Continuing my pixel bending experiments, this shader converts an image/video into coloured dots, creating a 'retro' feeling (or whatever emotions are stirred in you by the presence of a dotted grid). I tried to get a video demo, but since I have no idea how to do that in Flash, all I got you is this image preview . This shader is compatible with Flash.

I've started experimenting with the awesome Pixel Bender Toolkit (a sort-of shader for 2D images) and since I'm obsessed with HDR-esque imagery, well my first 'hello-world' shader I decided to write would be one that gives pictures an HDR-like highlight effect . The result is far from perfect, there are noticeable artifacts, but it is reasonable. The preview comparison image shows the result as-is, without any post-processing (except the logo and the split, of course).

Today, I have upgraded the CMS engine that powers our site from version 4.7.x to 5.16. We should now be more secure and better armed against spam, which has been a very annoying issue I've been fighting recently. Most stuff has been ported over and fixed, but if you encounter a problem, just use the [+] Feedback form at the bottom right of the screen to report any issues. The feedback form can of course be used to submit general questions as well.

To completely refresh the website in your browser, hit Ctrl+F5 or Ctrl+click on the Reload button.

To be honest, when I last said we was busy, I would never have guessed that for ALMOST A YEAR, we would not be posting anything on this weblog. But we are most definitely alive and there is no need for the word 'comeback', since we actually never died away! So here's a short list of what's gawn on at micron developers:

Game development

Me and a bundle of fellow uni friends are currently (every now and then) developing a 3D table football game, featuring some nice engine features. We got only limited experience in this very field, so it is really uphill work, but maybe one day we'll pull off with a really amazing game (but maybe not).

Software development

Menu Inventor

After careful consideration, Menu Inventor is coming back! And not just that, it is going to be COMPLETELY REWRITTEN and versioned 1.2, introducing an even friendlier user interface, better editing tools (improved Drag'n'Drop, batch editing) and much more, with the still same large emphasis on small and memory CPU requirements.

Chemix

Plans are currently vague, but if I ever get to work on it, it will surely be done in Flash 8.

Disc broom

Support for Disc Broom is now definitely being dropped, as there are much better tools out there that do the job.

Future project - Trace

As a future project, I was thinking of a node-based compositor for modelling and analysis, currently codenamed Trace, which I could use as a university project. The program makes use of nodes to create models of situations, animations etc. Now I know you wonder how this is ever going to be interesting for an average-user out there, but the bottom line is that nodes are fun to use and very flexible. Have a look at the concept.

Web design

I'm currently working on the Oxford Psychology Website. The site is medium sized and is probably my first web project that uses strict XHTML.

Graphic Design

Lately, I have been concentrating on developing my design skills, this year I will be designing the Warwick Vietnamese culture show poster again; and that is also one of the reasons why my time spent on programming is thinning quickly.

I shall be posting on regular basis again, now having fixed this weird PHP issues on this weblog. For now, keep it real!

Chemix 2.0 available.
Chemix 2.0 is much better than version 1.0 and we recommend you use it instead! Let me have it!

 

Chemix is a freeware editor for drawing lab diagrams. This small tool written in Flash is designed for students to help them draw diagrams of common laboratory equipment and design lab setup of science (especially chemistry and physics) experiments. It is not a professional's tool, but being easy and fast to use, it is suited for quick presentations and for use by students and pupils.

Links

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