Load Images from Directory and Map to Objects (randomly)

[z3r0]

Hi,

I'm trying to load multiple images from a directory and map them to multiple copies/instances of a cube (cube attached to points on a grid) which I later want to attach to particles

or animate.

The images would need to map to only one face of the cube and not repeat.

I'm trying to avoid manually mapping each image to each cube as I don't know the exact number of images in the folder.

I found these that might help:

Image sequence and sprites

TV copy

For example look at the image grid here:

(Jump to 2:51)

Each image would need to be manually added to each square. Now if I could automatically load them from a directory (or image sequence)

to each corresponding slot I would save lots of time.

Each slot would be a cube (instanced on grid), would love to attach each instance to particles and animate.

Any ideas on how to approach?

Thanks!

Edited February 18, 2011 by z3r0

[nanocell]

Have a look at this:

The example hip file there shows you how to override material parameters on a per-point/instance basis. Which is most likely what you want / need for your random textures.

Remember, to make things really easy for yourself, keep your texture names consistent, for example:

- name all your images numerically, like: 0.exr, 1.exr, 2.exr, etc.

This will allow you to override, say, a texture parameter on your shader with something like:

/my/random/pics/$PT.exr

Obviously, the texture name expression will become a little more involved but the above is just to get you started.

HTH.

CheerZ,

Van Aarde.

Edited February 18, 2011 by nanocell

[Ryan]

Here is a quick example I came up with. Using the Material SOP override mentioned above with local variables.

Hope this helps.

randomTextures.hip

[z3r0]

Great find Van!

This will definitely help, I'll post progress as soon as I can!

-z3r0

Have a look at this:

The example hip file there shows you how to override material parameters on a per-point/instance basis. Which is most likely what you want / need for your random textures.

Remember, to make things really easy for yourself, keep your texture names consistent, for example:

- name all your images numerically, like: 0.exr, 1.exr, 2.exr, etc.

This will allow you to override, say, a texture parameter on your shader with something like:

/my/random/pics/$PT.exr

Obviously, the texture name expression will become a little more involved but the above is just to get you started.

HTH.

CheerZ,

Van Aarde.

[z3r0]

Thanks Ryan!

I plan at looking at this tomorrow, I'll post updates!

-z3r0

Here is a quick example I came up with. Using the Material SOP override mentioned above with local variables.

Hope this helps.

[z3r0]

I'm planning on doing some particle morphs as well with the images: Particle Morphing

Here's a sample video:

Well at least I think its particle morphing!

-z3r0

[z3r0]

Guys,

It looks like I would need to have each plane copied to each particle unless I copy one plane then attach different textures on a per particle basis.

This hipnc file looks handy: Copying different geometry per particle/