Bryce Universe


CONTACT:
   Author: John P. Miller
    email: jpmiller@micoks.net


DESCRIPTION: Bryce Universe is an answer to a problem I have had many times with my space scenes; how to create a semi-realistic starfield with depth that can be view from any angle without having to juggle backdrops.  In many of my space scenes I would use many different methods to create starfields and nebula.  In some I tried I using an image generated from another program as a backdrop.  This worked so long as the camera angle did not change much, if it did the image would become skewed then I would either have to reorient the backdrop or change my camera angle.  Next I tried a sphere with a starfield image mapped to it, this was an improvement but still lacking in depth. After many hours of experimentation I hit upon the perfect setup that would create the feeling of depth and could be viewed from any angle without distortions.


INSTALLATION: Unzip the contents of the ZIP archive to any folder.  If you are using Bryce 4 open the 'Objects Library' and import the b4_bryce_universe.obp file.  If you are using Bryce 5 open the 'Objects Library' and import the b5_bryce_universe.obp file.  This is very important because if you import the Bryce 4 version accidentally into Bryce 5 you will get some very unusual results.


FILE LIST:
b4_bryce_universe.obp
b5_bryce_universe.obp
simple_black.bsk
license.txt
readme.txt
JPG - sample images

REQUIRED SOFTWARE:
Bryce 4 or higher.


USAGE:  To get the best results out of the Bryce Universe, you MUST set the sky preset to the 'Simple Black Background'.  If you do not have this preset it has been included in the zip archive.  The 'Simple Black Background' is a default preset for Bryce so it should be available.  This is needed for the black ground and for the lack of atmospheric settings.  Atmosphere settings can make for some interesting results, but if you want a nice clear starfield, you must turn off all atmospheric settings.


LEGAL:  Bryce Universe is Copyright 2002 John P. Miller.  Please see the enclosed License.txt file for details. THIS 3 DIMENSIONAL MODEL MAY NOT BE DISTRIBUTED IN ANY WAY WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION.