Render Line Script?

2myChaGrin · 5 Jul 2008, 20:31

I've been doing a bit of searching and haven't been able to find a script to do this. Is there a ruby out there that will convert a sketchup line into a line recognizable by a render engine? I'd imagine it would require offsetting the line on either side by a fraction of an inch and then painting the middle black, thus converting an edge into a narrow face. Does anyone know of a ruby out there for this function? If not, is this a feasible script to create? I'm sure a lot of people who use external render engines would find this extremely useful.

Thanks so much!

remus · 5 Jul 2008, 20:51

Not sure if this would be possible as i dont think render engines can recognise lines, to the best of my knowledge they only recognise faces.

If your looking for a work around you could always render the model then export an image with all the faces and the background set to one colour. You could then remove that colour from the image and overlay it on to the render.

2myChaGrin · 6 Jul 2008, 00:24

Remus,

That's the point. Because renderers won't recognize lines, what I do manually sometimes is to create a super thin rectangular face and paint it black, so that you have a thin black face instead of an unrecognizable line. I usually use the move tool and copy the line .05" on either side, close the ends and then paint it black. If this process could be automated through a ruby, then this would make life easier. I do often export a hidden line version and overlay in photoshop, depending on the style I'm going for. In certain situations however, a ruby to automate a "render line" would be invaluable. I can't image this to be a difficult ruby to create and I'm surprised there is not one out there called "render line".

Jon · 6 Jul 2008, 00:40

All render engines recognize lines when a model is imported, and most to all professional render engines out there are able to render the lines, if you know how; thus, there would be no need for such a script.
If you tell me what render engine you're using, I'll be happy to help you achieve a rendered wireframe image.

2myChaGrin · 6 Jul 2008, 00:57

Jon, thanks for the response.

I use Vue 6 infinite for exteriors, which is primarily where I find the need for lines. I also use Podium 1.5 for night scenes and interiors. Neither of which recognize lines....to my knowledge. Any help would be appreciated.

solo · 6 Jul 2008, 01:11

I use both those apps and I cannot natively render lines, however....
I use my viewport resolution when rendering and export my line work seperatively from SU, this way I can overlap my two images in PS with some pleasing results.

Or is there another result you aim to ahieve that I did not understand?

solo · 6 Jul 2008, 02:27

I am busy with a project at moment that I will be using the above method, here is my flow.

Export the line work without shadow, you can use fog ... or not for effect.

In Podium you can render to viewport size, this way the images match up perfectly in post processing.

Using a post editor of choice (mine is Paintshop pro) blend the two images and make your ajustments to saturation etc. I did not do much just a straight overlay and a little tone adjustment.

kwistenbiebel · 6 Jul 2008, 02:31

You could use 'linetocilinder.rb' ruby to convert lines to cilinders.

You might also want to check the 'extrude lines.rb' ruby that will make a surface of each line, by offsetting it to a specified height (1 mm by example).

ibon · 6 Jul 2008, 12:13

Solo you're a Podium master... I can't believe it's rendered with that engine
Has the roof some kind of displacement? and where have you achieved those excellent plants?

Once again: Excellent render!!!

2myChaGrin · 6 Jul 2008, 13:29

Yes Solo, in podium, that is also my workflow. This works well in Podium, as you are working directly inside of sketchup and the render can be set at the resolution of the screen, so matching the hidden line is effortless. In Vue, I find matching the render with a hidden line export to be almost impossible. I import into Vue as an .obj file via Chipp Walters instructions and it will always import at a different camera angle and there is no way to match the angles back up perfectly.

I think more often then not, I only need the lines represented on a section of architecture and not the entire render. This means having to export the hidden lines, then erasing a good portion of it. A simple script that would create a line as a narrow face would come in handy from time to time for those that render with these programs. Perhaps you could set the thickness of the line to determine the offset.

Biebel, I will check out the rubies you listed, perhaps they are the answer. The extrudelines.rb sounds like something that would be easily tweaked to perhaps change the axis to coincide with the plane it is drawn on instead of always extruding on the z. Easily tweaked by someone....just not me.

Solo, amazing render btw! I've never tried fog on a hidden line export. I'll give that a try.

2myChaGrin · 6 Jul 2008, 15:47

Thanks Biebel....extrudelines.rb seems to be the ticket. I was assuming it only extruded on the z axis, but it seems to extrude on the plane it is on. Thanks again!!!

kwistenbiebel · 8 Jul 2008, 15:14

I am glad I could help

Kgon · 27 Aug 2008, 04:28

Excelent plants and shrubs solo......where did u get them ?????

Frederik · 27 Aug 2008, 04:40

@kgon said:

Excelent plants and shrubs solo......where did u get them ?????

Solo have even made these available for you in the Tropical flora thread...