Shadow mapping models Alpha?

[Andy Gilbert]

IS there any chance shadow mapping can shadow objects taking into acount the alpha texture?

 

For instance, we now have terrain, to put any veg or tree's inside then render shadow, the shadows are horrible as they use the goemetry of the planes (so buig square shadows) not the alpha of the leaves ETC.

 

Thanks

Andy

[Josh]

The included tree models show how materials can use a shadow shader to perform alpha discard. This should always be used for trees, grass, etc.

[Andy Gilbert]

Included tree models? Where are they? I missed them (but also cant find them)

 

Thanks

Andy

[Josh]

Add this line to the material file:

shadowshader="abstract::mesh_shadow_sway.vert","abstract::mesh_shadow.frag"

[Andy Gilbert]

Ok, will try it. Is there any included models then? As i cant find any in the DarknessAwaitas project?

 

Im getting the feeling your assuming im talking about leadwerks 2?

 

Andy

[Josh]

Ah...Leadwerks 3 doesn't use shadow mapping yet!

[shadmar]

You could try this (have no idea if it works anymore) but it's a sway shader for LE3 back in march.

http://www.leadwerks.com/werkspace/files/file/404-le3-treesway-shader/

[Andy Gilbert]

Sorry i meant lightmapping then I just to make an outdoor scene look good, but qas soon as you calculate lighting with any tree's or veg the shadows are all squared like explained above.

 

Andy

[Josh]

Ohhhhh, I see.

 

I probably won't do this soon because we'll have the OpenGL4 renderer soon enough.

[Andy Gilbert]

It doesnt have to be projected shadows, the plants and trees dont have to move, so instead of using projected shadows they can cast static shadows, but using the alpha? Can this not be done either?

 

Andy

[Josh]

Sure, I could do it, but it's always a matter of tradeoffs. I think my time is best spent on the OpenGL 4 renderer right now rather than making adjustments to the fallback renderer.

[Andy Gilbert]

Ok, understandable. Am i right in thinking the openGL 4 wont work on ios? Just thought this would be nice for IOS outdoor games.

 

Andy

[flachdrache]

Hmm - building games was mostly always about the art of faking ... in le2 I would use "shadow-decals". Like render shadows from the tree and place these as decals to its roots taking light direction into account. This tech has been used in many ways AFAIK.

 

That being stayed - does le3 support "light styles". You know switching between two light maps?

Pulse, flicker, wave etc. for indoor lightning strikes and such alike.

[flachdrache]

PS: I road that mobiles are texture limited and not by geometry throughput ... huge/many light maps might be a tradeoff too?!

[Josh]

Ok, understandable. Am i right in thinking the openGL 4 wont work on ios? Just thought this would be nice for IOS outdoor games.

 

Andy

OpenGL 4 is PC-only.

 

At the moment, Leadwerks is still making the most sales in PC. However, mobile users have been increasing lately. It might be that it just takes more time to break into that market.

 

I'd really like to make the December deadline, so that means staying focused on the essentials. We can always add enhancements down the road.

[Andy Gilbert]

Sounds fine josh. I myself want the OpenGL 4 renderer more than anything so don't want you to stray from it.

 

Andy