This is an archive of CompuServe forum messages from 1985 to 1995, as saved in transcripts by John Foust.
Search Results (597 messages)
Uh oh, my paranoia is starting to set in (Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean someone isn't out to get me). I never did get tickets to the Siggraph party… What's the number to call and check again, Jonas?
You can't morph from wireframe to solid (or vice versa). This is documented in the manual (although, admittedly, not easy to find). Cross fading in Video Post is the only way to go (but works great!).
I own and love World Builder, and I think Bob is right on — you can do what you want in 3DS without WB. WB is really a tool to create views of landscape from a ground view — i.e. any scenery you can see out a window, or standing…
Yep, that's what I do.
>Would you tell me more about autopilot, please? I can't find anything >about it in any of the files. I think Bob pretty well covered it. Let me know if you have any other questions. >And… Let's say you're following a thread which is getting long i.e. say >about 20…
>WINCIM is not a true autonavigational program. I use Tapcis and with >the touch of one key, the program logs on, visits a half dozen forums, >downloads all new messages since I was on last in selected sections >and shuts itself off. I can then read and reply to messages…
You might also look at "Inside 3DS" in which a sample script (written, I think, by Jonas) rotates the flat planes of a whole group of objects so they keep their faces toward the camera. This technique is mentioned specifically for using tree "planes".
> Seems to be geared for animated maps. Is this true? Or is it great all >the time vs. a ray trace? I think that if you use any material meant to be even the slightest bit transparent, you need this routine, in stills or animations. Just download the demo…
>metals I've seen don't look "real" to me. Glass eithe Using Refractive mapping can create absolutely real glass — I did a glass "Nevada" that stunned my friend (it was animated and he's used to ray tracing so he can never animate). It took about a minute to make, and…
There's a Yost IPAS that does just this — I have it, but can't recall the name right now (maybe it's DRAPE? :>).
You can always turn up the ambient light or use other lights to fill in your shadowed areas. Also, is your ground a grid or did you create it with only two faces? I suspect you need to use GRID to get more faces for 3DS to properly work with…
I talked with them and they said they were planning a Windows version to be done by the end of the year — you can take that with your usual giant block of salt lick. I called about two months ago, so you might try them again and see if…
>The demo disk is ready now So when will it be posted? (Like I said, this is one IPAS I'm very interested in).
Serge, I don't want to get in the middle of any debate between developers here, but I did want to say that I bought and enjoy Key Factory (and am anxiously awaiting my "upgrade") and have downloaded all the "toys" you've posted here. While I'm not sure I'll find uses…
>hours of work into a quilt and see three cats wrapped up in them Hey, now! I'd look upon their use of your quilt as an honor. (While I wouldn't go quite so far as the Emperor did for his cat, I certainly won't move if one of my cats…
Actually, I was the one who suggested MeshPaint, but not for the windows (for precisely applying your details to the ship). However, you CAN use MeshPaint (or any other technique for accurately drawing your windows) and get transparent Windows — you just need to use the resultant map as an…
Thanks, Keith, for the reply. I do intend on taking a hard look at Sculptor, because (as with many) I have not been happy with my abilities to use the modeling tools currently available. I'm glad a demo version will be posted, because I suspect that I'll be able to…
> Is there also any dynamic way to apply decals without having to continually re-render If you use the MeshPaint IPAS you can paint directly on your model, placing things very precisely. Most people like to use it as a positioning tool, finishing up the final map in their favorite…
You can use WinCim 1.4 to read your messages off-line (and automate the process). Go to your CSERVE\WINCIM directory and edit the file called WINCIM.INI. In your [GENERAL PREFERENCES] section put this line: Auto-Pilot=On Now when you boot up WinCim you'll see AutoPilot in your Special Menu (at the top).…
> just as it was filmed on video Good maps are the key to realism, IMHO. Scanning an actual label, along with separate opacity, bump and shinniness maps for scratches, dents, etc. will make all the difference.
