Normal Map

stinger · **Joined:** Sat Dec 30, 2006 7:43 pm **Posts:** 4

Hello All,

I needed a height field (gray scale) to normal map plugin/feature and couldn't find one. So I wrote one.

Here is the .dll that goes in your Effects folder:
http://www.freewebs.com/realstinger/pdn ... Normal.dll

Here is the source:
http://www.freewebs.com/realstinger/pdn ... ToNormal.z

I've used it, but it is hot off the press so use at your own risk.

Have fun,

stinger

Illnab1024 · **Posted:** Sat Dec 30, 2006 8:18 pm

Hmmm....Interesting and useful for some - a good idea to publish it

MadJik · **Posted:** Sat Dec 30, 2006 8:21 pm

It is working. But what for? Could you give before/after pictures to let us see that you've build this plugin for.

Illnab1024 · **Posted:** Sat Dec 30, 2006 8:22 pm

Normal mapping is used primarily in 3D Rendering and such...

stinger · **Joined:** Sat Dec 30, 2006 7:43 pm **Posts:** 4

To answer your question here is what the plugin is for:

Start with a gray scale, white is highest, black is lowest:
http://www.freewebs.com/realstinger/pdn/before.png

Use the plugin to make a normal map:
http://www.freewebs.com/realstinger/pdn/bump.png

Draw something with a shader that uses a normal map:
http://www.freewebs.com/realstinger/pdn/teapot.png

-stinger

t2suggas · **Posted:** Sun Dec 31, 2006 12:12 am

I can see this being very useful in The Sims 2 game. For people who make custom content.

Tendercrisp · **Posted:** Wed Feb 14, 2007 12:07 am

Heh, its actually useful for any game that you can mod skins.

Rec · **Posted:** Fri Jun 01, 2007 1:51 am

wait so how does this work? id like to use this

Rec · **Posted:** Fri Jun 01, 2007 1:54 am

to be more exact what is a shader??

Alph Tech / STUART · **Joined:** Sun Dec 04, 2005 10:34 pm **Posts:** 121

You need to zip it. I don't know what the hell is up with your server or what, but it ends up serving me the file's ASCII encoding in text when I try to download that.

Rec · **Posted:** Fri Jun 01, 2007 2:05 am

it works for me but i dont get how to make the shape or anything like that i just used the effect and then im lost

Rec · **Posted:** Fri Jun 01, 2007 2:12 am

im leaving now if any one can help please send me a private message

aboichev · **Joined:** Wed Jun 06, 2007 3:28 pm **Posts:** 1

Thanks so much for sharing!

Conjured · **Joined:** Tue Jan 08, 2008 7:09 pm **Posts:** 2

Thanks for a great effect!

The download worked fine for me, as did the plugin.

Thanks

Quote:

wait so how does this work? id like to use this

1) Download the DLL fille.

2) Copy/Paste the DLL into your Effects folder.

3) Now when you open Paint.NET and you click your Effects tab from the menu, you will notice this effect added to the bottom of your list of effects.

4) Load an image that is used for your models texture and grey scale it (turn it black & white).

5) Now use the effect on that greyscale image and you now have your normal map.

6) save the normal map and use it with whatever program your model will be used in.

Here is a quote from Ionozation.net that might help explain normal mapping ...

Quote:

So what is Normal Mapping?

Normal mapping is a method where by the normals of a mesh are given more detailed lighting information by means of a bitmap image.
This give the mesh the appearance of more realistic lighting and more surface detail.

Normal maps are encoded to a bitmap image, much like a greyscale bump map.
The way in which they differ however is that in traditional bump mapping only distinct changes in elevation are registered.
A gradual change in height is almost impossible to perceive.
Normal maps not only describe height, but accurately depict the angle of faces and are able to describe curves and complex angles much more accurately.
In short, they create a much better illusion of height.

Normal maps are encoded in RGB values which are used to indicate which direction the normal faces relative to the face of the polygon it is mapped to.

The red channel describes normal facing in the X direction.
100% red means it is facing right 0% red means it is facing left.
A 50% value means it is facing straight out in the direction of the polygon.

The same goes for the green channel, except it is encoded to the Y axis up and down.

The blue channel theoretically encodes Z data which are values in height, however it seems to serve more as a base colour for the other two to work upon.
Normal maps can't contain values below 50% in this channel, as that would indicate normals pointing back towards the surface.
That is why normal maps appear to be primarily blue in colour.

Here is an example of a wall texture with and without the normal mapping/shaders applied...

WITHOUT Normal Mapping and Shaders...
http://www.conjured.us/fpsc/images/misc/alien_flat.jpg

WITH Normal Mapping and Shaders...
http://www.conjured.us/fpsc/images/misc/alien_flat_3.jpg

As you can see from the images above, the use of normal maps and shaders can make a your textures come alive with detail. (even flat surfaces)
This is a method that is used to create hi-poly detail on low-poly models, which gives outstanding visuals without the resource strain.
This is also a method that is basically a requirement for any DirectX 10 project, since it demands the use of these latest texturing tricks.

Thanks again Stinger, for one of the best and most needed plugins. You rock!

FAR · **Posted:** Sat Jan 26, 2008 2:32 pm

Hello,
Does someone have this dll? The link above is broken.

Thank you.

Paint.NET

Forum rules

Normal Map

Who is online

Get your Forumer™ today!