Texture Mapping in OpenScad!

thingiverse

Introducing a set of imaging routines for OpenScad, this project allows users to convert images into a format that OpenScad can understand. The included ImageConverter.exe executable converts an image to a .scad file, which can then be used in OpenScad. A new function, image(), packages up data for later usage in functions. The key routine, image_gettexel(image, u, v), retrieves a color value based on parametric values, making texture mapping possible. Additionally, the luminance() function converts an RGB value into a grayscale value, enabling height map generation from images. By converting a selfie into OpenScad form and creating a mesh that matches the height field, users can print out a 3D relief of their face. However, large image usage may cause performance issues. The author suggests optimizing array lookups to improve performance in such cases. A blog entry detailing this project can be found at http://williamaadams.wordpress.com/2011/09/21/openscad-texture-mapping/. To use the routines, download imaging.scad and the ImageConverter.exe (Windows only) from the provided links, then convert images to .scad format, generate objects with varying colors, and enjoy the results.