Dot Matrix Effect

Ive been considering the do matrix effect and was thining it might be best achievd using particles and particle instancing. Creating the layout wil be the easy part - what's less straight forward is getting it to behave like a LED screen does, with that primitive jerky action.


One solution woul be to keyframe each individual light so it turns on and off at the correct intervals, but this would be extremly labour intensive. Probably bst off looking into MEL scripting to calculate the sequences - after all its just a case of turning the glow intensity of one object up and the another down...


I could also produce the dot matrix animation in After Effects and either composit the two in post prod. or project it onto a surfce in Maya. The main disadvantage is the animator would not be able to change the expressions on the fly, instead having to go back into AE to edit any alterations.

Dot Matrix (test render)

Quick render i've created using a bling and upping the glow intensity to around 0.3 and applying it to a poly sphere. I've then duplicated and translated to give it a bit of depth. Quite pleased with the effects, but need to establish an animation system. Early thoughts point to using particles.

Dot matrix display

More dot matrix animations.

LED display

Scrolling LED light, can be used to spell messages - one form of character communication.

LED face mask - USB man

Mood board to show examples of an LED readout. Specifically thinking about using it for the usb mans eyes - like the daft punk led masks. Gives the character a bit more versatility of expression.

Hoover Vs. Dyson

One of life's unresolved quandaries, which up until now remained unanswered. The modern bagless, carpet pile butchering Dyson Ball DC25 (with zero suction loss) demonstration makes a mockery of the Hoover Senior's efforts, and illustrates how far domestic vacuum technology has come. Henry can only watch in amazement, and manages to retain his trademark chirpy countenance, but deep down inside he remains empty.

Hoover demonstration

And here it is, a video eloquently demonstrating the Hoover in action, and isn't she's a beauty! I've also copied some of the priceless pieces of homage, paid to this industrial marvel. Particularly like maynardcat's info about the vacs flywheel -(luckily the one i have is in tact, so won't be needing a replacement) brings back memories of trying to sabotage my mums hoovering by hiding a piece of lego on the floor when I was a lad.

Didn't realise people were so interested... Can't wait to give mine a good cleanup.


ClassicTVMan81
The "U" prefix (upright model) wasn't appended on Hoover cleaners until 1973 or '74. This vac appears to date from the mid 1980s.


Vinylrecordsneverdie:
I had a feeling itz from the 70's or 80's, but also thought is was older than that.

maynardcat:
The Hoover does not have a bypass motor, and if you sweep up a bolt of nickle it will break one of the fins off the flywheel throwing it out of balance and causing vibration. The flywheel is available at vacum supply stores and is an easy fix. The vibration if not fixed will damage the motor and bearings.

coondogtheman:1234
that vac is like one ot the ones that spatsbear2 has, the one that he used on the vintage 70's shag carpet

segadreamcast1994:
very nice cleaner wish i had a headlight

AllAmericanFiveRadio:
Very nice find and restore.

Trance88:
Works good! Nice score!

retrochad:
Great find there! I always like salvaging vintage equipment that's been discarded.