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2: The influence of a negative metaball on a positive metaball by creating an indentation in the positive metaball's surface.
In computer graphics, metaballs, also known as blobby objects,[1][2] are organic-looking n-dimensional isosurfaces, characterised by their ability to meld together when in close proximity to create single, contiguous objects.
In solid modelling, polygon meshes are commonly used. In certain instances, however, metaballs are superior. A metaball's "blobby" appearance makes them versatile tools, often used to model organic objects and also to create base meshes for sculpting.[3]
The technique for rendering metaballs was invented by Jim Blinn in the early 1980s to model atom interactions for Carl Sagan's 1980 TV series Cosmos.[4] It is also referred to colloquially as the "jelly effect" in the motion and UX design community,[5] commonly appearing in UI elements such as navigations and buttons. Metaball behavior corresponds to mitosis in cell biology, where chromosomes generate identical copies of themselves through cell division.
- ^ "blobby model". A Dictionary of Computing. Oxford University Press. 2019. Retrieved 2023-10-27 – via www.encyclopedia.com.
- ^ Ward, Matthew. "An Overview of Metaballs/Blobby Objects". Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Retrieved 2023-10-27.
- ^ "Art of Joe Daniels: Digital Sculpting Tutorial". 8 October 2007.
- ^ "CG Notes: Metaballs Intro".
- ^ "The "jelly effect" has recently been very popular and used in lots of animations. … | After effect tutorial, Adobe after effects tutorials, Motion graphics tutorial". Pinterest. Retrieved 2020-08-11.