PyPov: python for povray

Here is a relatively simple framework for making povray files from your favourite programming language, python. It's good for creating structured/mathematical scenes and animations.

Tutorial

1) Some code snippets.

Sphere( (0,0,0), 1, color=(1,1,1) )

Union( Sphere(v1,r), Sphere(v2,r) )

2) To change/set named args:

torus = Torus( 4, 1 )
torus.rotate = 90*x # x is actually a Vector instance

And unnamed args via their index (untested):

torus[0] = 8 # bigger now

3) Use the File object to output these to a pov file.

file = File( "out.pov" )
torus.write(file)
torus.rotate = 90 * x
torus.write(file) # another torus

Here is a complete example for a chain of spheres:

def test04():
  cam = Camera(
    location=(0,0,-10),
    look_at=(100.0,0.0,0.0),
    angle=30 )
  light = LightSource((300,300,-1000),(1,1,1))
  spheres = [ Sphere( (2*i,0,0), 1, Pigment(color=(1,1,1)) )
    for i in range(400) ]
  file = File( "spheres.pov", cam, light, *spheres )

Here is the pond:

  water = Texture(
      Finish(
        ambient = 0.2,
        diffuse = 0.3,
        reflection = 0.8,
        specular = 0.3
      ), Pigment(color=(0.4,0.4,1)))
  def field(x,y):
    x-=0.5; y-=0.5;
    return (1.0+sin(6.0*sqrt(x*x+y*y)*2*pi))/2.0
  FieldIm("field.png",192,192,field)
  hf = HeightField(
    "field.png",
    "smooth",
    water,
    translate=(-0.5,-0.5,-0.5),
    scale=(24,1.75,24),
  )

Check out test.py and pond.py for more examples.

Screenshot

Here I am working on some fibonacci spirals.

This is the pond (that I gaze into)...

Downloads

pypov-0.0.3.tar.gz
We now have a google project: svn checkout http://pypov.googlecode.com/svn/trunk/ pypov

Copyright (C) Simon Burton 2002, 2003, 2004.

Last update: Nov 13, 2007.

Mail comments, suggestions, to : simon@arrowtheory.com