Can we use multiple procedurals in a shader?

[yongbin]

I think it will be great if we can use chain of multiple procedurals. (ex. replicate, then instance)

I've tested it shortly, but had no luck. Because a shader doesn't allow more that one input for a type(in this case 'geometry' type). So, is there a method for it? Or can we around the restriction?

Thank you.

Edited October 27, 2013 by yongbin

[symek]

This comes from a much deeper level than single geometry input at shops interface. Mantra doesn't really support this kind of thing, and actually I don't know any renderer supporting hierarchical procedurals.You would have to write your own procedural shader, which isn't that hard after all, and most people with more elaborated demands end up here. Also Houdini is kind of ultimate procedural engine, and most such ideas are solvable at Sops level.

[yongbin]

Hi, Symek. That is very useful information. Thank you.

So if I want write my own procedural, how can I do that? Should I use HDK?(like clusterthis). I think it is really useful if there is a kind of sop procedural.

[lisux]

If by hierarchical you mean one procedural calling another and creating a chain, yes you can do it in Mantra.

But you have to implement it using the HDK, I believe no one of the procedurals shipped with Houdini support this.

Edited October 28, 2013 by lisux

[Guest mantragora]

(ex. replicate, then instance)

What's the difference between those two operations?

[yongbin]

Hi lisux. thank you for the info! I will definitely, try HDK.

And hi mantragora. sorry it was little ambiguous, I mean point replicate then geometry instancing.