3D animation - Optimus Prime

3d Animation

Interactive systems

For the assignment I decided to create a snowman character. The snowman will consist of thirteen shapes altogether, and there will be a few effects added to these shapes to make it more interesting. To help create my character I created a quick version of what I wanted to create in Microsoft paint. This allowed me to map the points in the picture where each of the shapes would be created.

The first step of my character was to create the snowman’s body. For the body I created three ellipses stacked on top of each other, with the bottom ellipse being the largest and the top being the smallest. The colour of each of part of the body was set to white with a light grey stroke. After creating the body I added the eyes, using the same ellipse function as before with the body.  The colour for the eyes is determined on the position of the mouse, this will allow the eyes to continuously change colour as the mouse is moved.

After adding the eyes the next part of the snowman to be created are the three buttons on the body. Again the “ellipse” function is used to create the circle buttons. Although this time there is two statements in the code for the creation of the buttons, by using the IF ELSE statement I have added the keyPressed function that changes the colour of the buttons. When no keys are pressed the buttons are drawn with a black fill. However when a key is pressed the buttons are drawn each with a different fill colour. This is achieved by giving each ellipse function and different fill value within the code.

The next part of the snowman to be added is the nose. The nose is created using the “triangle” function. The triangle is created using three points which are defined within the code. The triangle also has an orange fill. After creating the snowman’s nose the hat is added. The hat is created using the “rect” function. Like before with the buttons I wanted the hat to change colour, however this time it would change colour when the mouse is clicked. Therefore I used the mousePressed with an IF ELSE statement on the hat so that it was drawn with different fill colours depending on if the mouse is clicked or not.

The final part of the snowman to be created was the arms. They were added using the “line” function. With one end of the line set to a fixed location the other end only had the X axis location set and the Y was determined by the mouse’s position. This allows the arms to move up and down.

Near Field Communication

Currently I am writing an essay on Near Field Communication (NFC) for Com320 - Computer Networks. I have just come across an interesting video which shows how NFC can be used to help elderly people. The video explains the benefits of using this technology to assist elderly people ordering their meal on wheels, along with  other stuff such as ring their children. The only issue I have with this video is that a lot of elderly people do not know how to use recent technology such as mobile phones, or struggle to use them. So therefore i am not totally convinced on the idea the video is trying to sell however I can see how in the future it may become a more common factor in our lives.


Here is the link to the video.

http://www.youtube.com/user/NFCForum#p/a/u/2/oa_w97taH9c

Concept Modelling

So I am currently making a prototype level of a game for one of my classes. As I said in the previous post my role within the team is an Artist. So far today I have spent time in application such as Autodesk Maya and Adobe Photoshop. These are the two program I find easiest to use for the task I am carrying out. In Maya I am able to create 3D models then use Photoshop to create textures to add to my model.

Here is the main model for the game we are creating.

The game is a puzzle game in which the user has to cross the level by jumping onto platforms which represent different magnetic fields. The ball changes colour to represent which magnetic field it is on. The player has to guide to ball along magnetic tracks whilst avoiding lasers and electrical beams.

Creating a Game

So for one of our classes this semester, we have to design a game for the ipad/iphone. The class has been split up into 5 groups, with each group working on a different game. So everyone in the class had to come up with a game idea and pitch it to class, then we voted for our favourite five ideas. I am in a group with four other members of my class and are currently working on our game which is called 'MagTrax'. So far we have had a couple of team meetings to discuss the plan for making the game. We have each been assigned roles with in the group, mine include 3D modeller and Concept Artist. 


So i decided to research the roles i would undertake, so i would gain a better understanding of what is required from me. 


Concept Artist – usually using traditional materials (eg pen and paper) rather than computer software, the Concept Artist sketches ideas for the game worlds, characters, objects, vehicles, furniture, clothing and other content. They also suggest level designs, colour schemes, and the mood and feel of the game. They are usually very good at perspective drawing and architecture. Although not involved in creating the actual game art, their concept will determine the look of many aspects of the game.


3D Modeller – builds the characters, objects and environments of the game, including life forms, scenery, vegetation, furniture, and vehicles, etc. They need to balance visual richness and detail with the constraints of the game's technology.


More roles are explained on the following website :-
http://www.skillset.org/games/careers/profiles/article_4733_1.asp

First Blog

So this is my first blog post, here is a link to my youtube user page http://www.youtube.com/user/nclifford4