u/primetower

At home in a dusty study, the Cryptatrope uses precisely arranged pinhole tunnels to direct light toward multiple focal points, producing stereoscopic 3D animations and hidden text when spun.

Insert a glow stick and give it a spin. It works using geometry, not electronics.

And since I couldn’t stop at simple 3D animations, this version projects four distinct perspectives. As a result, the animations can be viewed in stereo from three different head positions, creating a stepped parallax effect as you move left and right.

Learn more and 3D print it for personal use here: https://makerworld.com/models/2666186

I’m also working on another version where you can add your own secret messages.

This has been my focus for the past several months. I hope you enjoy it!

As many know, I've been creating a "plot device" that reveals puzzles and hidden messages. But I'd always planned to release a version that doesn't tell a story, and focusing purely on the optical effect led me in a new direction.

This version projects four distinct perspectives to four focal points (A, B, C, D). You can view the 3D animation stereoscopically from three vantage points, with your eyes seeing A+B, B+C, or C+D. As you move your head left or right, you also get a parallax effect.

I've been dialing in the optics for months, and I hope you enjoy the result. The STLs and 3MFs are free here: https://makerworld.com/models/2666186

And before anyone asks, I'm also working on a version with customizable text and smaller, composable animations. Let me know if there are any features you'd like to see.