Practical Algorithms for 3D Computer Graphics, 2nd Edition

11

Algorithms for procedural

textures

In chapter 4 the basic idea of the procedural (or algorithmic) texture was in-

troduced. In this chapter we will look at some examples that take advantage of

those ideas to produce a collection of interesting surface textures. We will con-

centrate on what one might describe as following the basic principles of mixing

geometric and noise patterns.

It is important to realiz e that the procedural textures described in this chapter

do not have any basis in physical or biological principles; they are essentiall y just

“computer hacks” that look good and do the job.

All the textures con s id er ed in this chapter have b een implemented as either

DLL plug-ins or as GLSL shaders for OpenFX. After readin g this chapter