Requesting project idea for shader programming

Unity Engine
1

Hi there Unity 3D users.

We have finally ended our semester at university, and we are now suppose to read up on some course content before the exams in January. One of my courses was Computer Graphic Programming, where we programmed with OpenGL in Unity 3D and experienced with different types of shaders. As I am not very good at just picking up a book, I prefer much more to begin a small project and learn by getting my hands dirty, though I am not very innovative when it comes to ideas for shader programming projects.

What I seek is a single project idea (or 2-3) which covers these topics:

  • Texturing 3D models through shaders
  • Lighting and reflections through shaders using Unity 3D.
  • Transparency through shaders.
  • Usage of some math (Vector/Matrice manipulation/computation) in shader.
  • Other topics which YOU find vital for shader programming.

Requirements:
The project('s) must be achievable in Unity 3D.
The project('s) should suit a Beginner/Novice experienced shader programmer.
Note: If you are in the middle of a project and are in need of some simple shader programming, consider me as free labor.

Note: If you are in the middle of a project and are in need of some simple shader programming, consider me as free labor.

P.S - Sorry if this topic seems a bit wide or misplaced, but I can’t really figure out where else to put such a question/request.

2

How about a shader that adds outer glow to text rendered by Unity. Also drop shadow would be nice.

3

Here’s some interesting things you might want to try:

1/ Terrain Splat Map shader that eliminates visual tiling by rotating the textures on extra layer/s and blending them back in. The goal would be to have a 100m x 100m area look non-tiling with just one sand or dirt or gravel texture.

(that would get you through using rotation matricies, and advanced trigonometry / vector work if you were to add rotating normal maps)

2/ Concave Volume Rendering. The goal would be to have a soft-edged volume with a controllable density, say in something like % Opacity per meter.

(here’s a good start). This’ll get you working with transparency and multi-layer sorting.

4

Heey thanks for the interesting ideas, I’ll look into it and see if it is something I can learn something from :slight_smile:
Thank you very much