Orchid XP v3 wrote:
>>> Well, it's 160 splash functions added together. (!)
>>
>> Well, as there is no overlapping, no internal bubbles... Why can't you 
>> use a heightfield with a high enough resolution and some "smooth" 
>> thrown in for good measure. I'd think it would look much the same for 
>> this scene. You can use functions for heightfields just as well:
>>
>> #declare HF_Detail = 100; //Simulates image-resolution of 100x100
>>   height_field{
>>     function HF_Detail,HF_Detail{ HF(x,y,z).gray }
>>     smooth
>>   }
> 
> And that does what, exactly? Makes a 100x100 polygon mesh and applies 
> some normal trickery to give the illusion of a smooth surface?

Yep, 100x100 triangle mesh and then just smooth_triangles, sorta.

> Well, you learn something every day. Just out of curiosity, how does a 
> heightfield work when used as a "solid" object? Clearly the function 
> defines the upper surface, but what about the lower one?

Everything "underneath" the heightfield is solid, everything above 
isn't. So in the cube from <0,0,0> to <1,1,1>, you divide the box into a 
lower and a top part with the heightfield.

Regards,
Tim

-- 
aka "Tim Nikias"
Homepage: <http://www.nolights.de>

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