Fake Space
Flash MX 3D Cheats is a book about building three dimensional effects without the processor intensive three dimensional math. Each chapter deals with an effect or series of effects specially suited for the computational strengths of Flash MX.
The book contains incredible algorithms, supporting code, and amazing images from an international group of authors, published by Friends of Ed.
My contribution to the book was the development of three systems of text display in the third dimension. Each system is built from the ground up, using step by step instructions, so that even those unfamiliar with Flash MX can build a fully functional project. Each section of the chapter also provides multiple variations and advanced implementation techniques. This enables the reader to develop their own customized projects.
Spherical Text Magnification
In this system, individual letter elements are displaced and magnified around the edge of a transparent sphere.
Spherical Text Magnification is a three dimensional displacement technique that conserves valuable computational resources. The system works by defining a reactive letter object in continual watch of the mouse. When the mouse comes within a specified distance of the letter, the letter is first pushed away, then attracted to the mouse as it draws nearer. In addition, the letter is magnified by a sinusoidal relationship to the distance from the mouse.
The effect is a reactive field of letters that appear to be magnified by a lens controlled by the mouse.
This three dimensional technique was originally published in Flash MX 3D Cheats, published by Friends of Ed.
Lost in Text Space
Words exist as objects in three dimensional space. One flys through this space using the words as waypoints. The space is infinite, new words continually emerge from the fog in the distance.
Lost in Text Space is a system of three dimensional text display originally published in Flash MX 3D Cheats. The effect transforms word objects so that they appear to be floating in a three dimensional space. One is able to move about the space by selecting words, using them as way points.
A constant forward acceleration is present to keep things interesting.
Text Tornado
In this system, words behave like fence posts and cattle caught up in the forces of a tornado. Each word experiences gravity, rotational acceleration, and levitation.
The Text Tornado is a rotational assembly of Flash MX Movieclips that simulates the turbulent forces of a tornado. Elemental words move themselves vertically, using a variable gravity (in relation to the center of the tornado) and occasional impulses of levitation. The words themselves are attached to rotational panes, that transform their scale as an indication of rotational orientation. Each tornado (only one is shown above) is composed of multiple panes. Together, the tornado takes life.
This three dimensional technique was published in Flash MX 3D Cheats, published by Friends of Ed.
Development Images
Flash MX 3D Cheats is a book about building three dimensional effects without the processor intensive three dimensional math. Each chapter deals with an effect or series of effects specially suited for the computational strengths of Flash MX.
figure a. Some words are more important than others
figure b. The staged effects of moving the cursor across a grid of reactive letters
figure c. Things don’t always turn out as expected when programming new ideas
figure d. In this image, multiple instances of the Text Tornado provide me hours of word mixing fun.
figure e. Some words are more important than others
Technical Editor
Steven Rycroft
Flash MX 3D Cheats, paperback
360 pages | 1st edition (forthcoming) | Friends of Ed