality of our animation.
Hierbei handelt es sich um eine spezielle Form von 3D Brille, Farben eines Bild mit unterschiedlicher Tiefenwirkung darstellen kann. Rot erscheint für den Betrachter im Bild vorne, während Blau im Hintergrund zu sein scheint. Dieses Verfahren ist zwar auf 2D Bilder ausgelegt, da wir aber nur einen kurzen Abstand zwischen den Augen des Betrachters und der Animation haben, hoffen wir auf diese Weise die Räumlichkeit der Animation verbessern zu können.
* [[wikipedia:ChromaDepth|description of the chromadepth technology (engl.)]]


* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ChromaDepth Beschreibung der Chromadepth Technologie (engl.)]
===Expected Problems===
For the realisation of our projects we will have to face several issues. Problems that we will have to solve are:
* How does the shutter affect sharpness and contrast of the image?
* Will the relatively low distance between eye and animation be sufficient to create enough spatiality and image sharpness
* How will the 3d printer limitate our possibilities


==Die Animation im Zoetrop==
----
'''Vorüberlegungen'''


Nachdem wir das Zoetrop als Prototyp getestet haben und somit durch den 3D Drucker und das Zoetrop die technischen Rahmenbedingungen abgestimmt sind, konnten wir beginnen uns Gedanken über die Art der eigentlichen Animation zu machen.
==Practical Realisation==
Fest steht, dass wir relativ simple Körper animieren wollen, da diese aufgrund der Maße des Zoetrops nicht größer als 2,5cm x 2,5cm x 2,5cm sein dürfen. In einer solchen Auflösung ist es nicht möglich detaillierte Figuren mit dem Drucker in einer gleich bleibend sehr guten Qualität zu drucken. Ohne diese wären filigran animierte Figuren aber nicht als flüssige Animation zu erkennen.
===Building the Zoetrope===
Da unser Zoetrop außerdem keine perfekte Bildschärfe liefern kann (Nähe von Auge zu Objekt, hohe Drehgeschwindigkeit und daraus resultierende Unschärfe) wollen wir bei der Animation auf 2 Arten von Bewegung setzen, die das Auge dennoch sehr gut wahrnehmen kann. Zum einen soll der Schwerpunkt der Animation auf den Konturen der Objekte liegen, zum anderen auf der Animation von Farbveränderungen.
[[File:zoex.jpg|thumb|120px|All parts of the carboard prototype]]
Eine weitere Beschränkung die Beachtung finden muss, ist die Anzahl von Frames (Einzelbildern), die mit der Drehscheibe des Zoetrops möglich sind. Hier haben wir uns bei der Konstruktion auf 16Frames festgelegt. Ein Kompromiss zwischen Bildanzahl und Objektgröße.
[[File:zoe cap.jpg|thumb|120px|failed approach of printing the cap with ABS]]
[[File:cap.jpg|thumb|120px|Cap of the Zoetrope]]
[[File:lamp.jpg|thumb|120px|LED-Lamp Holder]]


Basierend auf diesen technischen Vorgaben haben wir uns folgende Animation entschieden: <videoflash>9iyOcnh2bZY</videoflash>
====The Prototype====
(3D Testanimation)
The first step on our way to realise our analog 3d animation was to build our "display device", the zoetrope. Like the animation we also wanted to create this part of our project in a way, that would allow us to produce it with the 3d printer, so we didn't make any drawings or sketches of the zoetrope. Instead, we decided to "build" the prototype as a 3d model. As we planned to print the zoetrope later on, we had to build it "waterproof" (every printable part had to contain no open planes) and we had to work very accurate to avoid troubles with the printed parts. We also decided to realise an optical shutter automatic (described in 1.3.1. The Shutter), because were hoping for a better animation quality and less use of material.
A major advantage of creating a 3d model instead of sketches was the fact, that we could simulate our zoetrope virtually to see, if the technique would actually work. Besides, this approach of creating a zoetrope, was fully virtual. This was a good concession to our aim of analogizing digital work.


'''Symbiose und Synergie'''
When we finished the 3d model we started to simulate the animation in the virtual zoetrope (see videosimulation [[#The Animation in the Zoetrope|]])
The first simulations produced some questions that were only solveable with a real prototype, so we decided to build a functioning zoetrope, mainly made of cardboard.


