minGrime

minGrime

Type: Shaders

Updated: April 14, 2009

Availability: Unreleased

Compatibility

Host Applications: RenderMan and mental ray

Operating Systems: Linux, Mac OS X and Windows

Architecture: 64-bit and 32-bit

Overview

The minGrime shader is an extension of the minRAO shader and features additional methods to easily add grime, dirt, stains and other weathering effects to 3D models.

minGrime works by sampling the surface of your object in a specific direction, looking for holes and ledges and by detecting a surface’s curvature to mark areas of increased wear by usage and aging.

Usage

With minGrime a shading artist can use any 2D/3D noise function or bitmap texture to add dirt, mold or other aging effects for example to the areas underneath of balconies, windows and vents on buildings, which naturally attract dirt.

Or one could create a thick layer of dust on a pile of old objects and let the shader make sure to emphasize areas that naturally gather the most dust.

While the same effect could be achieved using textures alone, minGrime does not require properly laid out UV maps and can be applied over entire models or even scenes at once.