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DriveWorks Pro 22
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Bump - Render Property

The Bump render property lets you add a Bump texture to your 3D Appearance. Bump maps are also known as Normal maps. They are a special kind of texture that allow you to add surface detail such as bumps, grooves, and scratches to a model which catch the light as if they are represented by real geometry.

Bump maps add visual detail to a model without additional surfaces. This is a really easy method for adding detail and realism to a model.

Without Normal TextureWith Normal Texture

Without a Normal Texture the surface will reflect light like a solid sphere. When a Normal Texture is added it adds additional normals to the model. These additional normal give different parts of the surface different directions. This effects how the light reacts with the surface giving the illusion of depth.

In the second image, the above Normal Texture has been applied to the Appearance. This image provides the surface with extra surface detail. This results in a more accurate surface with better detail and improved lighting. This makes the model much more realistic.

Render Properties

The following properties are available on the Bump render property:

  • Diffuse Color (R, G, B, Alpha)
  • Ambient Intensity
  • Diffuse Intensity
  • Specular Color (R, G, B)
  • Specular Intensity
  • Reflectivity
  • Texture Transforms
    • X Scale
    • Y Scale
    • Angle
  • Texture Offset
    • X Offset
    • Y Offset
  • Diffuse Texture
    • Texture
    • Source File Path
  • Specular Texture
    • Texture
    • Source File Path
  • Normal Texture
    • Texture
    • Source File Path

Setting up an Appearance to use the Bump render property

In each Appearance there is a property in the Information Panel called Render Properties.

  1. In a DriveWorks 3D Document, navigate to and select an Appearance.
  2. In the Information Panel there will be a drop down of Render Properties.
  3. Select Bump from the drop down list.

Using the Bump render property

The Bump render property can be used in several ways. A Normal Texture can be used with a Diffuse or Specular Texture, or without these textures. You can also use combinations of textures depending on the outcome you need.

Diffuse Color, Specular Texture and Normal Texture

Simple colors can be applied to the surface of a model. A Normal texture and Specular texture can then be added to give that surface extra detail.

Adding a Normal and Specular texture to a surface gives it more realism and makes it look like a real surface without defining a Diffuse texture.

Simply using the Diffuse color, you can build a rule to drive and configure the Diffuse color. This means the color can be controlled dynamically without new textures and maintaining realism.

Diffuse Color without Normal TextureDiffuse Color with Normal Texture

A Diffuse Color can be driven and configured through Rules. The Normal texture adds to the Appearance and makes the appearance look more realistic. A bumpy surface is added to the Appearance to simulate the plaster on the wall. The normals created by the Normal texture create this effect.


Diffuse Texture, Specular Texture and Normal Texture

A Diffuse texture can also be used with a Normal texture. The Diffuse texture can be used instead of the Diffuse Color.

A Diffuse texture adds additional detail to the Appearance and the surface. This is further improved by using a Normal texture to add depth and realism to the material. The Normal texture effects how light reacts with the surface. You will notice areas become darker, as if they are shaded from the light source.

Diffuse Texture without Normal TextureDiffuse Texture with Normal Texture
Ambient Occlusion is also effected by the Normal texture. Cracks and crevices will become darker or occluded even though there is no extra geometry. The additional normals added by the texture will change the visible direction of the face and impact Ambient Occlusion.

Normal Texture Examples

Other Render Properties

DriveWorks has other render properties available to use on an Appearance.

These add different levels of realism to an Appearance.