Research Project: Object Metamorphosis and Transformations
Fani Vassiadi
MA Digital Effects
NCCA, Bournemouth University
| Introduction | The theory | The practice | My approach | Conclusion | References |
As with all subjects theory is very important in understanding and learning things before the practical development. In this section I will start by explaining what each word of the research title means and continue with the history of morphing as well as a few more information and definitions relevant to the subject.
Object / Metamorphosis / Transformation
Most non-organic elements in life that have a shape can be described as objects. In computer-graphics we can divide objects in two categories. Those, that can be created in any 3D package and so we have access to all three axis (x,y,z), are 3D objects. Those, we can only approach in two dimensions are the 2D objects. In this project I generate 3D objects in Houdini software, and then render and export them in Shake software as 2D images.
Metamorphosis is a Greek word and stands for the change in a shape (Meta: action/situation that involves change, Morphosis: form/shape) (J.Gomes) Morphing derives from metamorphosis, it has the same meaning and it can be 2-Dimensional or 3D. 2D morphing is the technique when one digital image changes into another. In this case, we only have two axis to consider and so the transformation of the two images will be achieved with warping or stretching effects. In 3D morphing, however, things are a bit different. Three-dimensional morphing is the process of gradual transformation between 3D bodies. Here the animator has to specify a source object and a target one and then the software creates intermediate objects for a gradual transformation in three dimensions. Of course many difficulties arise if the objects are structurally not the same, so much attention should be given.
Transformation is the function that allows you to perform a 2D or 3D coordinate transformation. In this research I will focus on transforming 3d objects, as it is really interesting to see how one object can be altered with multiple translates, rotates and scales.