Category Archives: 3D Graphics with Visual Python

In this video Lesson, we show how to interact with a Python model using widgets. We show how Vpython allows use of dropdown menus, radio buttons, check boxes and slider bars. These combine to give the user great control over an animated model. In past lessons we changed parameters by editing the program. By incorporating widgets we can allow non-programmers to effectively interact with a model.

from vpython import *
from time import *
mRadius=.5
wallThickness=.1
roomWidth=12
roomDepth=20
roomHeight=15
floor=box(pos=vector(0,-roomHeight/2,0),size=vector(roomWidth,wallThickness,roomDepth), color=color.white)
ceiling=box(pos=vector(0,roomHeight/2,0),size=vector(roomWidth,wallThickness,roomDepth), color=color.white)
backWall=box(pos=vector(0,0,-roomDepth/2),size=vector(roomWidth,roomHeight,wallThickness), color=color.white)
leftWall=box(pos=vector(-roomWidth/2,0,0),size=vector(wallThickness,roomHeight,roomDepth), color=color.white)
rightWall=box(pos=vector(roomWidth/2,0,0),size=vector(wallThickness,roomHeight,roomDepth), color=color.white)
marble=sphere(radius=mRadius,color=color.blue)
deltaX=.1
deltaY=.1
deltaZ=.1

run=0
mySpeed=1

xPos=0
yPos=0
zPos=0

def ballColorRed(x):
    marble.color=color.red 
button(bind=ballColorRed,text="Red",color=color.black,background=color.red)
scene.append_to_caption(' ')

def ballColorGreen(x):
    marble.color=color.green 
button(bind=ballColorGreen,text="Green",color=color.black,background=color.green)
scene.append_to_caption(' ')

def ballColorBlue(x):
    marble.color=color.blue 
button(bind=ballColorBlue,text="Blue",color=color.black,background=color.blue)
scene.append_to_caption(' ')

def runRadio(x):
    global run
    print(x.checked)
    if x.checked==True:
        run=1
    if x.checked==False:
        run=0
radio(bind=runRadio,text='Run')

def bigBall(x):
    global mRadius
    if x.checked==True:
        mRadius=mRadius*2
        marble.radius=mRadius
    if x.checked==False:
        mRadius=mRadius/2
        marble.radius=mRadius
checkbox(bind=bigBall, text='Big Ball')
scene.append_to_caption('\n\n')

wtext(text='Ball Opacity')
scene.append_to_caption('\n\n')

def ballOpacity(x):
    op=x.value
    marble.opacity=op
slider(bind=ballOpacity,vertical=False,min=0,max=1,step=.05,value=1,text='Opacity')

scene.append_to_caption('\n\n')
wtext(text='Choose Your Speed')
scene.append_to_caption('\n\n')

def speed(x):
    global mySpeed
    if x.selected=='1':
        mySpeed=1
    if x.selected=='2':
        mySpeed=2
    if x.selected=='3':
        mySpeed=3
    if x.selected=='4':
        mySpeed=4
    if x.selected=='5':
        mySpeed=5
menu(bind=speed, choices=['1','2','3','4','5'])


while True:
    rate(25*mySpeed)

    xPos=xPos+deltaX*run
    yPos=yPos+deltaY*run
    zPos=zPos+deltaZ*run

    Xrme=xPos+mRadius
    Xlme=xPos-mRadius
    Ytme=yPos+mRadius
    Ybme=yPos-mRadius
    Zbme=zPos-mRadius
    Zfme=zPos+mRadius

    Rwe=roomWidth/2-wallThickness/2
    Lwe=-roomWidth/2+wallThickness/2
    Cwe=roomHeight/2-wallThickness/2
    FLOORwe=-roomHeight/2+wallThickness/2
    Bwe=-roomDepth/2+wallThickness/2
    Fwe=roomDepth/2-wallThickness/2

    if (Xrme>=Rwe or Xlme<=Lwe):
        deltaX=deltaX*(-1)

    if (Ytme>=Cwe or Ybme<=FLOORwe):
        deltaY=deltaY*(-1)

    if (Zfme>=Fwe or Zbme<=Bwe):
        deltaZ=deltaZ*(-1)

    marble.pos=vector(xPos,yPos,zPos)

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from vpython import *

from time import *

mRadius=.5

wallThickness=.1

roomWidth=12

roomDepth=20

roomHeight=15

floor=box(pos=vector(0,-roomHeight/2,0),size=vector(roomWidth,wallThickness,roomDepth), color=color.white)

ceiling=box(pos=vector(0,roomHeight/2,0),size=vector(roomWidth,wallThickness,roomDepth), color=color.white)

backWall=box(pos=vector(0,0,-roomDepth/2),size=vector(roomWidth,roomHeight,wallThickness), color=color.white)

leftWall=box(pos=vector(-roomWidth/2,0,0),size=vector(wallThickness,roomHeight,roomDepth), color=color.white)

rightWall=box(pos=vector(roomWidth/2,0,0),size=vector(wallThickness,roomHeight,roomDepth), color=color.white)

marble=sphere(radius=mRadius,color=color.blue)

deltaX=.1

deltaY=.1

deltaZ=.1

run=0

mySpeed=1

xPos=0

yPos=0

zPos=0

def ballColorRed(x):

marble.color=color.red

button(bind=ballColorRed,text="Red",color=color.black,background=color.red)

scene.append_to_caption(' ')

def ballColorGreen(x):

marble.color=color.green

button(bind=ballColorGreen,text="Green",color=color.black,background=color.green)

scene.append_to_caption(' ')

def ballColorBlue(x):

marble.color=color.blue

button(bind=ballColorBlue,text="Blue",color=color.black,background=color.blue)

scene.append_to_caption(' ')

def runRadio(x):

global run

print(x.checked)

if x.checked==True:

run=1

if x.checked==False:

run=0

radio(bind=runRadio,text='Run')

def bigBall(x):

global mRadius

if x.checked==True:

mRadius=mRadius*2

marble.radius=mRadius

if x.checked==False:

mRadius=mRadius/2

marble.radius=mRadius

checkbox(bind=bigBall, text='Big Ball')

scene.append_to_caption('\n\n')

wtext(text='Ball Opacity')

scene.append_to_caption('\n\n')

def ballOpacity(x):

op=x.value

marble.opacity=op

slider(bind=ballOpacity,vertical=False,min=0,max=1,step=.05,value=1,text='Opacity')

scene.append_to_caption('\n\n')

wtext(text='Choose Your Speed')

scene.append_to_caption('\n\n')

def speed(x):

global mySpeed

if x.selected=='1':

mySpeed=1

if x.selected=='2':

mySpeed=2

if x.selected=='3':

mySpeed=3

if x.selected=='4':

mySpeed=4

if x.selected=='5':

mySpeed=5

menu(bind=speed, choices=['1','2','3','4','5'])

while True:

rate(25*mySpeed)

xPos=xPos+deltaX*run

yPos=yPos+deltaY*run

zPos=zPos+deltaZ*run

Xrme=xPos+mRadius

Xlme=xPos-mRadius

Ytme=yPos+mRadius

Ybme=yPos-mRadius

Zbme=zPos-mRadius

Zfme=zPos+mRadius

Rwe=roomWidth/2-wallThickness/2

Lwe=-roomWidth/2+wallThickness/2

Cwe=roomHeight/2-wallThickness/2

FLOORwe=-roomHeight/2+wallThickness/2

Bwe=-roomDepth/2+wallThickness/2

Fwe=roomDepth/2-wallThickness/2

if (Xrme>=Rwe or Xlme<=Lwe):

deltaX=deltaX*(-1)

if (Ytme>=Cwe or Ybme<=FLOORwe):

deltaY=deltaY*(-1)

if (Zfme>=Fwe or Zbme<=Bwe):

deltaZ=deltaZ*(-1)

marble.pos=vector(xPos,yPos,zPos)

3D Graphics with Visual Python

Python 3D Graphics Tutorial 17: Creating an Accurate 3D Clock in Visual Python

November 3, 2021 admin

This is the code we developed in Lesson 17 in order to create a 3D visual of an accurate analog clock. This code will serve as the starting point for lesson #18.

from vpython import *
import numpy as np
import time
clockR=1
clockT=clockR/10
majorTickL=clockR/7
majorTickT=2*np.pi*clockR/400
majorTickW=clockT*1.2

minorTickL=clockR/12
minorTickT=2*np.pi*clockR/600
minorTickW=clockT*1.2

minuteHandL=clockR-majorTickL
minuteHandT=minuteHandL/25
minuteHandOffset=clockT/2+minuteHandT

hourHandL=.75*minuteHandL
hourHandT=minuteHandT*1.25
hourHandOffset=clockT+hourHandT

secondHandL=clockR-majorTickL/2
secondHandT=minuteHandL/50
secondHandOffset=clockT*1.5+minuteHandT

hubRadius=clockT/2

hourAngle=np.pi/2
minuteAngle=np.pi/2
minInc=.0001
hourInc=minInc/12
secondAngle=np.pi/2
secondInc=minInc*60

for theta in np.linspace(0,2*np.pi,13):
    majorTick=box(axis=vector(clockR*np.cos(theta),clockR*np.sin(theta),0), color=color.black, length=majorTickL, width=majorTickW, height=majorTickT, pos=vector((clockR-majorTickL/2)*np.cos(theta),(clockR-majorTickL/2)*np.sin(theta),0))
for theta in np.linspace(0,2*np.pi,61):
    minorTick=box(axis=vector(clockR*np.cos(theta),clockR*np.sin(theta),0), color=color.black, length=minorTickL, width=minorTickW, height=minorTickT, pos=vector((clockR-minorTickL/2)*np.cos(theta),(clockR-minorTickL/2)*np.sin(theta),0))

clockFace=cylinder(axis=vector(0,0,1),color=vector(0,1,.8),length=clockT, radius=clockR,pos=vector(0,0,-clockT/2))
minuteHand=arrow(axis=vector(0,1,0),color=color.red,shaftwidth=minuteHandT,length=minuteHandL, pos=vector(0,0,minuteHandOffset))
hourHand=arrow(axis=vector(0,1,0),color=color.red,shaftwidth=hourHandT,length=hourHandL, pos=vector(0,0,hourHandOffset))
secondHand=arrow(axis=vector(0,1,0),color=color.red,shaftwidth=secondHandT,length=secondHandL, pos=vector(0,0,secondHandOffset))
hub=cylinder(axis=vector(0,0,1),color=color.red, radius=hubRadius, length= 2*clockT)
while True:
    rate(5000)
    hour=time.localtime(time.time())[3]
    if hour>12:
        hour=hour-12
    minute=time.localtime(time.time())[4]
    second=time.localtime(time.time())[5]
    hourAngle=-(hour/12)*2*np.pi+np.pi/2
    minuteAngle=-(minute/60)*2*np.pi+np.pi/2
    secondAngle=-(second/60)*2*np.pi+np.pi/2
    print(second)
    hourHand.axis=vector(hourHandL*np.cos(hourAngle),hourHandL*np.sin(hourAngle),0)
    minuteHand.axis=vector(minuteHandL*np.cos(minuteAngle),minuteHandL*np.sin(minuteAngle),0)
    secondHand.axis=vector(secondHandL*np.cos(secondAngle),secondHandL*np.sin(secondAngle),0)

from vpython import *

import numpy as np

import time

clockR=1

clockT=clockR/10

majorTickL=clockR/7

majorTickT=2*np.pi*clockR/400

majorTickW=clockT*1.2

minorTickL=clockR/12

minorTickT=2*np.pi*clockR/600

minorTickW=clockT*1.2

minuteHandL=clockR-majorTickL

minuteHandT=minuteHandL/25

minuteHandOffset=clockT/2+minuteHandT

hourHandL=.75*minuteHandL

hourHandT=minuteHandT*1.25

hourHandOffset=clockT+hourHandT

secondHandL=clockR-majorTickL/2

secondHandT=minuteHandL/50

secondHandOffset=clockT*1.5+minuteHandT

hubRadius=clockT/2

hourAngle=np.pi/2

minuteAngle=np.pi/2

minInc=.0001

hourInc=minInc/12

secondAngle=np.pi/2

secondInc=minInc*60

for theta in np.linspace(0,2*np.pi,13):

