Introduction to Animation

Zoetrope. 

The Zoetrope was first invented in 180AD by chinese Ting Huan. It is a device that creates the illusion of movement via a rapid successions of still images. Zoetrope could be interpreted as the 'wheel of life'.

It is a cylinder with vertical splits at the sides. The Zoetrope operates according to be presistance of ones vision. Due to the retina in our eyes, we are able to see images when we blink. This is because our retina remember that last piece of visual that it had received and connects it to the next. 

Likewise, this is how we are able to visualize the images in the Zoetrope. Due to our retina, us as humans, are unable to tell when one flash stops and a new one begins. As a result we perceive the motion as being consistent. The Zoetrope works because of the separated slots in the cylinder which stimulate flashes as a result of a strobe effect. 

Advantages of the Zoetrope. 

The Zoetrope is a device that is very easy to operate. Its ideal for people of all ages. It can be used professionally or simply as a means of having some fun. This is circular moving apparatus creates the illusion movement as it rotates round and round. It is also very simple to draw any sort of animation onto the key frames. Anything a bouncing ball and smiley face to more complex things like two people dancing. 

Disadvantages of the Zoetrope.

The duration of the 'animation' is very limited because of the drawing on the strip. It may also become boring because of the repetitiveness of the same images being shown on the Zoetrope. Also, in order for the device to work it is imperative that we look through the slots of the Zoetrope as opposed to the top, as the illusion of the movement will be lost.