Alessandro Kerr

Model Geometry

The purpose of this assignment was to develop a grid of points that adjusted their heights based on the distance between the object and the pebble. The results for the visual programming network and model geometry can be seen below. I am taking the class for 3 units but completed the requirements for 4 units for this module.

Full Network and Model
Full Network and Model
Sample Model Geometry
Sample Model Geometry
Left Half of Network
Left Half of Network
Right Half of Network
Right Half of Network

Modelling Approach

The modelling approach followed a logical sequence:

  1. A grid was created using sliders to control the number of points.
  2. Top points of the cylinders were created, replicating the bottom points but using a slider to control the height. The list of points were aggregated into one complete list.
  3. Pebble points were created using sliders for the locations. I chose to attempt two pebbles even though I am only completing the assignment for 3 units.
  4. The distance factor for each pebble point was calculated. This used the distance between the pebble point and each cylinder. From here, a sin wave with slider inputs for amplitude and number of waves was used to calculate the height variation value.
  5. The waves were then diminished based on the distance from the pebble. The interaction between two waves can be difficult to complete. In this case, I used a similar idea to Glenn in the module videos, where the height is divided by a factor*distance + 0.01 (so you never divide by 0).
  6. The points were compiled. The base points were taken directly from the original inputs. But the top value was altered using the x, and y values from the inputted point, but used the output of the diminished waves for the Z value. Finally these values were all used to create the cylinders. The array of cylinders can be seen above and can all be changed interactively.