Zu sehen sein wird eine Endlosschleife der 3 Bauhaus Grundkörper Dreieck, Kreis und Quadrat (bzw. ihrer dreidimensionalen Pendants Pyramide, Kugel und Würfel) mit dem Titel „Symbiose und Synergie“. Diese gehen innerhalb der 16 Einzelbilder nahtlos ineinander über und sollen während dessen zwischen den 3 Bauhausfarben Gelb, Rot, Blau wechseln. Das Ergebnis der Animation ist ein hypnotisches, fast flüssig wirkendes Wabern, welches gleichzeitig ein Zitat des verwendeten Druckermaterials in seiner erhitzten Form ist.  
====The 3d printed Zoetrope====
After the cardboard prototype was functioning, we started to print parts of it in 3d. Unfortunately we underestimated the time we needed for troubleshooting and the printing procedure itself. After several approaches of printing large parts with ABS material, we switched to PLA and were able to create the first parts of the zoetrope. Due to the huge amount of the time that the printing of large objects needs, we haven't finished the zoetrope yet. (E.g. the cap of the zoetrope needs approx. 8-12hours of printing, depending on the material and settings - and it isn't the biggest part) The parts of the zoetrope that are already printed are: the cap and the LED-Lamp Holder.


Wir haben uns für die 3 Bauhaus Grundkörper und den Titel „Symbiose und Synergie“ entschieden, weil diese die Bauhaus-Idee der Vereinigung verschiedenster Kunst- und Handwerksformen unter einer Schirmherrschaft symbolisieren. In gewisser Form ist die Animation somit auch ein selbstreflektierendes Dokument  der Arbeitsweise des 3D Druckers:
<videoflash>taVDJ0AP6cU|400|250</videoflash>
Wie auch beim Grundgedanken des Bauhaus müssen verschiedenste Gewerke gekoppelt werden um ein Ergebnis zu erzielen. Konstruktion, Montage, Programmierung, Skizzierung, Modellierung und Druck sind nur einige Bereiche die hier eine Rolle spielen. Jedes Einzelne besitzt auch für sich autark eine Existenzberechtigung und variable Verwendungsformen, aber nur im synergetischen  Zusammenspiel ist der 3D Druck möglich.
Video of showing all parts of the zoetrope's 3d prototype.


==Probleme==
===The Animation in the Zoetrope===
Bei der Umsetzung des Projekts werden wir einige Schwierigkeiten überwinden müssen. Fragen mit denen wir uns beschäftigen werden müssen sind:
====Considerations====
* Inwieweit beeinträchtigt der Shutter die Schärfe und den Kontrast des Bildes?
After testing the prototype of the zoetrope and the 3d printer we were able to set the basic technical conditions for our animation. So we started to think about the content of our little animation cycle.
* Wird der relativ geringe Abstand von Auge und Animation reichen um genug Bildschärfe und Räumlichkeit zu erzeugen.
We came to the agreement that we wanted to animate relatively simple models, because the settings of the zoetrope limited the size of each figure to 1,8 x 1,8 x 1,8cm. With this resolution it would have been very tricky to print detailed models in high quality. And quality would be needed to perceive the fluid animation. Due to a low image sharpness of our zoetrope (low distance between eye and animation, high rotation speed of the carrousel and therefore a slight motion blur) we wanted to focus on 2 forms of movement in our animation, that are well visible despite all technical problems. On the one hand we wanted to focus on the animation of the objects' silhouettes. On the other hand we wanted to experiment with colour morphs.
* Welche Grenzen gibt der 3D Drucker vor?
Another limitation that had to be considered was the limited number of frames that were possible on the carrousel. We decided to divide the carrousel into 16 frames, a compromise between number of frames and possible object size.


==Entwicklungsstand==
Based on these technical limitations we decided to do the following animation cycle:
'''4.6.-6.6.'''
<videoflash>9iyOcnh2bZY</videoflash>
[[File:Drucktest Nr1.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Erste Versuche eines 3D Drucks]]
(3d testanimation)
[[File:IMG_4584.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Erstes Pappmodell eines eigenen Zoetrops]]
* 2 einfache Modelle eines Zoetrops erstellt und getestet. Das klassische Trommelzoetrop funktioniert, aber mit schlechtem Bildkontrast. Der Test eines Zoetrops mit Animation und Shutter auf einer Ebene scheitert. (Prototyp rechts unten)


* erste Ausdrucke zeigen die Grenzen des 3D Druckers auf. (Rechts Versuch Nr.1, Rechts Versuch Nr.2
====Symbiosis and Synergie====
Man sieht das der Drucker Probleme bekommt, wenn man kleine Flächen wie den Hals der Figur mit zu hoher Temperatur und Geschwindigkeit druckt, weil auf noch nicht verfestigte Schichten bereits neue aufgebracht werden.
The animation will be an infinite loop of the 3 Bauhaus basic geometric shapes triangle, circle and square (respectively their three-dimensional pendants pyramid, sphere and cube) with the title "Symbiosis and Synergie". The 3 symbols morph smoothly into each other all within the 16 frames that we have at our disposal. The result is a hypnotic, almost fluid wafting of the forms. In the same it is a quote of the used printing material in its heated form.
Außerdem sieht man, dass starke Überhänge nicht funktionieren. Ein Überhang unterhalb des Kopfs ist einfach in dünnen Strängen runtergefallen und erkaltet, da er keinen Halt hatte.)


