Jump to content

What does the Mesh Core Do?

From HueForge Wiki

Briefing Document: HueForge Color Match Deep Dive

Introduction

This document summarizes key concepts, features, and workflows for using the Color Match feature within HueForge, based on two tutorial excerpts. The focus is on understanding how the Mesh Core functions to map colors and how to utilize various tools and techniques for effective color matching. These tutorials delve into both the practical, hands-on application of the tools and the more theoretical underpinnings of the color matching algorithms.

Load video
YouTube

Key Themes & Concepts

Mesh Core as a Custom Luminance Function

  • The Mesh Core is not just a visual representation; it acts as a customizable luminance function that defines how colors in an image are mapped to the Z-height of a 3D print.
  • The vertical ordering and layering of colors within the Mesh Core directly influence the print's appearance.
  • "We're basically making a custom function to define where the heights of what colors are in the image."

Layering and Blending

  • Color matching is approached as a layering problem, where colors are blended rather than simply matched directly.
  • Blending up (from light to dark) has seen significant improvements in recent versions.
  • "Blending up means instead of thinking about blending down to a color... I'm planning on getting a darker and darker color above me..."

Color Matching Algorithms

  • HueForge utilizes different color matching algorithms, with CIELAB currently being the most accurate.
  • Testing different algorithms is crucial for achieving the best results.
  • "...The CIELAB one is now by far the best. It's not always the one you're going to want to use, but it's by far the best."

TD (Thickness Depth)

  • TD values control the thickness and blending of each color layer.
  • They determine how smoothly one color fades into another.
  • The T shortcut and mouse wheel can be used for quick TD adjustments.

Importance of Min Depth

  • Min Depth is the bottom layer—all layers must be above this level.
  • "...The bottom here is either the lowest slider or it is the layer below Min Depth."

Saturated Color Matching

  • HueForge always matches to the lowest saturated layer, which can sometimes yield unexpected results when matching dark colors.
  • Disabling layers is an effective technique to manage this.
  • "...Color match is always just going to match to the lowest value of that."

Filament Selection for Mesh Core

  • The Mesh Core can be adjusted independently of filament selection.
  • However, choosing the filament first and then copying to the Color Core makes matching easier.

Color Core as a Representation of Filament Colors

  • Once the Mesh Core is set, it must be matched to the Color Core.
  • The Color Core represents the actual filament colors and settings for the print.
  • "...Now that we've actually set our Mesh Core, we need to match it to our Color Core."

Practical Workflow

A typical workflow for Color Match involves:

  1. Loading an image and switching to Color Match mode.
  2. Adjusting the Mesh Core to map colors to layers.
  3. Matching the Mesh Core colors to the Color Core (filament colors).
  4. Tweaking colors and placements for optimal blending and visual results.

Dynamic vs. Static Mode

  • Static and dynamic modes are mostly inactive in Color Match mode.
  • The top slider represents the highest Z-height in the 3D print.

Anti-Aliasing Issues

  • Anti-aliasing in source images can create unwanted edges in Color Match.
  • Using images without anti-aliasing can help reduce these problems.

Experimentation and Iteration

  • Color Matching requires experimentation and iteration.
  • Every action in Color Match involves trade-offs.
  • "It's a trade-off game where you're trying to figure out what the best matches are that don’t take over where you don’t want them."

Key Features and Functionality (from Tutorials)

Shortcuts

  • Control/Command + Click + Drag: Sample color from an image and drag onto a slider. Release Control/Command before dropping to match correctly.
  • Z: Set selected slider to zero.
  • T + Mouse Wheel: Adjust TD (Thickness Depth) of a slider.
  • D (or Right Click): Disable a layer in Color Match.

Layout Customization

  • Move and dock various controls (e.g., General Options, Lighting, Sliders) for an efficient workflow.

Layer Disabling

  • Skipping layers in the matching algorithm allows for full saturation control.

Mesh View Flipping

  • Flip between the model and mesh view using double-click, arrows, or buttons.

Browsing Projects

  • HueForge allows browsing saved project files for easy access.

Important Changes in v0.8.0-beta-2

  • TD Retention: Dragging a color to a filament slider now retains the original filament's TD instead of defaulting to 1.
  • Improved Blending Math: Blending "up" calculations are now more accurate.

Practical Tips from the Tutorials

  • Start with real colors whenever possible to simplify adjustments later.
  • Be mindful of color saturation, particularly for dark colors and low layer heights.
  • Consider the image context when stacking layers.
  • Prioritize important edges—it may not be possible to perfect every detail.
  • Test different Color Match algorithms to achieve the best results.
  • Watch out for the anti-aliasing issue and how it affects prints.
  • The CIELAB method is the best for Color Match, but Dot Product may be necessary when dealing with similar colors.

Conclusion

These tutorials provide a strong foundation for understanding and utilizing the HueForge Color Match feature.

Key takeaways:

  • The Mesh Core functions as a custom luminance function.
  • Strategic layering of colors is essential for optimal blending.
  • A range of tools and adjustments are available for fine-tuning.
  • Success with Color Match requires understanding the principles, experimenting with different techniques, and iterative adjustments.
Retrieved from "https://hueforge.wiki/index.php?title=What_does_the_Mesh_Core_Do%3F&oldid=287"