# Monthly Archives: November 2014

Oh man Layer Ping Pong was super fun.

We had really nice commentary and some interesting doodles.

Man does Sir Rice draw fast.

Check out the results!

If you’re going to PyData this weekend, my friend Michelle is giving a talk!

Layer Ping Pong is tomorrow!

GET PUMPED!

We’re sewing some Kareem-y plushies! So silly! 😄

Thank you Kareem for being good humored about all our shenanigans.

This is the update of my project to create stereographic lampshade using the Blender API.

Above is the 3D printed lampshade projecting the snowflake pattern I made.

It measures approximately 4 inches across and 1.7 inches high.

I’ve updated my code to reflect what I’ve learned from this project.

Previously, I generated dome-like lampshades, based on the original formula for height:

$z_{new} = a \cos \alpha$

where:

• $z_{new}$ is the height of the vertex on the lampshade, computed from the point on the pattern,
• $a$ is the radius of the spherical lampshade, and
• $\alpha$ is twice the angle from the light source (top of the sphere).

However, to more accurately reflect the interplay of the lampshade and the light source, I’ve changed the formula for height:

$z_{new} = h - a \cos \alpha$

where $h$ is the distance from the plane of the projection of the pattern to the center of the spherical lampshade.

This new formula produces bowl-like lampshades. This makes sense, since the lampshade sits between the projection of the pattern and the light source, curving towards the light.

Decreasing the distance between the center of the sphere and the plane of projection results in a more spherical lampshade. This distance could even be negative.

Conversely, the greater the distance to the center of the lampshade, the flatter the lampshade will be.

The physical light source can also distort the pattern. Ideally you’d want a single point source. More diffuse light sources result in fuzzier projections.

It’s all pretty fun.

Make your own with my code on Github!

A little while ago, I donated a couple dollars to Morbid Anatomy‘s Kickstarter. They mailed me a mug as thank you!

It’s a really nice mug.

I haven’t visited the Morbid Anatomy museum yet, but I’m definitely going to soon.

It seems like such a neat place.

I was super impressed by Warby’s potluck this year. There were this beautiful long white table set up for us.

We had loads of catered meatballs and gravy, as well as super delicious baked goods made by everyone!

It was wonderful!