POVThread – convert bitmap images into three-dimensional POV-Ray scenes

POVThread converts bitmap images into three-dimensional POV-Ray scenes that simulate woven canvas or cross-stitch embroidery.

Each source pixel becomes a coloured 3D element whose appearance derives from the original image. The generated scene can subsequently be rendered with POV-Ray or edited to change surfaces, geometry, textures and distortion effects.

This is free and unencumbered software released into the public domain.

Key Features

• Convert bitmap images into three-dimensional POV-Ray scene files.
• Read PNG, PPM and PGM source images.
• Convert every source pixel into an individually coloured 3D object.
• Linen effect creates woven canvas resembling taffeta and printed fabric.
• Stitch effect simulates conventional cross-stitch embroidery.
• Tkinter-based graphical interface for opening, previewing, filtering and exporting images.
• Double-click the preview area to open an image.
• Zoom the preview using Ctrl-click and Alt-click mouse actions.
• Switch interactively between the original and filtered image previews.
• Export generated scenes for subsequent rendering with POV-Ray.
• Adaptive image averaging reduces colours within areas bounded by contrast edges.
• Process L, LA, RGB and RGBA image data.
• Pure Python image filtering without large third-party compiled image-processing packages.
• Edit generated POV-Ray files to customise surfaces, textures and scene appearance.
• Choose between predefined surface finishes and texture normals.
• Adjust simulated thread cross-section and horizontal width.
• Use Perlin-noise based distortion to reduce unnaturally uniform thread placement.
• Control the intensity and scale of pattern distortions.
• Generated scenes include configurable camera and lighting definitions.
• Load external preset files to override scene and geometry settings.
• Includes alternative isosurface presets for more detailed thread geometry.
• Generated scenes retain configurable settings for experimentation after export.
• Requires Python 3.11 or later with Tkinter.
• Includes copies of the PyPNG and PyPNM image I/O modules.

Website: github.com/Dnyarri/POVThread
Support:
Developer: Ilya Razmanov
License: The Unlicense

POVThread is written in Python. Learn Python with our recommended free books and free tutorials.

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