majorTick=box(axis=vector(clockR*np.cos(theta),clockR*np.sin(theta),0), color=color.black, length=majorTickL, width=majorTickW, height=majorTickT, pos=vector((clockR-majorTickL/2)*np.cos(theta),(clockR-majorTickL/2)*np.sin(theta),0))

for theta in np.linspace(0,2*np.pi,61):

minorTick=box(axis=vector(clockR*np.cos(theta),clockR*np.sin(theta),0), color=color.black, length=minorTickL, width=minorTickW, height=minorTickT, pos=vector((clockR-minorTickL/2)*np.cos(theta),(clockR-minorTickL/2)*np.sin(theta),0))

clockFace=cylinder(axis=vector(0,0,1),color=vector(0,1,.8),length=clockT, radius=clockR,pos=vector(0,0,-clockT/2))

minuteHand=arrow(axis=vector(0,1,0),color=color.red,shaftwidth=minuteHandT,length=minuteHandL, pos=vector(0,0,minuteHandOffset))

hourHand=arrow(axis=vector(0,1,0),color=color.red,shaftwidth=hourHandT,length=hourHandL, pos=vector(0,0,hourHandOffset))

secondHand=arrow(axis=vector(0,1,0),color=color.red,shaftwidth=secondHandT,length=secondHandL, pos=vector(0,0,secondHandOffset))

hub=cylinder(axis=vector(0,0,1),color=color.red, radius=hubRadius, length= 2*clockT)

while True:

rate(5000)

hour=time.localtime(time.time())[3]

if hour>12:

hour=hour-12

minute=time.localtime(time.time())[4]

second=time.localtime(time.time())[5]

hourAngle=-(hour/12)*2*np.pi+np.pi/2

minuteAngle=-(minute/60)*2*np.pi+np.pi/2

secondAngle=-(second/60)*2*np.pi+np.pi/2

print(second)

hourHand.axis=vector(hourHandL*np.cos(hourAngle),hourHandL*np.sin(hourAngle),0)

minuteHand.axis=vector(minuteHandL*np.cos(minuteAngle),minuteHandL*np.sin(minuteAngle),0)

secondHand.axis=vector(secondHandL*np.cos(secondAngle),secondHandL*np.sin(secondAngle),0)

3D Graphics with Visual Python

Python 3D Graphics Tutorial 5: Bouncing Ball Simulation in Visual Python

August 21, 2021 admin

The program below is the code we developed in Lesson 5. It is a Vpython program that creates a 3D model of a marble bouncing in a box.

from vpython import *
from time import *
mRadius=.5
wallThickness=.1
roomWidth=12
roomDepth=20
roomHeight=2
floor=box(pos=vector(0,-roomHeight/2,0),size=vector(roomWidth,wallThickness,roomDepth), color=color.white)
ceiling=box(pos=vector(0,roomHeight/2,0),size=vector(roomWidth,wallThickness,roomDepth), color=color.white)
backWall=box(pos=vector(0,0,-roomDepth/2),size=vector(roomWidth,roomHeight,wallThickness), color=color.white)
leftWall=box(pos=vector(-roomWidth/2,0,0),size=vector(wallThickness,roomHeight,roomDepth), color=color.white)
rightWall=box(pos=vector(roomWidth/2,0,0),size=vector(wallThickness,roomHeight,roomDepth), color=color.white)
marble=sphere(radius=mRadius,color=color.red)
deltaX=.1
deltaY=.1
deltaZ=.1

xPos=0
yPos=0
zPos=0

while True:
    rate(25)

    xPos=xPos+deltaX
    yPos=yPos+deltaY
    zPos=zPos+deltaZ

    Xrme=xPos+mRadius
    Xlme=xPos-mRadius
    Ytme=yPos+mRadius
    Ybme=yPos-mRadius
    Zbme=zPos-mRadius
    Zfme=zPos+mRadius

