Creating 3D shapes by time extrusion of moving objects

Abstract

The idea behind this paper is to investigate forms created as time imprint of moving 2D and 3D objects through space while simultaneously changing their transformations: translation, rotation, scaling, etc. The movement develops along a path that can be either assigned or random. In this manner, the movement, only possible with the time component, remains frozen in the form of a solid model. Hence, we may assume time as a modelling tool, which connects and unites successive movements of an object into a whole. The procedure in question is visualized with Blender 3D animation and modeling tools. The render examples visualise time based extrusion of the objects random transformations in 3D space. The transformations are randomly generated and controlled by noise function. In order to examine the possibilities of such a creating of 3D shapes for more interesting results, we start from a 2D figure (snow flake), via elementary 3D figure (cube), and then examine how the form is enriched by introducing more complex figures as generatrices, for example concave polyhedron (CbP II-8), or a group of objects. For the procedure itself, we adopt a path which can be the simplest one (straight line, circle), or more complex (with curves, angles or nodes). We also explore what kind of "time imprint" in space leaves the chosen starting figure in a free movement, i.e. for a non-geometric path, but also randomly generated one. The given modelling method provides simple and quick, but very intriguing options for creating a wide range of shapes that can be used in various areas of art and design: from graphic design, to a novel way of sculptural and even architectural design. These forms may convincingly represent natural and bionic forms, e.g. hair strands, vegetation growth, etc. The possibility of 3D printing enables the physical materialization of these shapes, suitable for further processing and use for decorative purposes, such as architectural ornaments or jewellery. As an integral part of the research, we include animation which shows the method of generating shapes in the described manner