'''25.6.-27.6.10'''
We decided to animate the 3 Bauhaus symbols and to use the title "Symbiosis and Synergie", because they symbolize the Bauhaus idea of uniting the big varieties of arts and crafts under one patronage. In a certain way this animation is a self-reflecting document of the 3d printer's principle of operation: Like in the basic idea of the Bauhaus, different crafts have to be connected to achieve a result. [[File:ani.jpg|right|thumb|150px|the complete animation cycle arranged in the zoetrope prototype]]Construction, installation, programming, drafting, modelling, printing are only some fields that play a role. Every single field can exist on its own, but only in a synergetic cooperation the 3d printing is possible.
[[File:Zoetrop.jpg|right|thumb|150px|3D Modell des geplanten Zoetrops]]
Therefore it seems to us, that 3d printing and Bauhaus fit together perfectly.
[[File:IMG_4603.jpg|right|thumb|150px|Kurbelantrieb aus LEGO]]
 
* Erstellung eines 3D Modells des geplanten Zoetrops. Das Modell ist bereits so angelegt, dass es direkt mit dem Rapman ausgedruckt werden könnte. (siehe Bild rechts unten)
====Printing the Animation====
* Simulation einer Animation mit dem 3D Zoetrop. Der ungewöhnlich Aufbau des Shutters bereitet Probleme, weswegen die Funktionsweise zunächst mit einem Pappmodell überprüft werden soll:  
We printed the 16 animation frames with white ABS. We split the figures with too much overhang into halfs and glued them together afterwards. Afterwards we went over the models with rasp and sand paper and then used spray paint to dye them black.
 
===The Result===
[[File:atmo.jpg|thumb|150px|printing at night is even more fun]]
Now that (almost) all parts were done, it was time to combine them to realize our analogized digital 3d animation:(please don't mind the low video quality. Unfortunately we had no better camera.)
<videoflash>SUmQLCWrWtM</videoflash>
 
We hope that we can improve the quality of our construction by replacing the prototype zoetrope by a fully printed zoetrope. All in all we want to state, that 3d printing was a really interesting experience and that we plan to realize other small 3d printing projects in the future. We also plan to improve our 3d zoetrope and to make the .stl data of it public, so that everyone can print their own zoetropes, and hopefully their own 3 animations aswell.
 
==Evolution==
===4.6.-6.6.===
[[File:Drucktest Nr1.jpg|thumb|150px|first 3D testprint]]
[[File:IMG_4584.jpg|thumb|150px|first cardboardmodel of the zoetrope]]
* creation and testing of 2 simple zoetrope models
* the classical zoetrop works, but with a bad contrast
* the 2nd model (a zoetrope with animation and shutter on the same level doesn't work)
(prototype on the right)
* first printings show the boarders of the 3d printer (on the right: test 1 and test 2) you can see that the printer has issues with printing small parts (throat of the chess figure) due to high temperature and printing speed (the printer prints over layers that havent hardened)
* furthermore it appears that strong overhangs arent possible without backings
 
===25.6.-27.6.10===
[[File:Zoetrop.jpg|thumb|150px|3d model of the zoetrope prototype]]
[[File:IMG_4603.jpg|thumb|150px|crank handle for the zoetrope build from LEGO]]
* Creation of a 3d model of the planned zoetrope. The 3d model is alread waterproof and therefore (hopefully) printable.
* Simulation of an animation with the 3d zoetrope. The unusual design of the shutter creates some issues. Due to these troubles a cardboard model of the 3d model is planned to test the shutter in real life:
<videoflash>A1qGF4w98Ho</videoflash>
<videoflash>A1qGF4w98Ho</videoflash>
(ab einer Frequenz von 256 fps springt das Bild und es kommt keine flüssige Animation wie in diesem Beispiel zustande. Deshalb ist ein Prototyp aus Pappe nötig um das Shuttersystem zu testen.)
(at a framerate of 256fps the animation becomes bugged and unfluid)
* Konstruktion eines Kurbelantriebs für das Zoetrop. (Prototyp aus Lego/ Bild folgt.)
* Construction of a crank handle for the zoetrope (Prototype build with LEGO)