    Rwe=roomWidth/2-wallThickness/2
    Lwe=-roomWidth/2+wallThickness/2
    Cwe=roomHeight/2-wallThickness/2
    FLOORwe=-roomHeight/2+wallThickness/2
    Bwe=-roomDepth/2+wallThickness/2
    Fwe=roomDepth/2-wallThickness/2

    if (Xrme>=Rwe or Xlme<=Lwe):
        deltaX=deltaX*(-1)

    if (Ytme>=Cwe or Ybme<=FLOORwe):
        deltaY=deltaY*(-1)

    if (Zfme>=Fwe or Zbme<=Bwe):
        deltaZ=deltaZ*(-1)

    marble.pos=vector(xPos,yPos,zPos)

from vpython import *

from time import *

mRadius=.5

wallThickness=.1

roomWidth=12

roomDepth=20

roomHeight=2

floor=box(pos=vector(0,-roomHeight/2,0),size=vector(roomWidth,wallThickness,roomDepth), color=color.white)

ceiling=box(pos=vector(0,roomHeight/2,0),size=vector(roomWidth,wallThickness,roomDepth), color=color.white)

backWall=box(pos=vector(0,0,-roomDepth/2),size=vector(roomWidth,roomHeight,wallThickness), color=color.white)

leftWall=box(pos=vector(-roomWidth/2,0,0),size=vector(wallThickness,roomHeight,roomDepth), color=color.white)

rightWall=box(pos=vector(roomWidth/2,0,0),size=vector(wallThickness,roomHeight,roomDepth), color=color.white)

marble=sphere(radius=mRadius,color=color.red)

deltaX=.1

deltaY=.1

deltaZ=.1

xPos=0

yPos=0

zPos=0

while True:

rate(25)

xPos=xPos+deltaX

yPos=yPos+deltaY

zPos=zPos+deltaZ

Xrme=xPos+mRadius

Xlme=xPos-mRadius

Ytme=yPos+mRadius

Ybme=yPos-mRadius

Zbme=zPos-mRadius

Zfme=zPos+mRadius

Rwe=roomWidth/2-wallThickness/2

Lwe=-roomWidth/2+wallThickness/2

Cwe=roomHeight/2-wallThickness/2

FLOORwe=-roomHeight/2+wallThickness/2

Bwe=-roomDepth/2+wallThickness/2

Fwe=roomDepth/2-wallThickness/2

if (Xrme>=Rwe or Xlme<=Lwe):

deltaX=deltaX*(-1)

if (Ytme>=Cwe or Ybme<=FLOORwe):

deltaY=deltaY*(-1)

if (Zfme>=Fwe or Zbme<=Bwe):

deltaZ=deltaZ*(-1)

marble.pos=vector(xPos,yPos,zPos)

3D Graphics with Visual Python

Python 3D Graphics LESSON 4: Understanding 3D Motion in Visual Python Model

August 14, 2021 admin

In this lesson we show how to make an animated ball properly bounce off a wall using Visual Python (Vpython).

from vpython import *
from time import *
mRadius=2
wallThickness=1
roomWidth=15
roomDepth=12
roomHeight=8
floor=box(pos=vector(0,-roomHeight/2,0),size=vector(roomWidth,wallThickness,roomDepth), color=color.white)
ceiling=box(pos=vector(0,roomHeight/2,0),size=vector(roomWidth,wallThickness,roomDepth), color=color.white)
backWall=box(pos=vector(0,0,-roomDepth/2),size=vector(roomWidth,roomHeight,wallThickness), color=color.white)
leftWall=box(pos=vector(-roomWidth/2,0,0),size=vector(wallThickness,roomHeight,roomDepth), color=color.white)
rightWall=box(pos=vector(roomWidth/2,0,0),size=vector(wallThickness,roomHeight,roomDepth), color=color.white)
marble=sphere(radius=mRadius,color=color.red)
deltaX=.1
xPos=0
while True:
    rate(25)
    xPos=xPos+deltaX
    Xrme=xPos+mRadius
    Xlme=xPos-mRadius
    Rwe=roomWidth/2-wallThickness/2
    Lwe=-roomWidth/2+wallThickness/2
    if (Xrme>=Rwe or Xlme<Lwe):
        deltaX=deltaX*(-1)
    marble.pos=vector(xPos,0,0)

from vpython import *

from time import *

mRadius=2

wallThickness=1

roomWidth=15

roomDepth=12

roomHeight=8

floor=box(pos=vector(0,-roomHeight/2,0),size=vector(roomWidth,wallThickness,roomDepth), color=color.white)

