This project was done for my Programming Models and Shaders class for the DraZtic webpage. Like the "Matrix Project" instead of using a high profile 3D program like Maya to create our work, we type in special code using a simple program like Note Pad and then have a special rendering program render the files out for us. But what is more amazing is that this piece is actually ONE square polygon. The trick is the displacement and texture maps. The texture is mapped onto the polygon and then the displacement map makes the bulges into the polygon to give it the look of rocks. And then a specularity map is added to give the rocks the proper lighting. The animation above is a rotating view of the polygon that gives you an idea of how these rocks look. I also suggest checking out the link below to the Pebbles Project page where you can see images of the stones as well as the displacement/texture/specularity maps and the original image.

Pebbles Project

Update (1/30/02) : I've now added two new animations to this page (links below the first one). One is a rising stone animation that shows off displacement techniques. In it the image goes from a flat texture to the bumpy stones that you saw in the first animation. Just something interesting to look at. The second is my first Quicktime VR animation. For those who haven't heard of Quicktime VR, it's an interactive animation that lets you move the image around with the mouse and view it at different angles. You control it, so you can look at any part of the piece as much as you want. So remember, when you look at the animation, you have to move it around for it to do anything. ;)