Using <tex> and custom attributes in texture path

[chris_elmer]

I'm trying to use <tex> in the filepath of my vray MetaImageFile node to grab a texture path stored as a string primvar on the rendered geometry, but am not having any luck. I've tried with the string stored as a regular usd attr as well. Is the following <tex> workflow supported in Solaris?

"

V-Ray supports custom attributes in the File parameter, provided the attribute is specified either on the Geometry node itself, or placed on individual packed primitives. You can modify the File path with a custom string attribute "s@tex" with the following notation: "$HIP/texture_000<tex>.jpg".

When using this workflow, be sure to force V-Ray to export the attribute from the V-Ray Object Properties of the rendered object.
"

Thanks!

[bdancer]

> Is the following <tex> workflow supported in Solaris?

Not yet.

[chris_elmer]

Thanks bdancer , is that something we can expect in the next Vray Solaris update, or farther down the road map?

[glacierise]

Looks like something that USD/Solaris would take care of, when/if we switch to MaterialX

[bdancer]

> is that something we can expect in the next Vray Solaris update

Yes.

> Looks like something that USD/Solaris would take care of, when/if we switch to MaterialX

Well, no, there is no magic here... Such handling still will need to be implemented...

[glacierise]

Good to know, thanks!

[bdancer]

Bitmap path tags support is already in the nightlies.

[chris_elmer]

That's amazing, thank you!

[chris_elmer]

bdancer Do you have an example hip of this working? I've got a string primvar: "primvars:tex" on the geometry with a texture path, but am having problem getting the shader to read it. In the filepath I've tried <tex>, <primvars:tex>. Should that work?
I'm using vray build 5.20.20
Houdini 19.0.498

[bdancer]

> Should that work?

Yes, attaching example.

> I'm using vray build 5.20.20

There is Top Menu -> V-Ray -> About with the build information.

[chris_elmer]

Thanks for the example. Turns out we were loading an older vray build.

[the_one_j]

Hi, i cant get this working in SOLARIS in houdini 19.5.493, ive got vray version 5.20.24. I think i understand what im meant to be doing with the <tex> in the path, and a attribute on the prims like your example scene, but sure its not working for me in solaris. tried every combination of doing it for last few hours. no luck. could we get a new example scene for new houdini version and/or a tip as to if its a bug or not? ive tried sopCreate, and also setting it up in obj context with material applied from mat context, and using SceneImport to get it into LOPS. no luck either. hopefully im being dumb.

Cheers
J

[bdancer]

The provided example .hip file works fine for me. Could you share your .hip file that doesn't work?

[the_one_j]

sure. attached here with test textures too. renders black for me.

[the_one_j]

ideally want the sop create method to work. appreciate your help Bdancer.