 
===8.7.10===
'''8.7.10'''
[[File:Zoetrop papp prototyp.JPG|thumb|150px|Prototyp made from cardboard]]
[[File:Zoetrop_papp_prototyp.JPG|right|thumb|150px|Prototyp aus Pappe]]
* Building of a working cardboard model with optical shutter, based on the 3d model:  
* Bau eines funktionierenden Pappmodells mit optische Shutter nach Vorlage des 3D Modells:
<videoflash>TPzxaY0aD0M</videoflash>
<videoflash>TPzxaY0aD0M</videoflash>
* Um den Kontrast und die Bewegungsschärfe zu verbessern sind weitere Experimente mit der Größe der Shutteröffnung sowie der Beleuchtung des Zoetrop-Innern geplant.
* To improve contrast and image sharpness, further experiments with variations of the shutter size and different light settings are planned


'''14.7.10'''
===14.7.10===
Versuch der Optimierung des Prototyps:
Efforts for optimizing the prototype:
* Verkleinerung der Shutteröffnungen um kürzere Belichtungsdauer zu erzielen und ein weniger verschwommenes Bild zu bekommen. --> Verkleinerung bringt keine positive Veränderung
* Decreasing the shutter size for shorter exposure time  --> no effect on the animation quality
* Bessere Abdichtung des Zoetrops gegen ungewollten Lichteinfall und Weißfärben des Zoetrop-Innern um stärkeren Kontrast zu erreichen --> Bildqualität wird subjektiv gesehen leicht verbessert
* Improved isolation of the zoetrope against light from the outside and dyeing the inner parts of the zoetrope to increase contrast --> small improvement of the animation quality


'''22.7.10'''
===22.7.10===
Korrektur des 3D Modells vom Zoetrop nach Erfahrungen mit dem Prototypen:
Adjustment of the 3d model due to experiences with the prototype:
* die innere Trommel wird in der Höhe verkleinert und bekommt mehr Spiel bei der Rotation
* the height of the inner drum is decreased. therefore the drum has more space for rotation
* Durchmesser der Drehachse wird verkleinert um möglichst exakt zu arbeiten
* adjustment of the center line
* Sichtschutz wird entfernt, da er zu groß sein müsste um zu funktionieren
* the blinds are removed due to inefficiency
* Maße kontrolliert um nicht dicker als nötig gedruckt zu werden
* reduction of the wall sizes (=reduction of material needed for printing)


'''27.7.10'''
===27.7.10===
* Brainstorming und Ideensammlung zum Inhalt der Animation
* Brainstorming ideas for animation content


'''4.8.-6.8.10'''
===4.8.-6.8.10===
* Erstellung der Animation, die im Zoetrop zu sehen sein soll
* creation of the final animation for the zoetrope
(Video [http://web.uni-weimar.de/medien/wiki/GMU:3DIY/analoge_3d_animation#Die_Animation_im_Zoetrop hier])
(Video [[#The Animation in the Zoetrope|hier]])


'''9.8.10'''
===9.8.10===
* Experimente mit animierten Farbmorphs
* experimenting with animated colourmorphs
<videoflash>n1ImjejuEa0</videoflash>
<videoflash>n1ImjejuEa0</videoflash>


'''18.8.10'''
===18.8.10===
* Einrichtung von Skeinforge und BFB Axon auf 2 Laptops und Tests der Programmeinstellungen
* setting up skeinforge and bfb axon on 2 laptops and testing the program settings
* Installation zusätzlicher Druckprofile
* installing additional printing profiles
* Anpassung der 3D Dateien /Problembehebung
* adjusting 3d file and bugfixing


'''25.8-26.8.10'''
===25.8-26.8.10===
* Erste Drucktests, Ergebnisse siehe [http://web.uni-weimar.de/medien/wiki/GMU:3DIY/Printer_queue#The_printer_queue Printer queue][[File:Anicycle1^.jpg|right|thumb|150px|the complete animationcycle without spray paint]]
* first printing test, for results see [[GMU:3DIY/Printer queue#The printer queue|Printer queue]] [[File:Anicycle1^.jpg|thumb|150px|the complete animationcycle without spray paint]]
[[File:Dyeing.jpg|right|thumb|150px|dyeing the animation frames]]
[[File:Dyeing.jpg|thumb|150px|dyeing the animation frames]]
[[File:anicylcle2.jpg|right|thumb|150px|the complete animationcycle with spray paint]]
[[File:anicylcle2.jpg|thumb|150px|the complete animationcycle with spray paint]]


