Level-of-detail
This assignment uses archived ribs for level-of-detail referencing. So depending on how many pixels an object takes up on screen determined which of the four rib archives to be used.
Level-of-detail |
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| The animations on this page demonstrate the support offered by RenderMan for level-of-detail (LOD). Four models of a string of Spanish Moss were generated by MEL in Maya. Using LOD the renderer chooses the appropriate model to use based on the area of screen space occupied by the model. | |
| Research: | |
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Spanish moss, also called Florida moss, long moss, or graybeard, is not a true moss. It is an epiphytic plant, which grows on another plant, but does not rely on the host plant for nutrients; epiphytes make their own food. They are sometimes referred to as air plants because most have aerial roots; however, Spanish moss does not have any roots. It uses its long, thin, scaly stems to wrap around the host tree and hang down from the branches. The leaves are covered with cup-like, permeable scales that 'catch' moisture and nutrients from the air and from pockets on the surface of the host. This water-trapping ability allows Spanish moss to withstand long dry periods. In extreme dry spells, the plant becomes dormant until moisture returns. |
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| Animation: | |
| For the animation I used Maya hair and collision spheres so that the moss was pushed out of the way as the camera passed by. | |
| Rendering: This assignment uses archived ribs for level-of-detail referencing. So depending on how many pixels an object takes up on screen determined which of the four rib archives to be used. |
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