This post continuous to answer the following question:
How can 3D models, who are used for animating the animatronic, be used for other steps in the creation process of animatronics?
The following topics describe methods to incorporate a 3D model into various processes.
A visual representation for the client
It all starts when a client commissions an animatronic. The client generally has a concept or an idea for what the animatronic will look like or should be able to do. Traditionally an artist interprets and translates this idea onto paper. Occasionally a small scale Sculpt or 3D print is made as a representation of the final design. Once the design is agreed upon, production starts.
It is difficult to make any significant changes to the animatronic's design. This is especially troublesome when artists and engineers are working simultaneously on their tasks. Therefore it is essential that the client exactly knows that they get what they'd requested.
As a result, I suggest using a rigged 3D model as a visual representation for the client. With the intention that the client can see the final product's functionality before any other production costs are made.
I recommend that this is done in two steps. The first step would be to create the 3D model and vertex paint the surface. Before proceeding, feedback is asked from the client and applied to the model. The second step would be to rig the 3D model. This functionality is then again discussed with the client and should result in approval of the design. By dividing this process into two steps, the rigging procedure doesn't need to be redone if changes are made to the 3D model.
The rigged 3D model is then later used to create the animatronic's animations. While the 3D model can also be used during the prototyping and mold-making process as described before.
By using a rigged 3D model as a visual representation for the client, the risk of changes during production is limited while resources spent on making the 3D model aren't wasted by further using it in the animatronic's creation process.
A VR experience
VR is used in a wide variety of fields, architecture one of which. TMD Studio (2017) writes, "The emergence of virtual reality applications for architecture has been one of the big stories of the past few years — in the future, we’ve been told, VR will become an integral part not just of presenting a project, but of the design process as well."
In addition to my previous recommendation, I suggest taking the visual representation a step further. Instead of showing the visual representation on a screen, the client experiences it in virtual reality.
The benefit of showing the visual representation in virtual reality is that the client can get a sense of scale.
Keeping in mind current circumstances, mobile VR can be used to have the client experience the visual representation at home. This is particularly beneficial for clients overseas. Reducing traveling time and cost.
Figure 1. Concept of VR
List of figures
AR and VR are on the cusp of impacting a variety of industries. But, which is ahead in the enterprise race and which will come out on top? (n.d.). [Image]. Information Age. https://www.information-age.com/vr-ar-potential-123484462/
List of references
TMD STUDIO LTD. (2017, January 21). Virtual Reality Uses in Architecture and Design - TMD STUDIO’s Insights. Medium. https://medium.com/studiotmd/virtual-reality-uses-in-architecture-and-design-c5d54b7c1e89#:%7E:text=VIRTUAL%20REALITY%20FOR%20ARCHITECTS,potential%20for%20architects%20and%20designers.&text=As%20an%20immersive%20technology%2C%20it,building%20design%20as%20a%20whole.
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