ceiling=box(pos=vector(0,roomHeight/2,0),size=vector(roomWidth,wallThickness,roomDepth), color=color.white)

backWall=box(pos=vector(0,0,-roomDepth/2),size=vector(roomWidth,roomHeight,wallThickness), color=color.white)

leftWall=box(pos=vector(-roomWidth/2,0,0),size=vector(wallThickness,roomHeight,roomDepth), color=color.white)

rightWall=box(pos=vector(roomWidth/2,0,0),size=vector(wallThickness,roomHeight,roomDepth), color=color.white)

marble=sphere(radius=mRadius,color=color.red)

deltaX=.1

xPos=0

while True:

rate(25)

xPos=xPos+deltaX

Xrme=xPos+mRadius

Xlme=xPos-mRadius

Rwe=roomWidth/2-wallThickness/2

Lwe=-roomWidth/2+wallThickness/2

if (Xrme>=Rwe or Xlme<Lwe):

deltaX=deltaX*(-1)

marble.pos=vector(xPos,0,0)

3D Graphics with Visual Python

Python 3D Graphics LESSON 3: Parameterizing your 3D Model

August 4, 2021 admin

In this lesson we show you the importance of building a parameterized model for your 3D graphics in Python using Visual Python. You can manage large scenes unless you are doing it with parameterized dimensions. The video above takes you through it step by step. Here is the code for the parameterized box and marble we developed in Lesson 3:

from vpython import *
from time import *
mRadius=.75
wallThickness=.1
roomWidth=10
roomDepth=5
roomHeight=10
floor=box(pos=vector(0,-roomHeight/2,0),size=vector(roomWidth,wallThickness,roomDepth), color=color.white)
ceiling=box(pos=vector(0,roomHeight/2,0),size=vector(roomWidth,wallThickness,roomDepth), color=color.white)
backWall=box(pos=vector(0,0,-roomDepth/2),size=vector(roomWidth,roomHeight,wallThickness), color=color.white)
leftWall=box(pos=vector(-roomWidth/2,0,0),size=vector(wallThickness,roomHeight,roomDepth), color=color.white)
rightWall=box(pos=vector(roomWidth/2,0,0),size=vector(wallThickness,roomHeight,roomDepth), color=color.white)
marble=sphere(radius=mRadius,color=color.red)
deltaX=.1
xPos=0
while True:
    rate(10)
    xPos=xPos+deltaX
    if (xPos>roomWidth/2 or xPos<-roomWidth/2):
        deltaX=deltaX*(-1)
    marble.pos=vector(xPos,0,0)

from vpython import *

from time import *

mRadius=.75

wallThickness=.1

roomWidth=10

roomDepth=5

roomHeight=10

floor=box(pos=vector(0,-roomHeight/2,0),size=vector(roomWidth,wallThickness,roomDepth), color=color.white)

ceiling=box(pos=vector(0,roomHeight/2,0),size=vector(roomWidth,wallThickness,roomDepth), color=color.white)

backWall=box(pos=vector(0,0,-roomDepth/2),size=vector(roomWidth,roomHeight,wallThickness), color=color.white)

leftWall=box(pos=vector(-roomWidth/2,0,0),size=vector(wallThickness,roomHeight,roomDepth), color=color.white)

rightWall=box(pos=vector(roomWidth/2,0,0),size=vector(wallThickness,roomHeight,roomDepth), color=color.white)

marble=sphere(radius=mRadius,color=color.red)

deltaX=.1

xPos=0

while True:

rate(10)

xPos=xPos+deltaX

if (xPos>roomWidth/2 or xPos<-roomWidth/2):

deltaX=deltaX*(-1)

marble.pos=vector(xPos,0,0)

Technology Tutorials

Category Archives: 3D Graphics with Visual Python

Python 3D Graphics Tutorial 17: Creating an Accurate 3D Clock in Visual Python

Python 3D Graphics Tutorial 5: Bouncing Ball Simulation in Visual Python

Python 3D Graphics LESSON 4: Understanding 3D Motion in Visual Python Model

Python 3D Graphics LESSON 3: Parameterizing your 3D Model

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