IR and LC work flow question

[Smalerbi]

I had a couple of questions with regards to IR and LC. This will be the first time using both for Animation so I was wondering if someone could please give me some clarification to see if I’m doing this right.

It is a very simple animation consisting of 1000 frames. The camera starts from the exterior and movies into the interior. From a technical point of view, this is how the animation breaks down. No moving objects from frames 0 – 400 (exterior), so calc IR every 10th frame. Entry doors open from frames 400-500, calc. IR every frame. No moving objects as we move into the interior, calc IR every 10th frame. If I understand the LC correctly, in “flythrough” mode, the LC will calc every frame (0 – 1000), correct?

I will be rendering the IR maps over 3 machines using backburner. Machine 1 will calc frames 0-400 every 10th frame, however, it will calc the LC every frame. Once the LC is completed, I’m assuming it will save. Machine 1 will now continue to calc the rest of the IR map.

Machine 2 will calc frames 400-500, every frame. I will load the saved LC map and calc the new IR map for this step. Is this correct?

Machine 3 will calc frames 500-1000, every 10th frame. Repeat steps from Machine 2.

To render the final frames, I will load the saved IR and LC maps and let it rip.

I’m I doing this right or is it to complex or will it not work at all?

Thanks in advance.

Scott.

[Smalerbi]

Wow……….69 reads and no replies. Well after experimenting with the above long winded work flow…….it worked. I’m sure some you are saying….”of course it worked stupid. Don’t you read any of the post?”

Scott

[DaForce]

The 10th frame deal depends on how fast your camera is moving, if its slow every 10-20frames would be good, but if its fast you may need every 5 frames or so.. just so that you dont miss anything. But im sure you have checked this.
The LC will only need to be calced once in flythru mode. Ideally set to world coordinates as well.. that way the samples will be evenly distributed over the whole path.

As for IR and the moving door, it "should" be ok assuming your settings are high enough, as its a simple door I imagine it would be fine.
If it looks crap you may need to go for QMC/LC for that door anim.

Apart from that your method sounds pretty good. Just a remind that the LC is actually saved into the IRmap as well, so certainly for parts 1 and 3 you can just load the IRmap, and set 2nd bounce to none as the IR will include the LC info. But then again it wouldnt hurt to have the LC loaded. (note: you WILL need the LC loaded if you have it set to included glossies in the LC)

Rock on