normal mapping and lights

Blitz3D Forums/Blitz3D Programming/normal mapping and lights

Picklesworth (Posted 2004) [#1]

Gee I am daft. I was looking at Rob's normal mapping demo, and I suddenly realised that using dot 3 normal mapping in blitz seems to give out nicer (smoother, doesn't seem to be vertex lights, but actually pixel perfect...) results with the dx lights. Is this true?

Ross C (Posted 2004) [#2]

Yeah, because each pixels is lighted, instead of each vertex. It's pixel perfect lighting. Harder to achieve than normal stuff, but worth it in many cases :) I have a heightmap to normal map convertor in my sig. It comes with a example heightmap, so you can see. Also, check out L_Draven's post about his normal mapped characters. http://www.blitzbasic.com/Community/posts.php?topic=35017 Most techniques used for normal mapping characters and such, require a high poly version of the character, with all the details made from polygons. This detail is then turned into a normal map, which simulates the detail. Looks impressive :) I think only the high-end 3d packages have this ability though... Also, to light a model using per pixel lighting, you need to use entity colour, to move the light source.

JoshK (Posted 2004) [#3]

I would use EntityColor for a single object like that statue, and use vertex colors for the walls of your map.

Picklesworth (Posted 2004) [#4]

okay, thanks! I guess I'm no longer going to complain about blitz's lighting :D

Ross C (Posted 2004) [#5]

Yes, you have no excuses :) Good point Halo.