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I have a function which assigns to "every" point in space (x,y,z) a scalar value d. I want to, somehow, visualize this function using Blender. This could be done with interpreting the value d as some kind of density and rendering coloured glass which absorbs more light at higher density values and seems transparent at lower density values.

I found the material type Volume to be in the proximity of what I am looking for but I do not know how to control the density at the points in space.

Has anyone an idea how to do this? Some solution with python is desirable.

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  • $\begingroup$ I would use the ´d´ as the Z value on a plane; That doesn't seem to be what yo want, however. You could take a look at generating 3D textures, and applying the as the density of the Volume absorption - this how smoke works currently. $\endgroup$
    – someonewithpc
    Dec 1, 2014 at 11:44
  • $\begingroup$ Related questions: How Does Blender Voxel Data Work? | Setting Voxel Coordinates $\endgroup$
    – pink vertex
    Dec 1, 2014 at 14:16
  • $\begingroup$ Link to the wiki: Voxel Data Texture $\endgroup$
    – pink vertex
    Dec 1, 2014 at 14:23
  • $\begingroup$ I might recommend a contour view (again you would need the voxels to create this), depending on your needs the countour location would be controllable with animation, multiple pictures, or user controls. $\endgroup$
    – D.J.Duff
    Dec 2, 2014 at 9:39

1 Answer 1

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Bender uses python for the user interface and it can also automate many tasks that manipulate blenders data. However when you want to customise a material python isn't much help.

If you want to use blender internal render engine you will find that there is some support for external voxel data.

For cycles, I think your best option would be an OSL shader.

I made a quick sample script as a starting point for you -

float myFunc(float x, float y, float z)
{
    return 1.5;
}

shader MyVolShader(
    color   BaseColour = color(1.0,0.0,0.0),
    output closure color Volume = 0)
{
    // P is the current point
    // P[0] == x
    // P[1] == y
    // P[2] == z
    Volume = (BaseColour * myFunc(P[0], P[1], P[2])) * absorption();
}

You then fillin myFunc using your algorithm, and the final colour as desired.

If you want volume scattering, swap absorption() with henyey_greenstein(0.0) in the final calculation (or add them together).

The OSL Language reference should be helpful.

I have a collection of OSL scripts here but none that use volume yet.

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