An example of program that creates natural surfaces is Organomorphic by Walski. It works as a script for 3DStudio Max. (For a more powerful tool see MENDELicious)

- If you would like to collaborate you can get the .ms file (maxscript) and try it.
- To see some models created with this tool:
■ gallery
■ gallery 2
■ gallery 3 (NEWEST)
- This tool acts as a scout. Let's go theoretical.



"Organomorphic" code key points:

- Local geometric operations (Bumps are added or subtracted to the surface like cells on a substrate, moving and bending the external structure - cell division)
- parameters (define the dimensions of bumps: the range of length, width, height, frequency. Areas with higher density can be defined)
- cycles (changing the parameters you can redefine the surface starting a new cycle)
- starting mesh (cylinder or sphere. Few cycles generate something like the image on the right)
- mutations (further cycles can be an exact replica of the previous one or can be replied with a light or heavy mutation)
- limbs or branches (the core generates new distal structures, they repel one another so they don't cross - not applied)
- 2D cellular automata or Map L-system (a control regulating the position of the bumps and the resulting surface - not applied)
- symmetry and distortions (simple modifiers can be applied to obtain differently mirrored meshes )


More details can be added to the model using displacement map or with Zbrush (alpha displacement exporter - ADE tutorial )
A similar approach can be found on Algorithmic botany's papers:On Vertex-Vertex Systems and Their Use in Geometric and Biological Modelling . Simulation of growing tissues is an article published at "Crazy 3D ideas..." blog about this paper.



ORGANOMORPHIC TUTORIAL
- In the utilities panel of 3DS open maxscript roll-out and run the .ms file.
- In the creature generator panel press create and set the number of segments (horiz. and vert.) of the cylinder.
- In the bumps panel press mesh.
- select n°of bumps.
- set the parameters of the bumps selecting a range of action (pos= z position of bumps on the cylinder; dir =sector of the cylinder covered by bumps expressed in degrees; freq= width of bumps; nys= length of bumps, prf= height of bumps)
- press ignite (you can reload the script, if you step out of this sequence)

For help:
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Organomorphic's evoulution is MENDELicious
More scripts
More about 3D Studio Max parametric modeling