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View Full Version : [REL] Normals Tool for SH5 Alpha


Madox58
06-28-10, 09:16 PM
It's an Alpha Tool for createing the Normals texture for SH5.
I know it needs some work but I need feedback to adjust things.
You need no graphics program to use this.
It is a stand alone program based on Nvidia Texture Tools Source code.

Sean updated some code not used in this version but I'm on it.

I know that the 'faces' need reversed yet.
I also know that the matrixes codeing I used may be off some.

However, test what is here and give me feedback to improve.

http://www.mediafire.com/?1mttziynlky

SteelViking
06-28-10, 09:27 PM
Hey cool. I have been using GIMP to do all my _N.dds editing/creating. I will try this out and see how it compares.

Madox58
06-28-10, 09:36 PM
I'm sure it's reversed in a way at this point.
As it's based on the SH4 version I have.
It's also older Code which Sean has adjusted.
(Sean by the way does the Nvidia Texture Tools stuff)
Future adjustments will be:

Updated code from Nvidia,
(Sean)
selectable SH4-SH5 Normals,
(Me)
Preview Screen of Normals output,
(Me)
Adjustments to output before saveing,
(Whatever is needed, me)
Save as feature and do not overwrite!
(Cause I was lazy to start with? I need to fix this!)

TheBeast
06-29-10, 01:25 PM
First I would like to that you for making this tool.:yeah:

Would it be possible to add some kind of slider control using the current setting as max and the slider control can reduce the effect by as much as 90% of what it currently does now?:06:

Here is a skin I am working on using the GWX Normalizer to generate the Bump Maps.
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=326&pictureid=2343

Currnetly it is a little extreme but kind of matchs the effect of this skin.:arrgh!:

G.I.M.P. generated Bump Map + Gaussian Blur(H=0.5, V=0.6).
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=326&pictureid=2344
Even if I edit the Normalized image and add the same Gaussian Blur effect(H=0.5, V=0.6), the GWX barely smooths out at all.

reaper7
06-29-10, 01:40 PM
Nice. Looking good :up: (In between the two would be spot on :03:)

Madox58
06-29-10, 05:20 PM
@TheBeast,

Yes, several Sliders are being added to adjust several areas.
The adjustments will then be viewable in the preview window.

The source code used was version 2.0.3.0
It's up to 2.0.8.0 now.
Lots of improvements in the latest release.

TheBeast
06-29-10, 05:32 PM
@TheBeast,

Yes, several Sliders are being added to adjust several areas.
The adjustments will then be viewable in the preview window.

The source code used was version 2.0.3.0
It's up to 2.0.8.0 now.
Lots of improvements in the latest release.

I thought as much but had to ask.:haha:

This is a very good graphics modding tool. Specially for making Skins. I don't know how much it is need for other area's as I haven't delved into any else but exterior skins as yet.

Definately on my list to keep track of.

Thanks!:rock:

NOTE: I did notice one possible problem. The filename for the new DDS does not match the original name + N01 it is clipping half of the name. i.e. Source = Uboat7_structure.dds Output GWX = Uboat7c_N01.dds

Madox58
06-29-10, 05:47 PM
Good spotting on the name problem.
I'll correct that.
You'll also have the option to 'Save as'
so you could name it whatever you want.

reaper7
06-29-10, 05:48 PM
Cheers Privateer for taking the time to bring the community the tools to bring out the best hidden within SH5 :up:.

Just found out how to create bump maps in Photoshop, Pretty easy too :yeah:.

TheBeast
06-30-10, 09:27 AM
Cheers Privateer for taking the time to bring the community the tools to bring out the best hidden within SH5 :up:.

Just found out how to create bump maps in Photoshop, Pretty easy too :yeah:.
I have Photo Shop Elements 5.0 and I couldn't find it in that version.

reaper7
06-30-10, 11:57 AM
I have Photo Shop Elements 5.0 and I couldn't find it in that version.

There isn't actually a bump map filter or anything like that, its actually a technique that generates it.

Here is the link to the Technique that I found and used. Effect is totally user changeable (A lot of control) :yeah:

http://www.hexluv.com/2008/09/17/how-to-bump-map-in-photoshop-cs3/

Should work with elements I think it has that filter in it. :up:

TheBeast
06-30-10, 12:29 PM
There isn't actually a bump map filter or anything like that, its actually a technique that generates it.

Here is the link to the Technique that I found and used. Effect is totally user changeable (A lot of control) :yeah:

http://www.hexluv.com/2008/09/17/how-to-bump-map-in-photoshop-cs3/

Should work with elements I think it has that filter in it. :up:

I think I will stick with GIMP or GWX Normalizer.

Madox58
06-30-10, 07:05 PM
@reaper7,

There is a PhotoShop plug-in to do Normals.
It's not to bad but lacks many new features that the Source Code I'm working with has.

Why the Source Code is updated and the Plug-In is not yet?
Is anybodys guess.
:hmmm:

The compression routines are greatly improved in the Source Code.
And beats the Plug-In like a red-headed StepChild!
:haha:

I'll include a standard image converter in the next release,
that will fix the compression problems I've heard about the PhotoShop Plug-In.