Interactive models of tensegrity structures

Achim · February 15, 2009, 12:10:15 AM

I converted my old Java applet simulating Tensegrity structures from pseudo 3D code to a proper 3D rendering using jPCT.

Check out http://complexity.xozzox.de/tensegrity.html , play around with it (there is some help below the applet, as well as an explanation what tensegrity structures actually are) and tell me what you think.

Achim

raft · February 15, 2009, 03:26:13 PM

that works and also looks very well

i like these kinds of things..

EgonOlsen · February 15, 2009, 05:00:02 PM

Reminds me of a toy that my little son has...

However, the applets both(!) seem to require Java6, even the 1.1 compatible one. Is this really needed? Can't you simply compile them for Java5? That way, they would work on my EEEPC too...

Achim · February 15, 2009, 06:25:41 PM

Hi Egon,

I am using jDeveloper 11.1.1 and was not able to achieve the right settings. For the compiler, I selected version 1.5 in the JDK compatibility setting, but this still produces the incompatible class version exception when trying to run with a 1.5 JRE (in "Libraries and Classpath").
This is why I kept the old applet version online, as a fallback. But if this doesn`t work either, I have to go searching.... Any ideas?

Achim

PS: I found out that I touched the old applet with a java 1.6 compiler. So for the time I reverted to the really old applet (which apart from the old rendering has some features missing). So the fall back should work now.

EgonOlsen · February 17, 2009, 06:45:46 PM

I don't know about JDeveloper, but what will always work is to compile it yourself on the command line.

EgonOlsen · February 20, 2009, 08:23:33 PM

Do you mind if i add this to the project's page?

Achim · February 21, 2009, 12:02:11 PM

no, not at all - I would be delighted. I also have an offline version of the applet that has expanded functionality, like optimizing the tensegrity structures according to various criteria, and picking struts or cables and changing their length using the mouse wheel. I could send you a screendump.

EgonOlsen · February 22, 2009, 11:26:05 PM

Ok, I've added it to the projects page using the screen shots you emailed me. I've altered the text, so that it is a bit shorter now.

Achim · February 24, 2009, 08:51:44 AM

great, thanks - and even at the top!

EgonOlsen · February 24, 2009, 09:28:49 AM

Quote from: Achim on February 24, 2009, 08:51:44 AM
great, thanks - and even at the top!

That's due to a rule that i gave myself to put new entries on the top to keep things simple.

Achim · December 21, 2009, 10:25:09 PM

There is now a downloadable, offline version (with some additional features).
Get it at http://www.xozzox.com/downloads.html

EgonOlsen · December 26, 2009, 09:35:32 PM

Works fine here on my crappy Linux Netbook. Judging from the console message, the version of jPCT that you are using isn't the latest. Maybe you should consider upgrading, because it offers you the option to use multiple cores for the software renderer

Achim · January 02, 2010, 11:49:52 AM

Thanks, Egon - good tip. Will consider, but first I have to tackle the issue of porting my main app to Win7 - see my post in the support section on memory issues. And then finding a way to export these structures to a standard 3D file format..

By the way, a modified version of this was used in a press conference by Chanel to support a launch of a new cosmetics product in middle of last year. This is supposed to improve the firmness of the skin by enhancing the structural elements of skin cells, which are believed to be based on the tensegrity principle. The application was used together with some physical models to show how this works to the journalists.