Polygonal Medallion

Table of Contents

  1. Motivation for merging flowers into 3D objects

  2. Preparation for 3D 0rigami Art

  3. How to print out class materials

  4. Class-1 -- Flower Inside-out (1) --

  5. Class-2 -- Flower Inside-out (2) --

  6. Class-3 -- Flower Radial Tesselation

  7. Similar models for your experiment

         flat egg group mode

         flat cone group model

  8. Flower images for your experiment

  9. Sample Works

  10. References for further studies

  11. How to create diagram using AutoCAD

Motivation for merging flowers into 3D objects

 There are many beautiful flowers everywhere around our home , parks ,shopping malls,
 nursery stores, flower shops, etc. They are in various shapes and colors.
 The author wanted to combine their beauty with elegant 3D object developed by
 Jun Mitani, and this 3 classes are prepared to share my experience with many
 Origamists who may be interested in expressing natural beauty of flowers in
 3D origami forms. You choose your favorite flower and build it into paper object,
 which you can place on your desk to enjoy with no need of watering.
 At the end of this site, many flower images are listed for your usage.
 Hope you will enjoy !!
 

Preparation for 3D 0rigami Art

 For creating  "Jun Mitani"-style 3D art, the following setup and tools are required.
  Refer to the pictures shown below.

1. origami working plate
2. cushion paper to help to make slight dent during scoring.
	one sheet of 32-lb weight paper is used here,  but a few layers of 
        printer paper ,or a pamphlet, magazine will work as well.
3. tape to hold working paper . This stabilizes scoring action.
4. any straight edge to help scoring straight lines.    
5. scoring tool( ball point pen, manicure pen,etc)
     In all 3 classes, we use the liquid gel-ink needle tip pen
     (0.5 mm or 0.02") during the class.
6. a scissors
7. a rubber band (in class-2 , #16 rubber band will be used )

     ------ Work Area Setup ------
         click to enlarge
work_area.jpg
     ------ Tools Required ------
         click to enlarge
tools_required.jpg

How to print out class materials

 Class attendants will be provided with the paper(s) already
 printed on both sides. This note is for those who want to try
 to create model by themselves.
 
 Choice of paper used: Cotton Linnen paper  32 lb. weight
    reasons: photo quality printing and strength
 Size of paper : US letter size (8.5" x 11")
 It is important to print crease pattern on one side and flower image
  on the other with their center points being concentric.
 Note:You also need a good quality photo printer.
     The author also tried 24, 28,& 32 lb. weight regular white printer
 papers. It works OK, but extra care is required to avoid breaking 
 when sharp creasing is applied.It also requires longer time to dry
 after printing flower images.
 Most of the printers do not work well if paper weight exceeds 32 lb.
  

Class-1 -- Flower Inside-out (1) --

In this class we make 2 three dimensional objects according to Jun Mitani's 
"Egg Wrapping" scheme. Models are axi-symmetric solid flat headed surface with
upper surface being an elongated ellipsoid , and the lower half , a sphere.
One is 6 axis , and the second one, 7 axis.
Its construction may be called 3-d version of 2-d "twist folding", and once
built properly, the shape stays stable. As shown below, The flower image is 
printed on front side and the crease pattern,on the back. They must be 
concentric so that the result will be aethetically  acceptable.
Although the crease lines are mix of linear and curved portions,scoring them
(linear parts using a straight edge, and curved portion by "Free Hand")
is not that difficult because they are printed with line width of 0.5 mm (or
0.02")and for scoring, we use the liquid gel-ink needle tip pen (0.5 mm)
during the class.

       Crease Pattern (6 axes)
         click to enlarge
medal_1_vel_dwg.jpg
         Image of Lily
         click to enlarge
medal_1_pat_dwg.jpg
         Final Appearance
         click to enlarge
medal_1_pat_dwg.jpg
       Crease Pattern (7 axes)
         click to enlarge
medal_1_vel_dwg.jpg
         Image of Clematis
         click to enlarge
medal_1_pat_dwg.jpg
         Final Appearance
         click to enlarge
medal_1_pat_dwg.jpg

Explanation of folding process using 6-axes case

Procedure is the same for 6 & 7 axes cases , so here , 6 axes case is shown.

Step-0 : Download the files neeeded.

