how do i make a seven segment digit clock animation?

Question

I was modelling a sci-fi style digital clock, and when finished, I realized that I had no idea how to make the animation.

I made the numbers, but I cannot figure out a simple way to make it work.

I thought I could make all the ten numbers and then hide and unhide them every second, but takes too long.

Does someone have any idea? can someone suggest me a easier way to do it? Thank you

Answer 1

Some python code can do that for you:D

1. Create two text objects and name them 'hour' and 'minute' respectively
2. Run scripts below.
3. Scraping the Timeline and you now have a digit clock animation. (Choose a digital font if you like.)

scripts:

import bpy


def update(self):
    frame = bpy.context.scene.frame_current

    minute = bpy.data.objects['minute']
    hour = bpy.data.objects['hour']

    hour.data.body = str(int(frame/60) % 24) + ' :'
    minute.data.body = str(frame % 60)


def register():
    bpy.app.handlers.frame_change_post.append(update)


def unregister():
    bpy.app.handlers.frame_change_post.remove(update)


register()