Mastering Animation on Desmos Calculator

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Obtaining Source Material
   1. Downloading YouTube Videos
   2. Parsing the Video into Frames
3. Creating Desmos Vector Art
   1. Time and Skill Requirements
   2. Generalizing Curves with Bezier Curves
   3. Understanding File Formats: PNGs and SVGs
4. Converting PNGs to SVGs
   1. Using the Potrace Tool
5. Edge Detection and Contours
   1. Using OpenCV's Canny Edge Detection
   2. Representing Contours on Separate Image
   3. Tracing with Potrace
6. Rendering and Animating
   1. Creating Front-end Script
   2. Updating the Graph at Each Frame
7. Rendering Speed and Limitations
   1. Factors Affecting Rendering Time
   2. Controlling the Number of Lines
8. Practical Uses of Desmos Animator
9. Insights into Video and Animation Processing
10. Conclusion

Creating Desmos Animations: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Computer science offers us various tools and techniques to bring our creative ideas to life. One such tool is Desmos, a powerful graphing calculator that can be used to animate objects. In this article, we will explore the process of creating Desmos animations, step by step. From obtaining source material to rendering and animating, we will cover everything you need to know to get started.

Obtaining Source Material

Before diving into animation in Desmos, we need to obtain the source material. If you wish to animate a YouTube video, you can start by downloading it using a command-line tool like youtube-dl. Once downloaded, the video needs to be parsed into individual frames using ffmpeg. This process will result in a directory of PNG files, which will serve as our source material for animation.

Creating Desmos Vector Art

Creating vector art in Desmos is the key to animating objects effectively. While manual drawing and mathematical skills are commendable, for our purposes, we need a more generalized approach. This is where the concept of Bezier curves comes in. A Bezier curve is defined by four points, including a starting and ending point, and two points that determine the curvature. By utilizing this curve formula, Desmos can generate smooth animations for us.

Understanding File Formats: PNGs and SVGs

To work with Desmos, we need to understand file formats, particularly PNG and SVG. PNG represents images as a matrix of pixels, while SVG uses Bezier curves to represent images. Converting PNGs to SVGs provides us with the advantage of leveraging the flexibility and convenience of vector graphics. This conversion can be achieved using a tool called Potrace. By inputting our PNG data, Potrace traces the edges and returns a path of Bezier curves.

Converting PNGs to SVGs Using Potrace

Potrace is a powerful tool that converts bitmap images into vector images. By converting our PNG data to a bitmap format and using Potrace, we can obtain a traced path of Bezier curves. Once we have our four points defining the Bezier curve, we can write it as a LaTeX expression, compatible with Desmos API.

Edge Detection and Contours

Handling images with multiple colors poses a challenge. To address this, we employ an edge detection algorithm known as Canny edge detection from the OpenCV library. This algorithm provides us with detailed contours of the image, even with color variations. These contours can then be represented as white lines on a black background, making them suitable for further processing.

Rendering and Animating

With the image prepared and the Bezier curves defined, we can now proceed to render and animate the objects in Desmos. Creating a front-end script to render each frame and update the graph at each frame ensures smooth animation. The entire animation process can take significant time depending on factors like the complexity of the image and the number of lines to be drawn.

Rendering Speed and Limitations

The rendering speed of Desmos animations can vary based on multiple factors. Key factors that impact rendering time include the complexity of the image, the number of lines to be drawn, and the Desmos backend infrastructure. Although limited control is available over the backend infrastructure, optimizing the number of lines drawn can help improve rendering speed.

Practical Uses of Desmos Animator

While Desmos animations may not appear practical on the surface, the tools and algorithms used in the process provide valuable insights into the processing of real videos and animations. The Desmos animator serves as a playground for experimenting with various techniques that can be applied to more significant projects.

Insights into Video and Animation Processing

Creating Desmos animations deepens our understanding of how videos and animations are processed in real-world software. The techniques employed, such as edge detection, contour representation, and Bezier curves, offer a glimpse into the complex processes used in professional animation software.

Conclusion

Animating objects in Desmos provides a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of computer science and creativity. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you can unlock your potential to create captivating animations. From obtaining source material to rendering and animating, the journey of creating Desmos animations is filled with learning opportunities and the chance to express your ideas visually.

Highlights:

• Learn how to create animations in Desmos, a powerful graphing calculator.
• Obtain source material from YouTube videos and parse it into frames.
• Utilize Bezier curves to create smooth and generalized animations.
• Convert PNGs to SVGs using the Potrace tool for better compatibility with Desmos.
• Employ edge detection algorithms and contour representation for more detailed images.
• Render and animate objects in Desmos by creating a front-end script.
• Explore practical uses and gain insights into video and animation processing.
• Gain a deeper understanding of computer science concepts and their creative applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I animate any type of image in Desmos, or are there limitations? A: While Desmos allows you to animate a wide variety of images, the complexity of the image and the number of lines involved can impact the rendering speed. It is advisable to optimize the number of lines and consider the limitations of the Desmos infrastructure.

Q: How long does it take to render a Desmos animation? A: The rendering time for Desmos animations varies depending on factors like the complexity of the image and the number of lines to be drawn. Larger and more intricate animations may take several hours to render.

Q: What can I use Desmos animations for? A: Desmos animations can be a valuable tool for visual storytelling, educational purposes, or simply expressing your creativity. The techniques and insights gained from the process of creating Desmos animations can also be applied to larger-scale video and animation projects.

Q: Can I use Desmos animations for professional purposes? A: While Desmos animations may not be suitable for professional-grade projects, they provide a learning platform to grasp the fundamentals of video and animation processing. The acquired knowledge can be transferred to professional software and used in more significant projects.