Computer-Aided Creation of Impossible Objects and Impossible Motions

摘要

There is a class of pictures called "pictures of impossible objects". These pictures generate optical illusion; when we see them, we have impression of solid objects and at the same time we feel that such solids cannot be realized. Although they are called "impossible", they are not necessarily impossible; some of them can be realized as real solids. This is because a single picture does not convey enough information about depth. Using the same trick, we can also design what may be called "impossible motions". That is, we can construct a shape of a solid which looks like an ordinary solid but which admits physical motions that look like impossible. A computer-aided method for creating impossible objects and impossible motions is presented with examples.