Download the following files.
(1) Diagram pattern drawing 
    Drawing file (if the environment to handle DWG and/or DXF file is available)
	Down load  flat_egg_6_ref.dwg
	Down load  flat_egg_7_a.dwg
	or
	Down load  flat_egg_6_ref.dxf
	Down load  flat_egg_7_a.dxf
    Diagram pattern image file (JPG)
	Down load  flat_egg_6_ref.jpg
	Down load  flat_egg_7_a.jpg
(2) Flower image files (JPG)
	Down load  22_class_1a_flower.jpg
	Down load  22_class_1b_flower.jpg
 

Step-1 : Fix the paper with diagram side up using a tape.

Adding thick paper(32 lb.) under the diagram paper gives a better scoring 
result because some softness beneath gives a slight dent to the model paper.
 That will make the pre-creasing process easier. 

Step-2 : Begin scoring diagram lines

There are linear regions and curved regions as shown in the picture below.
Use a ruler for the linear portions (circle 1 and 2-s).
The curved portions (circle 2-c) will be scored "FREE HAND", Yes !
The central area is left blank.
Score the linear area first, then the curved portion with steady pressure.
While scoring curved lines, working toward you will give a better control
of the pen and pressure.

     ------ Scoring lines ------
         click to enlarge
flat_egg_6_ref_scoring.jpg

Step-3 : Pre-crease: Cut out the circle and begin folding along diagram lines

Begin Prefolding process first with Mountain Fold ,then Valley fold .
When working on the mountain fold, the diagrammed side is up, while
during valley side folding, the flower image side is up.
It is easier working with "mountain fold" facing you.
Repeat the process at least 2 times around.
Since the paper is very sturdy, folding firmly do not break the working paper.
The following pictures show both the diagram side and flower image side.

- rear view after pre-creasing -      click to enlarge model_back.jpg -front view after pre-creasing -      click to enlarge model_front.jpg -add more twist to the flaps-      click to enlarge add_twist.jpg

Step-4 : Give the precreased lines the final touch to reach the stable shape

Using both hands, try wrapping around , first top area, then bottom flap area.
 Refer to the pictures below.
The model tends to shrink to form a hexagonal pattern.
Watch the bottom flap converge to a center point.
When it happens , hold whole model, and begin adding more twist to 
 the bottom flaps holding symmetric edges. It is done !!


  -- squeeze into round form --      click to enlarge squeeze_round.jpg   --adjust flaps at bottom-1 --      click to enlarge
adjust_flap_1.jpg
  --adjust flaps at bottom-2 --      click to enlarge
adjust_flap_2.jpg
  -- hold flaps symmetrically --      click to enlarge before_twist.jpg      --twist flaps --
     click to enlarge
after_twist.jpg

Step-5 : Final look & comments

Here is the average time estimate of the whole process.
	diagram scoring and cutting out a circle	10 min
	pre-crease                              	 6 min
	final folding and adjustment			 4 min
		
	Total						20 min 				
     ------ Top View ------
     click to enlarge 1a_top_view.jpg
  ---- Upside-down View ----      click to enlarge 1a_bot_view.jpg       ------ Side View------      click to enlarge 1a_side_view.jpg
     ------ Top View ------
     click to enlarge 1b_top_view.jpg
  ---- Upside-down View ----      click to enlarge 1b_bot_view.jpg       ------ Side View------      click to enlarge 1b_side_view.jpg

Class-2 -- Flower Inside-out (2) --

In class-1, the petals of flowers are twisted in one way.
In this class we make a model whose petals look stretching outward.
 To help the attendant to make a stable model,
a rubber band is used to give the model temporary stability
while giving a final adjustment. Keep the rubber band on for a while
until the model shape is stabilized.
     Fig.3-1 Crease Pattern
         click to enlarge & print
flat_egg_6_test.jpg
     Fig.3-2 Image of Flower
         click to enlarge
22_class_1a_flower.jpg
     Fig.2-3 Final Appearance
         click to enlarge
22_class_2.jpg

Explanation of folding process

Step-0 : Download the files neeeded.

Download the following files.
(1) Diagram pattern drawing 
    Drawing file (if the environment to handle DWG and/or DXF file is available)
	Down load  flat_egg_6_test.dwg
	or
	Down load  flat_egg_6_test.dxf
    Diagram pattern image file (JPG)
	Down load  flat_egg_6_test.jpg
(2) Flower image files (JPG)
	Down load  22_class_1a_flower.jpg

Step-1 : Fix the paper with diagram side up using a tape.

Adding thick paper(32 lb.) under the diagram paper gives a better scoring 
result because some softness beneath gives a slight dent to the model paper.
 That will make the pre-creasing process easier. 

