Model Geometry
The purpose of this assignment was to map colors to the panels of the design created in Module 3. In honor of one of my favorite childhood movies, I chose to map two photos of Nacho Libre to my panels. The features still include user adaptability to the length, height, and canopy aspects of the structure. However, now there are additional choices for flipping the image, the granularity of the image (through the number of U and V points), and controlling the embossed/debossed effect. The model and the embossed/debossed effect can be seen below.
Modelling Approach
The modelling approach took the geometry from Module 3. However, the sine curve that controlled the ridge line was removed, as it ended up distorting the image. There are two identical pathways (with the exception of the line translations) that were followed for each photo. I will focus on the steps for one of these pathways hereon:
- First, curves were defined similar to those in Module 3. It allowed for various aspects of user input (discussed below).
- From here, the curves were joined into a surface. Then, they were split into panels using user-inputted U and V values. Eventually, the number of U and V inputs affected the resolution of the image that was mapped.
- From here, panels were placed. Then, the image was mapped to the panels. Since the inputs can affect the mapping of the photo, several boolean mapping inputs were offered. This includes horizontally and vertically flipping the image. The use of levels helped complete the vertical and horizontal flips. Then, the colors of the panels were overridden using the mapped image layout.
- Now, the panel thickness needed to be changed based on the brightness of the color of each panel — this can create an embossed or debossed effect. For this reason, there is a nodal input for the ability to change between embossed or debossed effect. Then, within each effect, the user has the ability to change the base thickness of the panels and the scaling factor for the effect. Finally, the height of the panels is adjusted based on these effects.
- Finally, the process was essentially repeated for the other photo (with some minor alterations).
User Input
The following user inputs are available in this model:
- Length of structure
- Y translation of curve 2 and 3
- Height of structure
- Z translation of curve 3
- Number of U and V Panels
- Boolean operators to adjust/flip the image mapping (horizontal/vertical flipping).
- Scaling factor, base thickness, and type of embossed effect (if any at all).