An increasing number of artists and programmers in visual effects and broadcast production now use mental ray, a high performance rendering engine for generating photorealistic images. This book details the aesthetics of rendering with mental ray. It describes the varieties of shader programming from the point of view of increasing perceptual complexity: from color to the output of the final image. It includes many example shaders, including the simplest shader possible in each category that can serve as a starting point for further customization.

"Mental ray" is one of the leading rendering engines for generating photorealistic images. On the one hand the text provides a general introduction into rendering with mental ray, whilst on the other, it includes tips and tricks for advanced and professional users. A comprehensive definition of mental ray's scene description language and the standard shader libraries are included and used as the basis for all examples. This second edition covers the new generation of mental ray, version 3.0. The text is accompanied by a CD-ROM, featuring a fully programmable demo version of the software together with example scene data and shaders. An excellent text for both beginners and advanced users of mental ray.

Turn 3D models into film-worthy digital animations by mastering mental ray rendering once and for all. This must-have guide is the only book on the market to focus exclusively on mental ray in Maya, 3ds Max, and XSI, and it's packed with techniques and insights you can't get anywhere else. Best of all, the book's advanced rendering concepts apply to other rendering software as well, including V-Ray, Brazil, Maxwell and RenderMan. Discover advanced lighting, camera, and workflow techniques that usually take professionals years to figure out.

The book contains the proceedings of the 8th Eurographics Rendering Workshop, which took place from 16th to 18th June, 1997, in Saint Etienne, France. After a series of seven successful events the workshop is now well established as the major international forum in the field of rendering and illumination techniques. It brought together the experts of this field. Their recent research results are compiled in this proceedings together with many color images that demonstrate new ideas and techniques. This year we received a total of 63 submissions of which 28 were selected for the workshop after a period of careful reviewing and evaluation by the 27 mem bers of the international program committee. The quality of the submissions was again very high and, unfortunately, many interesting papers had to be rejected. In addition to regular papers the program also contains two invited lectures by Shenchang Eric Chen (Live Picture) and Per Christensen (Mental Images). The papers in this proceedings contain new research results in the areas of Finite-Element and Monte-Carlo illumination algorithms, image-based render ing, outdoor and natural illumination, error metrics, perception, texture and color handling, data acquisition for rendering, and efficient use of hardware. While some contributions report results from more efficient or elegant algo rithms, others pursue new and experimental approaches to find better solutions to the open problems in rendering.

In Mastering Autodesk VIZ 2008, VIZ expert Jon McFarland teaches you how to get the most out of Autodesk's potent 3D modeling, animation, and rendering software. As you follow real-world examples, you'll quickly see how to apply these techniques to your design projects. Whether you're entirely new to VIZ or simply want to master its newest features, this book offers the clear explanations and step-by-step instruction you need to make VIZ work for you. Coverage includes: Finding your way around in VIZ Linking to AutoCAD files Modeling using primitive and compound objects Editing using modifers and sub-objects Creating complex shapes with surface modeling tools Managing your design data more efficiently Simulating lighting effects accurately with global illumination Rendering real-world surfaces with Architectural material Setting up animated walk-throughs Using radiosity to create accurate scene lighting Using mental ray to achieve the most realistic rendering Producing design presentation views Understanding keyframes and function curve editing Acquiring 3D models and props from the Web

A reference for version 3.4 of the mental ray image rendering software. Featuring an overview of mental ray features, it includes specifications of the mental ray scene description language, the mental ray shader interface, and integration interface for third-party applications. The material is organized by grammar elements and C function call.

Experience the Full Range of VIZ 2005's Powerful Tools Creating hyper-realistic 3D visualizations of your designs just got easier with Autodesk VIZ 2005. Using its enhanced rendering technology, architectural materials, software interoperability, surface modeling tools, and user interface, you'll work more efficiently and produce astounding results. In Mastering Autodesk VIZ 2005, world-renowned AutoCAD expert George Omura teaches you how to get the most out of Autodesk's potent 3D modeling, rendering, and presentation software. As you follow his real-world examples, you'll quickly see how to apply these techniques to your design projects. Whether you're entirely new to VIZ or simply want to master its newest features, this book offers the clear explanations and step-by-step instruction you need to make VIZ work for you. Coverage includes: Finding your way around in VIZ Importing and exporting AutoCAD files Creating realistic and dramatic lighting effects Managing your design data more efficiently Creating complex shapes with surface modeling tools Simulating lighting effects accurately with global illumination Rendering real-world surfaces with Architectural material Setting up animated walk-throughs Using radiosity to create lifelike views of a scene Using mental ray to achieve the most realistic rendering Producing design presentation views Understanding keyframes and the world of video time Using Photoshop with VIZ to create 3D effects Exporting Shockwave content to the Web Acquiring 3D models and props from the Web Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.