Step-2 : Begin scoring diagram lines

There are linear regions and curved regions as shown in the picture below.
Use a ruler for the linear portions (marked "S").
The curved portions (marked "C") will be traced "FREE HAND", Yes !
The central area is left blank.
Trace the linear area first, then the curved portions with steady pressure.
While tracing curves lines, working toward you will give a better control
of the pen .

     ------ Scoring lines ------
      click to enlarge flat_egg_6_test_scoring.jpg
     ------ Scoring lines ------
      click to enlarge flat_egg_6_test_creasing.jpg

Step-3 : Pre-crease: Cut out the circle and begin folding along diagram lines

Begin Prefolding process first with Mountain Fold ,then Valley fold .
When working on the mountain fold, the diagrammed side is up, while
during valley side folding, the flower image side is up.
It is easier to do so.
Since the paper is very sturdy, folding firmly do not break the working paper.
The following pictures show both the diagram side and flower image side.

-After Pre-crease- Rear View -
      click to enlarge after_prefold_back.jpg
-After Pre-crease- Front View -
      click to enlarge after_prefold_front.jpg
- Align lines on flaps-
      click to enlarge align_flaps.jpg
-Temp stability by rubber band -
      click to enlarge rubber_band.jpg

Step-4 : Give the precreased lines the final touch to reach the stable shape

Begin Prefolding process first with Mountain Fold ,then Valley fold .
When working on the mountain fold, the diagrammed side is up, while
during valley side folding, the flower image side is up.
It is easier to do so.
Since the paper is very sturdy, folding firmly do not break the working paper.
The following pictures show both the diagram side and flower image side.

     ------ Hold Bottom Flaps ------
      click to enlarge holding.jpg
     ------ Pushing In Flaps ------
      click to enlarge pushing_in.jpg

Step-5 : Final look & comments

Here is the average time estimate of the whole process.
	diagram scoring and cutting out a circle	15 min
	pre-crease                              	11 min
	final folding and adjustment			 4 min
		
	Total						30 min 				
   ---- Final - Top View ----       click to enlarge 22_class2_top.jpg    -- Final - Bottom View --       click to enlarge 22_class2_bot.jpg    ---- Final - Side View ----       click to enlarge 22_class2_side.jpg

Class - 3 -- Flower - Radial Tesselation --

Class-3 is a simple exercise of radial tesselation , and a piece like
"Stellar Medallion" in Jun Mitani's Ref[1] is created.
All the crease lines are made up of short lines and there is no curved lines.
In the class the attendants will work on #1 model, which is easier
and more likely to be finished within given time limit.
Model #2 is presented here as an advanced exercise for those
who finished working on #1 model. 
       Crease Pattern
       click to enlarge
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       Image of Fower
       click to enlarge
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       Final Appearance
       click to enlarge
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       Crease Pattern
       click to enlarge
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       Image of Fower
       click to enlarge
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       Final Appearance
       click to enlarge
22_class_3a.jpg

Explanation of folding process

Step-0 : Download the files neeeded.

Download the following files.
(1) Diagram pattern drawing 
    Drawing file (if the environment to handle DWG and/or DXF file is available)
	Down load  Medallion_1.dwg
	Down load  Medallion_2.dwg
	or
	Down load  Medallion_1.dxf
	Down load  Medallion_2.dxf
    Diagram pattern image file (JPG)
	Down load  Medallion_1.jpg
	Down load  Medallion_2.jpg
(2) Flower image files (JPG)
	Down load  22_class_3_flower.jpg

Step-1 : Fix the paper with diagram side up using a tape.

Adding thick paper(32 lb.) under the diagram paper gives a better scoring 
result because some softness beneath gives a slight dent to the model paper.
 That will make the pre-creasing process easier. 

Step-2 : Begin scoring diagram lines

There are many lines to score. So it is better to use a simple rule on
how to proceed to avoid leaving some lines left unscored.
For example, first, score lines which go radially outside (marked "Radial"), then
treat lines which go around cumferentially (marked "Circumferential').
This way works better than doing randomly. Just a suggestion.

     ------ Scoring lines ------
      click to enlarge
Medallion_1_scoring.jpg

Step-3 : Pre-crease: Cut out the circle and begin folding along diagram lines

Begin Prefolding circumferential lines from the center toward outside .
Then work on the radial lines.
In this case all precrease is done with diagram-printed side up.
After the radial precrease is done , fold the paper along one radial line
and cut the peripheral edge. Refer to the picture "Cutting Edges".

