I have experimented with using heightfields to make smooth text. In a 2D
program I make some white text on a black background and then I blur it. The
problem is that the text becomes smooth not only in the depth direction; the
outline becomes smooth too, which is not good.

I think instead of blurring the text I need to use some kind of proximity
function on it. However, I don't know how to do it. MegaPov's proximity
pattern is too slow and grainy. Is there any freeware program that can do
what I need, or is there any special method I can use?

(I also experimented with using blobs for the smooth text, but it had the
same problem.)

Rune
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Rune wrote:

>I think instead of blurring the text I need to use some kind of proximity
>function on it.

look for the "level connector" at http://www.kivisalo.net/


Ingo

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"ingo" wrote:
> look for the "level connector" at http://www.kivisalo.net/

Thanks! Indeed a useful utility!

Rune
--
\ Include files, tutorials, 3D images, raytracing jokes,
/ The POV Desktop Theme, and The POV-Ray Logo Contest can
\ all be found at http://rsj.mobilixnet.dk (updated December 17)
/ Also visit http://www.povrayusers.org

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Rune, the other way of doing this is create the text as a selection, expand
the selection, fill it with white, deselect, and then blur.  Then add the
original text back over the top.  This will give you a hard edge for the
front surface (which will allow you to retain the outline of the text), and
also a bevel fall off.

Hope this helps.

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Lance.

http://come.to/the.zone

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