Decimator

[rcallicotte]

What does anyone make of this?

http://developer.daz3d.com/i/3d-models/-/decimator-for-daz?item=10673&_m=d

[MGebhart]

ZBrush uses a plug-in called Discrimination Master which I believe is similar. It allows you to model in the millions of polygons to sculpt massive detail into the model. After the detail is complete you then run it through the program to lower the poly count by a percentage you designate. The idea is to keep as much detail to the model as possible while reducing the poly count so the model can be handled by game engines, STL usage and other 3D programs that can't handle huge face counts.  

[latego]

If you google for "mesh decimation" you will find lots of information about this problem and the algorithms to solve it.

I don't like DAZ offer on two counts:
1) it converts the mesh into tri's before hand (many renderes detest tri meshes and in every case tri meshes subdive badly);
2) it has no provision for creating normal/displacement maps to model the differences between the high and low poly meshes (something game engines require and professional tools do)
in other words, the usual DAZ offer: good for some amateurish NVIATWAS (naked vickies in a temple with a sword ) but not for professional activities.

Blender has better tools and the workflow to create normal/displacement maps. In addition, one of the Blender Google Summer of Code 2010 accepted project is an incredible thing which will be able to automaticaly retopo (with required resolution) a mesh with quads with sensible edge flow!

Bye!!!

[FrankB]

amateurish NVIATWAS (naked vickies in a temple with a sword )

hahaha, that's a good one! 

[j meyer]

  another one,even better

ZBrush uses a plug-in called Discrimination Master

use that and the rights of certain meshes disappear mysteriously,i guess.

Edit - forgot to mention that the plug-in is called Decimation Master actually.
         Stop mesh discrimination,please.

[latego]

amateurish NVIATWAS (naked vickies in a temple with a sword )

hahaha, that's a good one! 

I didn't devise it, it's a long standing self joke in the Poser community

Bye!!!

[rcallicotte]

Wow. 

Thanks.

Blender has better tools and the workflow to create normal/displacement maps. In addition, one of the Blender Google Summer of Code 2010 accepted project is an incredible thing which will be able to automaticaly retopo (with required resolution) a mesh with quads with sensible edge flow!

Bye!!!