electron microscope Shader Project

Concept / Updates / Breakdown

electron_mic.sl / facehair.sl / facehair.c

Maya 2008
ZBrush 3.0
Renderman
[--]Cutter (RSL)

Concept:

The idea of this project is to create a shader in the RenderMan Shader Language (RSL) that will replicate the look of an Electron Microscope. I will create the shader using Malcom Kesson’s “Cutter” program as a code editor and complier. Then using Maya 2008 I apply it to a model.

I want to create this shader as a means to create cost effective scientific imagery. The shader could be used in 3D medical illustration or an example of other scientific documentation (i.e. text book). A more realistic use for the shader would be in the field of entrainment. One might use the shader to show a fictitious virus spreading throughout a human subject or a shot showing the murderer’s single strand of hair left at the crime scene.

I will be using this shader to create a detailed shot of a common ant. Using Zbrush I will create the model and then import it into Maya 2009.

reference

Using the following images I can lay out the ground work for how I want the shader and the model to be.

Example One / Example Two

Some key notes:

Shader:
-The edges are lighter then the middle
-Detail is brought about with contrast from light to dark
-Two objects interacting creates a bright edge
-Full range of tone is used
-Most images are black and white but some are "dyed" to eaiser viewing
-Most images do not have a deep DOF

Model:
-Hairs follow the the shape of the face
-Some ants have many small hairs others have less long hairs
-Some segments are rough some are "armor" are smooth with rough edges