'''30.8.-2.9.10'''
===30.8.-2.9.10===
* Druck des kompletten Animationszyklus, results are viewable at [http://web.uni-weimar.de/medien/wiki/GMU:3DIY/Printer_queue#The_printer_queue Printer queue]
* printing of the complete animation cycle, results are viewable at [http://web.uni-weimar.de/medien/wiki/GMU:3DIY/Printer_queue#The_printer_queue Printer queue]


'''15.8.-16.9.10'''
===15.8.-16.9.10===
* 1st printing test of the cap of the zoetrope. Results [http://web.uni-weimar.de/medien/wiki/GMU:3DIY/Printer_queue#The_printer_queue here]
* 1st printing test of the cap of the zoetrope. Results [http://web.uni-weimar.de/medien/wiki/GMU:3DIY/Printer_queue#The_printer_queue here]


'''21.9.10'''
===21.9.10===
* 2nd printing test of the zoetrope cap. Results [http://web.uni-weimar.de/medien/wiki/GMU:3DIY/Printer_queue#The_printer_queue here]
* 2nd printing test of the zoetrope cap. Results [http://web.uni-weimar.de/medien/wiki/GMU:3DIY/Printer_queue#The_printer_queue here]


'''22.9.10'''
===22.9.10===
* installing the crank handle on the cardboard prototype of the zoetrope
* installing the crank handle on the cardboard prototype of the zoetrope
* minor repairs on our models with glue, rasp and sandpaper
* minor repairs on our models with glue, rasp and sandpaper


 
===25.9.10===
'''25.9.10'''
* dyeing the animation cycle with black spray paint for better contrast in the zoetrope and softer surface
* dyeing the animation cycle with black spray paint for better contrast in the zoetrope and softer surface
* further optimization of the cardboard prototype of the zoetrope
* further optimization of the cardboard prototype of the zoetrope
===27.9.10===
* further optimization of the cardboard prototype of the zoetrope
===28.9.10===
* printing the cap of the zoetrope and the LED-Lamp Holder Results [[GMU:3DIY/Printer queue#The printer queue|here]]
* installing the animation cycle into the prototype
===29.9.10===
* applying the LED-Lamp Holder
* finishing the installation of the zoetrope prototype
===30.9.10===
* creating an animation of the 3d model of the zoetrope ([[#Building the Zoetrope|hier]])
* failed attempt of printing a part of the crank handle gear
===13.10.10===
* part of the crank handle gear successfully printed. Results [[GMU:3DIY/Printer queue#The printer queue|here]]
===25.10.-26.10.===
* new version of the zoetrope's 3d model (viewing windows is bigger and in a higher position for better 3d perspective on the animation, shutters on the shutter automatic are bigger to let in more light, for a better contrast)
* several hours of printer troubleshooting, failed attempt of printing 2 more gear parts
===9.11.10===
* new parts of the crank handle were built. See results [[GMU:3DIY/Printer queue#The printer queue|here]]
===8.12.10===
* presentation of the prototype in the seminar "Remedialisierung – postfotografische Modi des Filmbildes"
----


==Feedback==
==Feedback==
Line 159: Line 215:




[[GMU:3DIY| back to 3DIY Mainpage]]
[[GMU:3DIY|back to 3DIY Mainpage]]

Latest revision as of 14:30, 14 December 2010

Preliminary Considerations

Analog 3D Animation - The Idea

We live in a time where everything is digitally acessable. Photography, cartography, music, films, books and drawings. One by one all major analoge medias are replaced by their digital pendant - and the transformation into "ones" and "zeros" has never been easier. But the technological evolution also offers the possibility to take the opposite direction. With the help of the 3d printer we want to take the step and transform one of the few mere digital medias into an analog counterpart of itself: The analogisation of the digital. The analogisation of mere 3d animation.

3d animation is on of the few movie genres which is almost fully created in digital work. Places and characters are digital. Camera and lighting is digital. And even the carrier medium isnt analog film anymore in many cases. (Pleas note, that we are not referring to Stop-Motion Animation which is actually an analog media.) The possibility to create a movie fully virtual, distinguishes the 3d animation movie from its analog forerunners.

