Saturday, March 3, 2007

How to Build the Locket from the Illusionist, pt. 2

Okay, here's my solution. I'm sure there are other ways to build such a locket, and some may be more elegant.

Allow me the vanity to say this is a down and dirty animation which I threw together. I can make things look pretty in 3D when I want to.

UPDATE: Here's some other takes on the design.

30 comments:

Gwyneth said...

INGENIOUS!

Anonymous said...

Could you explain some of the things in the building of a model more. For instance, do you know what type of mechanical things that you would need? Would it be possible for you to in another video show how the mechanical things work when you are zoomed out so that you can see what each mechanical piece is doing. Thanks for your great video and brilliant mind!

Troyus23 said...

Admittedly yours is the first design plan I came across for this locket. That being said, I was completely facinated by the intricate design you came up with. Bravo! So, can it truly be done?

Wagster said...

I'm glad you all enjoyed it. Can this be done? On the scale in which it appears in the movie, it would be very difficult, though not impossible. I couldn't begin to advise you on how to do it practically, I was just interested in this as a theoretical problem. Also, I should say that the only non-obvious and necessary insight is the split hinge at the bottom of the heart. I'm sure there are other ways to keep the lid fixed when it is not in heart formation -- since I finished the video it's occurred to me that you could do something with magnets and springs that might be simpler.

Anonymous said...

ah wagster.. your design is wayy too complicated. although it would hypothetically work, it requires extremely durable materials and a certain craftiness to build that most people dont have.. i have created a much simpler yet equally efficient enlarged model that is very easy to actually make, if u would like i could draw up some sketches in ms paint or something

Wagster said...

I would be very interested in seeing that, Mickalavich. As I said upthread, the only important thing is the split pivot. The pin mechanism is just there to fix the lid on and could be simplified I'm sure.

Bob said...

I loved that animation. I think I know what you're talking about, but it would be really helpful if I could have a copy of that 3D file, if it would be ok with you.

What program is it done in?

Wagster said...

Sorry, Bob, that would be a little too complicated. It would be multiple Maya files, an After Effects file, source files.

Anonymous said...

I think its incredible how you came up with that explanation of the way it was done in the movie! But I was wondering if you could tell me where one would get a mechanism such as the one demonstrated in the video clip. I'd really like to attempt to make a locket myself!

Wagster said...

I wish I could help, Sarah! I was interested in this from a theoretical point of view... I can't really help you with the practical side.

Anonymous said...

Mickalavich could you explain how you made the larger scale one? I'd be interested to see how it can be made on a larger scale.

Anonymous said...

how would you do it with magnets and springs?

Wagster said...

Anonymous:

It would all happen in the pivot. Springs would keep small levers jutting out from the pivot, preventing the pivot from turning. Except when it is joined by the other half-pivot, at which point magnets pull the lever back and let the pivot turn.

Anonymous said...

Have you actualy built this locket, or even tried? I am afriad I belive that you have the idea of the locket all wrong... I find it to be much simpler than you are making it to be. I am not the best with computers so I cannot do any fancy animations but if you would like to discuss it please E-mail me at SWV1787@aol.com. But you must understand that the locket in the movie was actualy two lockets one that turned and one that opened otherwise his pictuer would have been torn in half from where it sat.

Emily said...

Fantastic (I saw your video on YouTube and came over here). Of course there are probably other ways to do it, but your way seems logical and interesting. Thanks for posting it.

Now if I could only make it...

Anonymous said...

I'm very impressed with your theoretical side to this problem....i have strated a prototype, well several( due to the difficult nature when dealing with size, i have used many scales) and the general idea works...but the pivot system is proving to be incredibly difficult when dealing with wood....i have come up with other systems much such as your spring idea, but it seemed me this would destroy the authenticity of the idea in association with the movie... maybe im being pedantic haha.
if you wish to see any progress feel free to email me (alius15@hotmail.com) i would love to hear any further ideas you have to substitute your current pivot system. and if *Mikalavich* did send you his prototype i would be very interested i that too...thankyou

Nick Carter said...

Nice animation! There are so many ways to accomplish the action of this locket.

I just worked up my solution:
http://mechanicalphilosopher.blogspot.com/2007/03/illusionist-locket.html

Wagster said...

Nicely done, Nick! I've just posted a link for you:

http://wagsterspeaks.blogspot.com/2007/03/more-locket-designs.html

Anonymous said...

I built one. Works pretty good.

Anonymous said...

Hey man. where do you get the insane wee metal parts hinges and all that jazz. what wood do you suggest and what tools

Anonymous said...

hey i was wondering how anonymous made the locket and which materials i would have to buy to make one of my own?

Anonymous said...

where can you buy the tiny parts? any idea's anyone? I'm planing on making one for my girlfriend's birthday but i can't find the peices needed. Also what kind of wood do you suggest?

Anonymous said...

where do we get those tiny prats from??? cant find 'em.

Anonymous said...

It is possible to build one made simply with wood, and have it not tear a picture in half. The idea is a lot simpler than this mechanical one.

Harley said...

" Anonymous said...

It is possible to build one made simply with wood, and have it not tear a picture in half. The idea is a lot simpler than this mechanical one."

Okay... Um how? I'm really curious as to how to make it simply. Thanks

Anonymous said...

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/837342/the_illusionist_pendant_locket_necklace_replica_extra_little/

visit this site
it shows a woman w/ many of the lockets
it upsets me that i cant find out how to purchase them
if u find out how email me at
monty-python-lover@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

For all of you inquiring about the small parts, it is unlikely that they exist in mass quantities, which is to say, if they do exist, they are probably custom parts that are almost impossible to find. However, the only crucial elements to this locket are they main axle and the half-hinge. The other parts simply restrict rotation and how the locket opens. You can simplify this by making the top pieces of the heart thinner than the base pieces, so that they only open when they match up.

Anonymous said...

Any idea where someone can get a half hinge like that? Aside from carving it, I swear it looks like something I've seen before...

Anonymous said...

hello, i came across your instructions on how to build the locket and it is absolutely astounding. i am very impressed.

i was wondering if you have any for sale? that is cheaper than the price of 100 dollars. i ahve been searching online and they all start from 210 dollars to 310 dollars. that is way out of my price range. thank you

and please contact me on migx333@Yahoo.com

Unknown said...

Ahaha i did my first locket 3 years ago... it was so big... now i can do they with an great size.. im from brazil and my facebook its bellow... look after my photos and u shal see
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.488780734496099.111905.100000925300368&type=3