Thursday, February 1, 2007

Assignment IV - Preliminary 'Learning/Experimenting'

The two functions investigated were the INTERSECTION and BOOLEAN SPLIT commands.


The intersection tool allows an overlap to emerge, when two objects touch or intersect with each other.


The boolean split commands lets various pieces emerge when objects intersect one another. For example, if two spheres overlap, the boolean tool will allow the converging lens shape created by the overlap to emerge without the original two spheres; or one of the spheres with a cutout in the shape of the lens formed by the other sphere.


Several problems presented themselves during this 'learning process.' First, these two tools are extremely finicky: if the user looks at the computer screen the wrong way, the command will not work and the user will be presented with a rude beep and an error message.


Secondly, the function will not successfully complete an intersection or boolean split on a non-planar shape. The boolean split was attempted on two snake-like forms, in an effort to produce several interesting emerging overlaps, previously hidden by the single mass. This attempt failed, however, because the snake-shapes were apparently non-planar.


Finally, if the user has any apprehension with the functions, or Form Z in general, the program will sense his/her fear and promptly crash without saving or creating a salvageable backup.


Despite the aforementioned serious issues concerning these two operations, they are quite powerful when executed properly and have the potential to yield incredible results.


Intersection
Boolean Split
Boolean Split

1 comment:

Erik Bishoff said...

Those images have me SO confused. Spatially impossible or just optical illusions? Wha? Who?

*ouch*