More Info On 3D Mesh From Single Image

Vladimir & Crapadilla, I contacted my AutoCAD professor (who writes programs for AutoDesk) and got the scoop on creating 3D mesh reliefs from a single image. To make a long story short, he said that Filter Forge already calculates a relief image in order to raise the surface height and apply the lighting.... Yeah, I feel pretty stupid right now....especially after he made me answer all of my questions with questions....

Anywho..... bottom line, a 3D sub-environment could easily be incorporated into Filter Forge. I think it would open up a whole new world for filters, game applications, interaction with CADD programs, etc....

I sent an email to FF with the suggestion.....

Hey Vladimir, top of the morning to you Yeah, he playfully gave me the "didn't you learn anything while you were here" business....I basically got spanked

He thought a 3D sub-environment would primarily be for more advanced users....and that the 'average' user probably would not be adept with working in the x,y,z coordinate system....

From my chickenscratch, his opinion of how it would benefit the advanced user; (1) creating, texturizing, and photo-wrapping shapes and objects, (2) setting and arraying objects against texture and photo backdrops, (3) physical distortions of surfaces and objects, (4) point source lighting for objects, (5) casting shadows on image relief maps and from objects, (6) perspectives for surfaces and objects, etc.....

I realize that FF would not be considering something like this right now....but maybe down the road.....

Yeah, you are right....it sounds like alot in comparison to where FF is right now. I was thinking along the lines of 'convenience' to keep it all contained within FF....a button click between 2D and 3D. On the other hand, maybe something like this would draw users away from the other 3D programs for something much better with FF.....

I agree, no sense in piling something like that on when 2D has not been fully developed....

A plugin to other 3D apps is a great idea. It would basically do the same thing without having to create it in FF.....

While we're at it, how about plugging into CADD apps? I use AutoCAD and having FF in there would make it pretty slick. AutoDesk redefines "tightness" in their software, so I do not know if that would ever be possible.....