Since the paper is very sturdy, folding firmly do not break the working paper.
The following pictures show all these processes
   -- Circumferetial Crease --
     click to enlarge
before_precrease.jpg
   -- Circumferetial Crease --
     click to enlarge
precrease.jpg
     -- Cutting Edges --
     click to enlarge
cutting_edges.jpg

Step-4 : Give the precreased lines the final touch to reach the stable shape

AFter the precrease in the radial direction is done, fold each section by 
thumb and index finger on the left hand while pushing the model inward by right hand.
This makes the circumferential scored lines react according to the intended
mountain and valley fold directions. Keep this process patiently and go around the 
circle at least two times.
Then the final shape will begin showing up. 
Refer to the pictures below.
   -- Circumferetial Crease --
     click to enlarge
before_push-in.jpg
   -- Circumferetial Crease --
     click to enlarge
push-in.jpg
     -- Push toward center --
     click to enlarge
repeat_push-in.jpg

Step-5 : Final look & comments

Here is the average time estimate of the whole process.
	diagram scoring and cutting out a circle	15 min
	pre-crease                              	15 min
	final folding and adjustment			 5 min
		
	Total						35 min 				
- Model_1 Final - Top View -       click to enlarge 22_class_3.jpg - Model_1 Final - Rear View -       click to enlarge 22_class_3_1_rear.jpg
- Model_2 Final - Top View -       click to enlarge 22_class_3a.jpg - Model_2 Final - Rear View -       click to enlarge 22_class_3_2_rear.jpg

Similar models for your experiment

During the class only five models are presented. But there are many more variations.
Many more models will be added in th future, but right now 3 groups are shown .
1. sphere based (To be added inn he future)
2. flat egg base
3. flat cone based


    flat egg base
     click to enlarge
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    flat egg shaded
     click to enlarge
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    flat cone base
     click to enlarge
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    flat cone shaded
     click to enlarge
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Flat egg group

    flat egg 5 axis
     click to enlarge
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    flat egg 6 axis
     click to enlarge
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    flat egg 7 axis
     click to enlarge
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    flat egg 8 axis
     click to enlarge
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    flat egg 9 axis
     click to enlarge
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    flat egg 10 axis
     click to enlarge
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    flat egg 12 axis
     click to enlarge
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Download files


    Drawing file (if the environment to handle DWG and/or DXF file is available)
	  flat_egg_5_a.dwg   flat_egg_6_a.dwg	 flat_egg_7_a.dwg   flat_egg_8_a.dwg 
	  flat_egg_9_a.dwg   flat_egg_10_a.dwg   flat_egg_12_a.dwg
	or
	  flat_egg_5_a.dxf   flat_egg_6_a.dxf	 flat_egg_7_a.dwg   flat_egg_8_a.dxf 
	  flat_egg_9_a.dxf   flat_egg_10_a.dxf   flat_egg_12_a.dxf
	
    Diagram JPG files
	  flat_egg_5_a.jpg   flat_egg_6_a.jpg	 flat_egg_7_a.dwg   flat_egg_8_a.jpg 
	  flat_egg_9_a.jpg   flat_egg_10_a.jpg   flat_egg_12_a.jpg	
 

Flat cone group

    flat cone 5 axis
     click to enlarge
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    flat cone 6 axis
     click to enlarge
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    flat cone 7 axis
     click to enlarge
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    flat cone 8 axis
     click to enlarge
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    flat cone 9 axis
     click to enlarge
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    flat cone 10 axis
     click to enlarge
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    flat cone 12 axis
     click to enlarge
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Download files


    Drawing file (if the environment to handle DWG and/or DXF file is available)
	  flat_cone_5_a.dwg   flat_cone_6_a.dwg	 flat_cone_7_a.dwg   flat_egg_8_a.dwg 
	  flat_cone_9_a.dwg   flat_cone_10_a.dwg   flat_cone_12_a.dwg
	or
	  flat_cone_5_a.dxf   flat_cone_6_a.dxf	 flat_cone_7_a.dwg   flat_egg_8_a.dxf 
	  flat_cone_9_a.dxf   flat_cone_10_a.dxf   flat_cone_12_a.dxf
	
    Diagram JPG files
	  flat_cone_5_a.jpg   flat_cone_6_a.jpg	 flat_cone_7_a.dwg   flat_egg_8_a.jpg 
	  flat_cone_9_a.jpg   flat_cone_10_a.jpg   flat_cone_12_a.jpg	
 