This speciality shall be the starting point of our project. We want to create an alternative draft to the digitalisation of analog medias and analogize a digital media instead. The 3d printer as a distinct media can realize digital operation into analog object. Therefore it is the perfect tool for our aim. Considering this, we are also interested in the abstraction of the printed result, that automatically appears while printing. (Due to the small resolution of the model and the visible plastic layers, created by the printhead)

The Principle of the Zoetrope

To transform digital animation into analog animation there are several ways. The classical way is to expose film material frame by frame with the single shots of the animation until you have a complete copy of the movie. (e.g. for cinema movies) This form of analogisation is not suitable for our aims, cause only the carrier media is analog and real. The animation itself is a virtual image. Besides it is impossible to catch the full range of the 3rd dimension with this method, cause the film image itself is only a two dimensional copy.

first testmodel of a zoetrope

Therefore we have decided to use a very old optical technique, which was invented in 1834 by William George Horner: the zoetrope. A zoetrope basically a film sequence, arranged as a 360° panorama, that rotates infront of the viewers eyes. By the use of rotation the animation phases are arranged like a film. But the human eye can see the animation only with the help of a so called shutter. (otherwise the eye is too slow) The shutter in fact, is a kind of image interupter. The enables the slow human eye to perceive the animation through a quick change between image and darkness. (it lowers the framerate of the film by blocking the sight on the rotation with black phases)

Further Information (german)

Realising the Zoetrope

Based on the principle of the zoetrope we want to realize our 3d animation and enhance the zoetrope technique. In contrast to the original principle, where the shutter slots are on a different level than the animation, we want to imply our shutter in a way that enables viewing the animation not only from above, but also from the front. This also allows us to construct the zoetrope more compact, which will be necessary concerning the size limit of the 3d printer. Additionally the construction shall be self contained, so that the principle of our zoetrope isn't visible at the first sight.

The Shutter

To enable animation and shutter on the same level we have several approaches for realisation. On the one hand we want to try positioning the different animation phases like figures on a carrousel. The shutters shall be constructed like poles between the figures, so that they darken the viewing windows for a short time. This approach probably will not give a good contrast on the animation, because the period of darkness will have to be pretty long to achieve the desired effect.

Another approach is a pure optical shutter. The setting of the animation stays the same as in the other approach. (carrousel) You look on the carrousel through a viewing window from the outside and always see the figure that is nearest to the window. Above the viewing window is a hole for light incidence. This hole will be darkened by a shutter drum between the animation phases, so that a strobe effect is generated. This strobe will divide the animation phases. This effect could also be achieved with a strobe light, but this will probably bring problems with the rotation speed. A mechanical shutter drum has the advance, that the speed of the strobe effect is exactly silmutaneous to the rotation of the carrousel (because the drum and the carrousel are driven by the same crank handle)

Chromadepth

Additionally we want to experiment with a special 3d technique called chromadepth. Chromadepth is a special 3d visualisation that can display colours of a two-dimensional image on different 3d layers. Red colours appear in the front of the image, while blue colours appear in the back. This technique is designed for 2d images. But due to having only a small distance between the viewers eye and our animation this technique could improve the three-dimensionality of our animation.

Expected Problems

For the realisation of our projects we will have to face several issues. Problems that we will have to solve are:

  • How does the shutter affect sharpness and contrast of the image?
  • Will the relatively low distance between eye and animation be sufficient to create enough spatiality and image sharpness
  • How will the 3d printer limitate our possibilities

Practical Realisation

Building the Zoetrope

All parts of the carboard prototype
failed approach of printing the cap with ABS
Cap of the Zoetrope
LED-Lamp Holder

The Prototype

The first step on our way to realise our analog 3d animation was to build our "display device", the zoetrope. Like the animation we also wanted to create this part of our project in a way, that would allow us to produce it with the 3d printer, so we didn't make any drawings or sketches of the zoetrope. Instead, we decided to "build" the prototype as a 3d model. As we planned to print the zoetrope later on, we had to build it "waterproof" (every printable part had to contain no open planes) and we had to work very accurate to avoid troubles with the printed parts. We also decided to realise an optical shutter automatic (described in 1.3.1. The Shutter), because were hoping for a better animation quality and less use of material. A major advantage of creating a 3d model instead of sketches was the fact, that we could simulate our zoetrope virtually to see, if the technique would actually work. Besides, this approach of creating a zoetrope, was fully virtual. This was a good concession to our aim of analogizing digital work.

When we finished the 3d model we started to simulate the animation in the virtual zoetrope (see videosimulation [[#The Animation in the Zoetrope|]]) The first simulations produced some questions that were only solveable with a real prototype, so we decided to build a functioning zoetrope, mainly made of cardboard.

The 3d printed Zoetrope

After the cardboard prototype was functioning, we started to print parts of it in 3d. Unfortunately we underestimated the time we needed for troubleshooting and the printing procedure itself. After several approaches of printing large parts with ABS material, we switched to PLA and were able to create the first parts of the zoetrope. Due to the huge amount of the time that the printing of large objects needs, we haven't finished the zoetrope yet. (E.g. the cap of the zoetrope needs approx. 8-12hours of printing, depending on the material and settings - and it isn't the biggest part) The parts of the zoetrope that are already printed are: the cap and the LED-Lamp Holder.

