CompuServe Thread

#'Laser Lights'

5 messages in this thread
#131672From: Mark CriglerOct 27, 1994 3:49 PM
I have a project coming up that is a simple logo animation enhanced by moving, flashing "laser lights". The only thing I can think of to make a light beam visible is to build a self illuminating "tube" or something and move it and morph it to different positions and shapes. Does anyone have any ideas, hopefully without spending more money for ipas modules? Any help is appreciated, Thanks, Mark C.
#131695From: Phillip L. MillerOct 27, 1994 5:23 PM
>> The only thing I can think of to make a light beam visible is to build a self illuminating "tube" or something and move it and morph it to different positions and shapes. You got it! That's the easiest way. – Phil
#131712From: MARTIN G FOSTEROct 27, 1994 6:55 PM
Mark, >> moving, flashing "laser lights" << if you happen to have it already or know somebody who does, I did a chapter with a laser burn-on logo for NRP's "3d Studio Special Effects". I used a few different techniques to enhance the laser beam.
#131902From: david W. mennenohOct 28, 1994 4:04 PM
Mark, To create a laser beam effect, your idea is just what you need. To add realism assign animated maps to the cylinder also. You could use both opacity and texture maps to get some cool effects. Take a look at the book: 3D Studio Special Effects by NRP. MartinF describes a great technique for doing a laser beam (the one on the Siggraph '94 real). Good luck. Dave Mennenoh
#131934From: WillOct 28, 1994 8:59 PM
To make a laser beam…. I apply transpancy falloff to get the tube a little fuzzier on the edges and apply some really crude levels of motion blur to speckle the edges. Sometimes I apply a procedural texture that can move around it or some other animated map, but the map is usually just very faint. I also add self illumination but not all the way usually. ——Will