Bildeform - Bas Relief Generator Documentation

Table of Contents

1. Installation
2. Overview
3. Getting Started
4. Features and Settings
5. Limitations and Recommendations
6. Changelog

Installation

1. Open Blender 4.2 or later
2. Go to Edit > Preferences
3. Click on the "Get Extensions" menu
4. Search for "Install from disk"
5. Search for "Bildeform"
6. Save preferences

Overview

Bildeform is a powerful Blender addon designed to automatically generate bas-relief sculptures from 3D models. It employs advanced algorithms to create sophisticated bas-relief representations, enabling artists to quickly transform their 3D models into beautiful, low-relief sculptures.

Getting Started

1. Set Up Your Scene
   • Import or create your 3D model
   • Position your model as desired
   • Click "Set Camera" in the BilDeform panel (located in the N-panel)
   • Select your target object in the "Target" field
2. Configure Settings
   • Adjust Resolution X and Y (default: 2048x2048)
   • Set camera Focal Length
   • Choose Falloff Method
   • Select Mode Generation algorithm
3. Generate Bas Relief
   • Click "Generate Bas Relief"
   • Wait for the process to complete
   • A preview will appear in the panel
   • Adjust settings as needed

Features and Settings

Camera Settings

• Resolution X/Y: Define output resolution (1-16384 pixels)
• Focal Length: Adjust camera perspective
• Target: Select the object to track and generate relief from

Generation Options

• Falloff Method:
  • Method 1: Generates less precise and more rustic transitions
  • Method 2: Produces smoother, finer, and more elegant transitions
• Mode Generation:
  1. Frankot-Chellappa
     • Best for simpler models
     • Faster processing
     • Smoother results
  2. Kernel Approach
     • Better for complex models
     • Preserves more detail
     • Handles discontinuities better

Limitations and Recommendations

Algorithm Selection

• Frankot-Chellappa Algorithm:
  • Optimized for simpler models with continuous surfaces
  • Performs best when processing objects with minimal surface discontinuities
  • Faster processing time but less robust for complex geometry
• Kernel Approach Algorithm:
  • Specifically designed to handle complex surface geometry
  • Better preservation of fine details and sharp transitions
  • More computationally intensive but handles discontinuities effectively

Best Practices

• Parent multiple objects to Empty or main object for unified control
• Set camera target to parent object for consistent tracking
• Frequent saving prevents loss of work during complex operations
• Apply all modifiers before generation to ensure accurate geometry

Changelog

Version 1.0.0 (November 1, 2024)

• Initial release
• Two generation algorithms: Frankot-Chellappa and Kernel Approach
• Custom falloff methods
• Height map export functionality
• Real-time preview system
• Adjustable relief settings