<videoflash>taVDJ0AP6cU|400|250</videoflash> Video of showing all parts of the zoetrope's 3d prototype.

The Animation in the Zoetrope

Considerations

After testing the prototype of the zoetrope and the 3d printer we were able to set the basic technical conditions for our animation. So we started to think about the content of our little animation cycle. We came to the agreement that we wanted to animate relatively simple models, because the settings of the zoetrope limited the size of each figure to 1,8 x 1,8 x 1,8cm. With this resolution it would have been very tricky to print detailed models in high quality. And quality would be needed to perceive the fluid animation. Due to a low image sharpness of our zoetrope (low distance between eye and animation, high rotation speed of the carrousel and therefore a slight motion blur) we wanted to focus on 2 forms of movement in our animation, that are well visible despite all technical problems. On the one hand we wanted to focus on the animation of the objects' silhouettes. On the other hand we wanted to experiment with colour morphs. Another limitation that had to be considered was the limited number of frames that were possible on the carrousel. We decided to divide the carrousel into 16 frames, a compromise between number of frames and possible object size.

Based on these technical limitations we decided to do the following animation cycle: <videoflash>9iyOcnh2bZY</videoflash> (3d testanimation)

Symbiosis and Synergie

The animation will be an infinite loop of the 3 Bauhaus basic geometric shapes triangle, circle and square (respectively their three-dimensional pendants pyramid, sphere and cube) with the title "Symbiosis and Synergie". The 3 symbols morph smoothly into each other all within the 16 frames that we have at our disposal. The result is a hypnotic, almost fluid wafting of the forms. In the same it is a quote of the used printing material in its heated form.

We decided to animate the 3 Bauhaus symbols and to use the title "Symbiosis and Synergie", because they symbolize the Bauhaus idea of uniting the big varieties of arts and crafts under one patronage. In a certain way this animation is a self-reflecting document of the 3d printer's principle of operation: Like in the basic idea of the Bauhaus, different crafts have to be connected to achieve a result.

the complete animation cycle arranged in the zoetrope prototype

Construction, installation, programming, drafting, modelling, printing are only some fields that play a role. Every single field can exist on its own, but only in a synergetic cooperation the 3d printing is possible.

Therefore it seems to us, that 3d printing and Bauhaus fit together perfectly.

Printing the Animation

We printed the 16 animation frames with white ABS. We split the figures with too much overhang into halfs and glued them together afterwards. Afterwards we went over the models with rasp and sand paper and then used spray paint to dye them black.

The Result

printing at night is even more fun

Now that (almost) all parts were done, it was time to combine them to realize our analogized digital 3d animation:(please don't mind the low video quality. Unfortunately we had no better camera.) <videoflash>SUmQLCWrWtM</videoflash>

We hope that we can improve the quality of our construction by replacing the prototype zoetrope by a fully printed zoetrope. All in all we want to state, that 3d printing was a really interesting experience and that we plan to realize other small 3d printing projects in the future. We also plan to improve our 3d zoetrope and to make the .stl data of it public, so that everyone can print their own zoetropes, and hopefully their own 3 animations aswell.

Evolution

4.6.-6.6.

first 3D testprint
first cardboardmodel of the zoetrope
  • creation and testing of 2 simple zoetrope models
  • the classical zoetrop works, but with a bad contrast
  • the 2nd model (a zoetrope with animation and shutter on the same level doesn't work)

(prototype on the right)

  • first printings show the boarders of the 3d printer (on the right: test 1 and test 2) you can see that the printer has issues with printing small parts (throat of the chess figure) due to high temperature and printing speed (the printer prints over layers that havent hardened)
  • furthermore it appears that strong overhangs arent possible without backings

25.6.-27.6.10

3d model of the zoetrope prototype
crank handle for the zoetrope build from LEGO
  • Creation of a 3d model of the planned zoetrope. The 3d model is alread waterproof and therefore (hopefully) printable.
  • Simulation of an animation with the 3d zoetrope. The unusual design of the shutter creates some issues. Due to these troubles a cardboard model of the 3d model is planned to test the shutter in real life:

<videoflash>A1qGF4w98Ho</videoflash> (at a framerate of 256fps the animation becomes bugged and unfluid)

  • Construction of a crank handle for the zoetrope (Prototype build with LEGO)

8.7.10

Prototyp made from cardboard
  • Building of a working cardboard model with optical shutter, based on the 3d model:

<videoflash>TPzxaY0aD0M</videoflash>

  • To improve contrast and image sharpness, further experiments with variations of the shutter size and different light settings are planned

