InnovationsReport.doc-NationalCentreforComputer.docVIP

HyperMan: Seamless integration of Maya? RenderMan? Avinash Sunnasy National Centre for Computer Animation at Bournemouth University ABSTRACT In this paper we present a method for combing the modelling system Maya with the rendering system RenderMan, to provide users with a functional, flexible modelling rendering package that brings the user the advanced features of RenderMan without having to learn anything new. We propose a method for converting scene lighting and shading models into RenderMan shading language that is then parsed to the interpreter at render time. 1 Introduction RenderMan is used in many production houses and continues to produce work and imagery of a notable standard, so much so that it has won an Academy award. Many hobbyists and an increasing number of students are looking to produce work of an industry standard. We find many in this category are intimidated by the idea of learning something completely different. HyperMan provides users with a solution; it is designed with ease of use in mind, whilst retaining the important features of RenderMan; speed, stability and quality. With HyperMan there is nothing new to learn, simply press render to see the awesome results that RenderMan produces. In section one we discuss the mathematically principals behind the lighting and shading techniques which are used in the HyperMan system. Section two describes the shading language structure used in the HyperMan system. The implementation principles are explored in section three. We demonstrate the capabilities of HyperMan in section four. Finally section 5 contains the conclusion. Email b1421960@bmth.ac.uk The BRDF The Bi-directional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) gives the reflectance of a target as a function of illumination. This depends on the wavelength and is determined by the structural and optical properties of the surface. Properties of a surface include shadow casting, multiple scattering, mutual shadowing, transmission, reflection,