Lofty perspective
Article Abstract:
3D Studio 2.0, from Autodesk Inc, is a comprehensive, user-friendly $2,995 three-dimensional (3D) graphics program; upgrades are $395. The product consists of five modules: 2D Shaper, 3D Lofter, 3D Editor, Keyframer and the Materials Editor. The World Creation Toolkit CD-ROM features over 500Mbytes of 3D objects, textures, and animations and is included with 3D Studio 2.0. Applications for 3D Studio include 24-bit photo-realistic 3D images and animation for multimedia presentations and video productions. Smooth morphs and motions can be created automatically by positioning objects at specific frames with the Keyframer module. Objects, paths, lighting and camera angles can be edited for realistic simulations or architectural fly-throughs. System requirements include an 80386 or 80486-based IBM PC or compatible, Intel or Weitek math coprocessor, 3Mbytes RAM, hard drive with 20Mbytes free space, VGA or Super VGA and digitizer or mouse.
Publication Name: Publish
Subject: Publishing industry
ISSN: 0897-6007
Year: 1992
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Ray Dream Designer 2.0: the new version of Ray Dream Designer makes creating 3-D illustrations easy
Article Abstract:
The $895 Ray Dream Designer 2.0 software package from Ray Dream Inc is an excellent tool for rapidly creating and rendering (in 24-bit depth) three-dimensional graphic images. The software is designed for individuals new to 3D graphics. Ray Dream Designer 2.0 uses conventional illustration tools instead of wire-frame models and multiple views to create 3D images. Major subsidiary modules are LightForge for drawing objects in full preview mode and SceneBuilder, which is used to integrate the objects into scenes, apply visual effects and render surfaces. Other features include free-form modeling, net rendering, ray tracing and DreamNet, an extension that supports the distribution of rendering tasks to idle Macintosh computers linked by a network. The software does not include 3D animation or bump and reflection mapping capabilities.
Publication Name: Publish
Subject: Publishing industry
ISSN: 0897-6007
Year: 1992
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Macromodel
Article Abstract:
Macromedia Inc's $1,495 Macromodel is an easy-to-use spline-based 3D modeler. The program uses splines, which are curved lines that users create by moving points attached to handles, to create images. Splines make it easier for users to design curved shapes. Also, the program allows users to manipulate models in a 3D space, whereas other modeling programs require users to use 2D windows and combine them. The program creates 3D models by taking a 2D illustration drawn on a working plane and then extruding, lathing, sweeping or applying a skin to the drawing. To edit, users simply click on the model with their mouse, and a 2D grid appears within their 3D drawing. The program may be easily and accurately used for CAD/CAM design also. Users will need an Apple Macintosh IIci and 12Mbytes of random access memory.
Publication Name: Publish
Subject: Publishing industry
ISSN: 0897-6007
Year: 1992
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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