More Simulation
We can improve the simulation of our light box by making the light appear to shine from behind a diffuser.
A diffuser is a fancy science word for a lightshade.
We use diffuser to spread out the light from a light source to make it more comfortable and to change the colour and mood of the light.
You will make a diffuser for your light box when you build it in real life.
What kind of material should your diffuser be made of?
- A translucent material.
Simulating a diffuser
In the 2Code Light Box Simulator program, there are two objects we haven’t used yet. One is an object called myBox and one is a shape called myDiffuser.
You can see that myBox has a colourful pattern and a transparent design (the checkerboard areas). When you run the program, anything behind myBox is visible through the transparent areas.
At the moment, that’s just the screen background.
Can you predict what we will do with these two objects to simulate the light being switched on inside the box?
- Move both objects over the bulb.
- Whichever object to click last will be on top. So click
myBoxlast. - Add to the code so that the color of
myBoxchanges to a bright colour when the circuit is on. - Make sure to switch back to a dull colour when it is off.
Extension
Use Design mode to edit the picture in the image attribute of myBox. Remember to use the transparent pen (checkerboard) to make transparent areas.
Change it to match your design, or do an alternative idea.
You could even clone myBox to try out different ideas for the box.
What other ways can you think of to improve the simulation?