Smooth Mesh - Subdivision (Modify > Attribute > Smooth Mesh)

• The new Subdivision technique.
• User interface comparisons and descriptions.
• Subdivision vs Tessellation (Real-time Smooth) and when to use which.

New Subdivision Technique 

Subdivision takes a mesh and divides it into more faces.  In this way the object becomes smoother and rounds out slightly.  This technique can be used under all scenarios including real-time, render to image/video, Iray render or Indigo render.

[ Subdivision = OFF ]


[ Subdivision = ON ]

User Interface Comparisons and Descriptions (iClone 7.2 vs iClone 7.3)

iClone 7.3 has a new section for Smooth Mesh.
iClone 7.2's Realtime Smooth has been renamed to Tessellation in the version 7.3.


Subdivision User Interface


1) Level for Real Time /  Preview: Immediately subdivides the mesh in the viewport.  The higher the value the denser the subdivision. 


2) Level for Final Render : The subdivision settings for rendering image and video. The level of which operates the same as mentioned above, except the actual subdivision only occurs on output.
*This attribute is preferable to adjusting Level for Real Time /  Preview because it saves system resources when editing while giving the best high-poly results for rendering.

Note: Using Subdivision on old content (prior to version 7.3) can negatively impact system performance because subdividing triangular faces is very resource intensive.  For example, subdividing and tessellating Jade from embedded content (body, accessories, clothes and shoes) differs significantly on the overall impact to the framerate:

Static Noise - Instructions

• UI: The default iClone 7.3 project provides the static noise post-effect which can be adjusted under Visual > Effect from version 7.3 and onward.
  

1. Strength: Weaken or strengthen the noise effect.
2. Size: Decrease or increase the size of the noise dots.
   *Double-click the slider to reset to default value.
   
   

• New embedded post-effect: just apply this post-effect to previous version projects.
  
  
  
• Example usage:
  
  
  

                                                          
Tony
Product Marketing Manager 

www.reallusion.com

• High blur settings for the skydome ( Sky > Texture Settings > Blur ) creates obvious color bands.
• Zoomed image of the color banding effect: 
  
  
  
• [ Before ]
  
  
• [ After ]
  
  
  
• In certain situations, Global illumination can cause color banding, e.g. when diffuse or Bounce Strength is turned up.
•  Zoomed image of the color banding effect: 
  
  
• [ Before ]
  
  
  
• [ After ]
  
  
  
• When HDR is especially strong, e.g. high values of Bloom Scale.
• [ Before ] 
  
  
• [ After ]
  
  
  
• Particle effects: when the background is a solid color and the scene is filled with smoke, mist, fog, etc.
• [ Before ]
  
  
• [ After ]
  
  

                                                          
Tony
Product Marketing Manager 

www.reallusion.com

PopcornFX effects mesh particles now come with glow channels.

• Sample:
  [ Before ] In the previous version, mesh particles do not support glow textures. 
  
  
  [ After ] Glow textures are supported for mesh particles in iClone 7.3, e.g. the fiery meteors below: 
  
  

• User interface:
  Note: The following interfaces require the installation of the iClone PopcornFX plugin.
  
  
  

                                                          
Tony
Product Marketing Manager 

www.reallusion.com