Animation Machine

In this project, students will use their understanding of foundational animation principles to create a physical animation machine. This involves creating three elements: (1) a sequence of physical images that consist of the images used in the computer simulation, (2) a window that masks all the images except one comparable to the digital mask used in the computer simulation, and (3) a mechanism to control the rate at which the images are presented. This strategy inspired by Edison’s Kinetoscope that was first demonstrated in the 1890s. Students will emulate this method to design their own mechanism using the CAD program Onshape and fabrication tools such as scissors or a digital die cutter.