Flower Images for your experiment

Many more of flower images  are shown here for further trials.
All these pictures are square.
More flower images are to be added in the future.
Use them combined with the diagram shown above.
   Satsuki 1    click to enlarge
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   Satsuki 2    click to enlarge
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   Satsuki 3click to enlarge
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   Kouzu Cherryclick to enlarge
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   Columbine 1    click to enlarge
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   Flower     click to enlarge
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   Flower     click to enlarge
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   Flower     click to enlarge
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   Flower     click to enlarge
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   Flower     click to enlarge
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   Flower      click to enlarge
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   Flower     click to enlarge
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   Flower     click to enlarge
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   Flower     click to enlarge
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   Flower     click to enlarge
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   Flower      click to enlarge
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   Flower     click to enlarge
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   Flower     click to enlarge
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   Flower     click to enlarge
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   Flower     click to enlarge
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   Flower      click to enlarge
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   Flower     click to enlarge
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   Flower     click to enlarge
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   Flower     click to enlarge
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   Flower     click to enlarge
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   Flower      click to enlarge
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   Flower     click to enlarge
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   Flower     click to enlarge
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   Flower     click to enlarge
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   Flower     click to enlarge
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   Flower      click to enlarge
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   Flower     click to enlarge
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   Flower     click to enlarge
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   Flower     click to enlarge
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   Flower     click to enlarge
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Sample Works

Here we will show the sample works created by the author.
More will be added in the future.
       Example
     click to enlarge
IMG_2534.jpg
       Example
     click to enlarge
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       Example
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       Example
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       Example
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       Example
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       Example
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       Example
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       Example
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       Example
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       Example
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References for further studies

  1. Mitani, Jun.: 3D ORIGAMI ART,ISBN-978-1-4987-6534-3, CRC Press , 2016 .
  2. Mitani, Jun.: http://mitani.cs.tsukuba.ac.jp/book/3d_origami_art/
  3. Mitani, Jun.: Curved-Folding Origami Design,ISBN-978-0-367-18025-6, CRC Press , 2019 .
    The following are written in Japanese
  4. Mitani, Jun.: Original of #1,ISBN-978-4-535-78775-9, Hyouron-Sha ,Tokyo 2015 .
  5. Mitani, Jun.: Spherical Origami- Workbook ,ISBN-9784576091617, Futami Shobou ,Tokyo 2009 .

How to create diagram using AutoCAD

class_1 type model

All the drawing presented here are created using AutoCAD.
This section is for those who have access to AutoCAD.
The steps are explained using example of flat_egg_2 , five axis case.
Refer to the pictures below.
step 1: prepare the axi-symetric pattern 
	upper half is a quadrant of ellipse (1 : 2) ratio
	lower_half is a quadrant of circle 
	Both are divided into 16 equal line sections
	by using DIVIDE command.
	 
step 2: Down load axisym_model.lsp to your work folder
	load axisym_model.lsp program    (load "axisym_model")
	Then execute upper_half, then lower-half
	
	Use N=5 for latitude division (5 axis)
	end points of the computed line segments(in red color) : A & B
	Point "O" is the origin of the coordinate (0,0)
	modify these line segemnts into a single polyline using PEDIT.
step 3: move all drawing objects so that point "A" now becomes
	the origin (0,0). Then copy-rotate line AB by 36 degrees ACW
	then copy-rotate line AB aroiund "B" 90 degrees CW. The
	intersecting point is "C". Draw a circle with radius AC.
	Extend the end of polyline AB to this circle, and intersecting 
	point is "D".
	AC is the basic "valley line", and polyline AD , "mountain line".
	
step 4: Clean up drawing and define the line weight for polylines.
	Here line weight is chosen to be 0.50 mm,
        and displayed on the screen.
	Use "polar" optipn of "Array" command, to make 5 axis object.

step 5: The portion of the mountain crease lines along the periphery and the center
	area are almost linear. To reduce the effort of scoring these area,
	they are specified in the final diagram.
        
- prepare axi-symmetric profile -      click to enlarge step_1.jpg -excute axisym_model.lsp -      click to enlarge step_2.jpg -Draw valley crease line-      click to enlarge step_3.jpg
- assign line weight 0.5 mm -      click to enlarge step_4.jpg -Polar Array commands result -      click to enlarge step_5.jpg -Specify quasi_linear area-      click to enlarge step_6.jpg

class_2 type model