Hi all,
Finally got the wip (3D Mandelbulb etc.) formula to a point for a new update.
The latest version is now here:
http://www.fractalgallery.co.uk/MMFwip3D.zipEdit: (12th Feb.2010) The formula now includes Tom Lowe's Mandelbox formula (Tglad) as "Fractal Type"=3D Mandelbrot and "3D type"=Lowe Mandelbox.
Edit: (2nd March 2010) The formula now includes "Simple Sierps" under the Mandelbulb/Juliabulb option (here due to the architecture of the formula). The "Simple Sierps" options allow Location Restricted escape-time IFS based on Tglad's fractal type.
Edit: (12th March 2010) Have added "Lighting + Orbits" to the colouring options. This includes full-3D orbit trapping for any of the formulas and the option to use "genetics" based colouring for the "Simple Sierps" and "Lowe's Mandelbox" formulas (as suggested by Tglad).
Edit: (11th April 2010) Have added analytical distance estimation for the Mandelboxes including an automatic routine for getting the correct scaling for the DE values. Added the option to start with the equivalent of "z=pixel". Fixed a bug in the orbit colouring options. Added the ability to apply location based IFS to any formula. Added the ability to add Mandelbox-style rectagular folding to any formula. Added the "Crazy double complex" formula. Changed the option to negate the spherical inversion values on the Mandelbox to an option to scale by a value instead. Added the Iteration estimation method (doesn't work on the Simple Sierps or Mandelbox). Added rectangular and spherical ambient occlusion options.
Edit: (20th April 2010) Updated again.
Improved the autobox information output as compiler messages.
Added an option such that when possible the rectangular occlusion will use the values calculated from the "autobox" precalculations (i.e. for box centre and size).
Added experimental pseudo-depth of field options.
Added general spherical folding such that it can be applied to all formulas.
Fixed the analytical DE for the crazy double complex formula.
When passing the background colour from the formula to the colouring then the alpha channel of the background colour parameter now controls the opacity of the background against lower layers in the same way that the "inside" opacity does when not passing the background colour. (This update also needs you to update mmf4.ucl from the UF formula database).
http://www.fractalgallery.co.uk/MMFwip3D.zipAnd you'll also need the update to mmf4.ucl which is in the Ultra Fractal formula database.
The main Mandelbulb formulas (White/Nylander and Thornton 1) have been vastly optimised.
Plus several fixes, plus additions including fogging, visible light sources and the ability to use any UF class based colouring to colour the fractal if you have UF5.
Also the formula is now fully backwardly compatible with UF4 - just the fBm and "Lighting+UF colouring" options won't work.