Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => Custom Skins => Topic started by: oboe on January 04, 2018, 05:20:29 PM

Title: Problems with Normal map
Post by: oboe on January 04, 2018, 05:20:29 PM

The normal map isn't producing a clean look on my skin.  This is what it looks like with a perfectly flat (no detail whatsoever) Normal map:
(https://i.imgur.com/PQD6iFn.jpg)

And this is what it looks like when I generate a Normal map with the diffuse map layers active (rivet layers left out on purpose):
(https://i.imgur.com/Yg74sLk.jpg)

The angled panel lines, esp. around the flap, look terrible.  If I leave rivet layers active they look terrible too.   

Here are the settings I'm using:
(https://i.imgur.com/Qd9OKqU.jpg)

Title: Re: Problems with Normal map
Post by: Vraciu on January 04, 2018, 06:12:00 PM

Compression.  Skuzzy mentioned it elsewhere. 

Title: Re: Problems with Normal map
Post by: Vraciu on January 04, 2018, 07:15:48 PM

Here...


http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/topic,385955.msg5131770.html#msg5131770

Title: Re: Problems with Normal map
Post by: FTJR on January 04, 2018, 09:22:16 PM

I've been trying to solve it too Oboe, I thought it was just me.

Title: Re: Problems with Normal map
Post by: Skuzzy on January 05, 2018, 05:52:20 AM

I'll get Waffle to look at your normal map options, but there is going to be artifacts from compression. 

Trade-offs.  Running the normal map without compression takes a lot more video RAM, and longer to load to the video card.

Title: Re: Problems with Normal map
Post by: oboe on January 05, 2018, 06:50:45 AM

Thanks,

When this issue first cropped up I thought "compression" was some process that occurred when the .res file was built at HTC for distribution, didn't realize it was affecting me on the development side.   Then later I thought it was just due to really small details like rivets, so I left them out of the N-map.

Now that I've discovered problems even in major details line panel lines, I posted my nVidia filter to see if someone can confirm I had some setting incorrect, and posted pics to show that affects so others could could confirm it happens on their skins too - not sure if its worse on NMF skins vs painted?

Title: Re: Problems with Normal map
Post by: Vraciu on January 05, 2018, 09:18:11 AM

Quote from: FTJR on January 04, 2018, 09:22:16 PM

I've been trying to solve it too Oboe, I thought it was just me.

Well, if you guys would pay attention...    :banana:

Title: Re: Problems with Normal map
Post by: Skuzzy on January 05, 2018, 02:03:32 PM

When we talk about compression, we are referring to the DirectX compression levels which are available for all textures.  Our file compression is a loss less compression which will not introduce artifacts.

Title: Re: Problems with Normal map
Post by: Vraciu on January 06, 2018, 09:24:54 AM

Quote from: Skuzzy on January 05, 2018, 02:03:32 PM

When we talk about compression, we are referring to the DirectX compression levels which are available for all textures.  Our file compression is a loss less compression which will not introduce artifacts.

Is it possible to shift the option for DirectX compression to the user under Video Settings?   That would let you wash your hands of it so to speak.

Title: Re: Problems with Normal map
Post by: Skuzzy on January 07, 2018, 08:22:39 AM

Quote from: Vraciu on January 06, 2018, 09:24:54 AM

Is it possible to shift the option for DirectX compression to the user under Video Settings?   That would let you wash your hands of it so to speak.

No.

Title: Re: Problems with Normal map
Post by: oboe on January 13, 2018, 11:04:29 AM

Quote from: Skuzzy on January 05, 2018, 05:52:20 AM

I'll get Waffle to look at your normal map options, but there is going to be artifacts from compression. 

Trade-offs.  Running the normal map without compression takes a lot more video RAM, and longer to load to the video card.

Skuzzy have you had a chance to show Waffle yet?

Title: Re: Problems with Normal map
Post by: oboe on February 09, 2018, 01:02:55 PM

Nevermind, I'll just keep tweaking and go with what I think looks best.