Overview
This article provides step-by-step information on how to create image sequences in SketchUp and Rhino.
What is image sequence?
An image sequence is a series of images arranged in a specific order to represent a specific action. This feature is a part of the Bitmap texture options in V-Ray for SketchUp and Rhino.
How to Create an Image Sequence?
1. File preparation.
To correctly set the image sequence, the files must be stored in the same folder:
- The images used for the animation.
- .ifl file (image file list) – a text file with a .ifl extension that contains the file names of all the images used in the sequence:
Note: keep in mind that the file names must end with a consecutive number. For example frame_01.jpg; frame_02.jpg; frame_03.jpg, etc.
2. Load the prepared .ifl file.
Once the material is created, the prepared file can be loaded:
- Click on the Diffuse Texture Slot.
- Open Bitmap.
- Go to the folder where the files from Step 1 are stored.
- In the File Name Field, type the name of your .ifl file, then open it.
- Switch to Advanced Settings.
- Turn on the Sequence option.
Note: bitmap does not recognize .ifl file types by default, but typing the file name or format (.ifl) will allow it to load.
3. Setting up the Image Sequence
After the sequence is activated, several settings can be adjusted. Here's a brief explanation of each:
- Start Frame: Specifies the frame where the map animation begins.
- Playback Speed: Controls how fast or slow the animation plays.
- Playback Type: Determines what happens after the final frame of the animation if it’s shorter than the scene. There are three options:
- Loop: Repeats the animation from the beginning.
- Ping-Pong: Plays the animation forward and then backward, creating a smooth loop.
- Hold: Keeps the last frame of the animation frozen once it ends.
4. Create an animation in SketchUp or Rhino and render the objects using the image sequence.
Once the animation is created, it can be exported as a .vrscene file and imported into Chaos Vantage for rendering.