14.7.10

Efforts for optimizing the prototype:

  • Decreasing the shutter size for shorter exposure time --> no effect on the animation quality
  • Improved isolation of the zoetrope against light from the outside and dyeing the inner parts of the zoetrope to increase contrast --> small improvement of the animation quality

22.7.10

Adjustment of the 3d model due to experiences with the prototype:

  • the height of the inner drum is decreased. therefore the drum has more space for rotation
  • adjustment of the center line
  • the blinds are removed due to inefficiency
  • reduction of the wall sizes (=reduction of material needed for printing)

27.7.10

  • Brainstorming ideas for animation content

4.8.-6.8.10

  • creation of the final animation for the zoetrope

(Video hier)

9.8.10

  • experimenting with animated colourmorphs

<videoflash>n1ImjejuEa0</videoflash>

18.8.10

  • setting up skeinforge and bfb axon on 2 laptops and testing the program settings
  • installing additional printing profiles
  • adjusting 3d file and bugfixing

25.8-26.8.10

  • first printing test, for results see Printer queue
    the complete animationcycle without spray paint
dyeing the animation frames
the complete animationcycle with spray paint

30.8.-2.9.10

  • printing of the complete animation cycle, results are viewable at Printer queue

15.8.-16.9.10

  • 1st printing test of the cap of the zoetrope. Results here

21.9.10

  • 2nd printing test of the zoetrope cap. Results here

22.9.10

  • installing the crank handle on the cardboard prototype of the zoetrope
  • minor repairs on our models with glue, rasp and sandpaper

25.9.10

  • dyeing the animation cycle with black spray paint for better contrast in the zoetrope and softer surface
  • further optimization of the cardboard prototype of the zoetrope

27.9.10

  • further optimization of the cardboard prototype of the zoetrope

28.9.10

  • printing the cap of the zoetrope and the LED-Lamp Holder Results here
  • installing the animation cycle into the prototype

29.9.10

  • applying the LED-Lamp Holder
  • finishing the installation of the zoetrope prototype

30.9.10

  • creating an animation of the 3d model of the zoetrope (hier)
  • failed attempt of printing a part of the crank handle gear

13.10.10

  • part of the crank handle gear successfully printed. Results here

25.10.-26.10.

  • new version of the zoetrope's 3d model (viewing windows is bigger and in a higher position for better 3d perspective on the animation, shutters on the shutter automatic are bigger to let in more light, for a better contrast)
  • several hours of printer troubleshooting, failed attempt of printing 2 more gear parts

9.11.10

  • new parts of the crank handle were built. See results here

8.12.10

  • presentation of the prototype in the seminar "Remedialisierung – postfotografische Modi des Filmbildes"

Feedback

Glückwunsch! Ihr habt den ersten Wiki-Eintrag des Kurses verfasst! Sieht schon mal gut aus. Fehlt nur noch Bild und Kurzbeschreibung auf der Kursseite.
Das Praxinoskop ist ja auch ein interessantes Gerät. Und ich bin auf euer Kompakt-Zoetrop gespannt. Euer Ansatz hat einiges an Potential, ich bin sehr gespannt, wie ihr das entwickelt.
Mehr Bilder wären gut, bei euch bieten sich ja auch laufende Bilder sehr an :) Videos ins Wiki einbetten geht: So!

Videos und Skizzen sind in Arbeit und kommen dann demnächst.

  • Ist 3D Animation wirklich etwas rein digitales? Was ist mit 'Wallace & Gromit', um ein Beispiel zu nennen?

Die 3D Animation von der wir reden ist nur digital möglich. Über Filme wie Wallace und Gromit und ähnliche, haben wir auch schon nachgedacht. Allerdings zählen die nicht zu 3D Animation, sondern eher zu Stop-Motion, sind also auch mit rein analogen Techniken umsetzbar.

  • Warum Cromadepth für euer Vorhaben besonders geeignet ist? Wofür braucht man einen 3D Effekt, wenn man ohnehin schon dreidimensionale Objekte hat?

Ob man Chromadepth wirklich braucht, wird sich zeigen. Vermutlich geht es auch ohne. Aber wir hoffen, dass es schlicht und ergreifend noch besser aussieht :)

  • Könnt ihr den Abstand zu den Augen nicht einfach festlegen?

Das wird sich auch im Test ergeben. Vermutlich wird eine Art Aufsatz den Abstand des Betrachters vom Zoetrop regeln

  • Und: Was für eine Animation wollt ihr eigentlich zeigen?

Sehr gute Frage, darüber machen wir uns Gedanken, wenn die Technik funktioniert. --sebastian 17:00, 16 June 2010


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