Glad to meet you, Henri. I, too, think that 3DS is one of the greatest software products I have ever seen (actually, I think it's the greatest). Here you'll meet like minded people who are trying to do the best to get and give answers about 3DS and associated products.…
Neil, I made a really small animation (just my Martian landscape with spaceship landing) that shows merging animations from 3DS with WB with shadows and it's over 4 meg compressed! It's really not all that spectacular (more illustrative) and I hate to see someone spending the money to d/l it…
> I don't know if anybody else agrees w/ me Hey, here's a BIG vote for as much documentation as anyone can stand. Have you ever heard anyone complain "Hey, this product has too much documentation!" (well, maybe the 3 lbs of VC++ from MS :>)? In the case of…
Thanks, that sounds reasonable. I assume that, if I like it, I can order from you? (Did I read somewhere that 4DVision no longer sells direct?) I'll let you know in about a week and a half :>.
What, like you wrote 3DS? :> (Ain't the press wonderful?)
World Builder is actually made by Animatek, but is sold by Digimation. There is at least one sample image on the IPAS library, and I have a few sample animations I can upload as well (showing how to combine WB with 3DS).
I did make a seamless texture out of MUD001, but Anne has to okay me uploading it (or, if you want to pay what it will cost for a 167K file, I could send it direct). It might not be worth it to you, though. For the best seamless approach,…
#How busy is AMMEDIA?
Message #192835
Oh, I understand Anne. I was just trying to give CI$ a hard time :>. It really isn't far, though, for a forum that deals routinely with graphics to have the same restrictions as, say, a forum with a discussion on cats. And I would just venture to guess that…
My only comment is that you can't have Alpha information with JPG, so I would always use Targa. Alpha may not be a factor, but it's something to remember (I use it a LOT).
Actually, Anne, I was referring to uploading an "altered" texture off of WCT, for someone here who wanted it seamless. It's "MUD001" in the "Topical" directory on WCT, and the person here (who found the texture so I assume he does indeed have the WCT) doesn't have the ability to…
John, Your images are certainly "stellar" — much better at at least letting me know that nice things can be done with Sculptor. It isn't a substitute for me actually using the program (even if I can't save a mesh) but I did want to clear up any miscommunication (did…
I'll make a seamless texture out of it tonight, Anthony, but we'll have to ask Anne if it's okay for me to upload it (here or in ASHOWCASE) — the rights to the original texture certainly don't belong to me. (Anne, consider this a question).
World Builder, World Builder, World Builder.
I seem to remember, Keith, that you work for 4D — can you elaborate on the Sept. pricing? I mean, is this special price truly set to run out before the product is released, and (if so) could you not see clear to at least letting us see a demo…
Let me state again (for the public record): I haven't seen your images, John. I'm going to go to ASHOWCASE now and d/l them, but I was referring to the images posted in the IPAS section (found when you use Sculptor as a key word). That's the real problem with…
> Let's not forget that Autodesk is requiring pre-purchase of the MAX migration before the product ships Yeah, but I think there's a magnitude of difference in getting what (despite Autodesk keeps saying) is an upgrade on a dynamic product for less than 20% of the original purchase price, and…
>There will be one availible; the target date for Sculptor is a week from Friday > 4DVision is also listing Sculptor @ $295 (rather than the intended $495 list price) during September. Ah, so they are selling a product which hasn't been released yet, and without a demo version I…
Photoshop will read and write Targa files created with alpha in 3DS (and vice versa). Actually, I suspect Corel's PhotoPaint will do likewise — if I get a moment I'll try and make sure.
Thanks, John. I'll look forward to trying out the demo version (and, yes, undoubtably buying yet another IPAS).
John, I realize this message thread has come and gone, but I was also interested in Sculptor and you sounded rather knowledgable. Do you (or anyone else) know if there's a demo version available? Perhaps something you could create an object in but not save it? There are many people…
>Please excuse this test, everyone! Had this been an actual message, you would have been instructed to tune your radios to 1620, duck, cover and pray!
David, Just a quick line to let you know I think you've handled the complaints about LensFX just fine — I think just your presence on the forum answering questions (and announcing shipping dates for upgrades) does a lot to make me feel great about Digimation and all the products…
Rotate the object and link the object to a dummy (or the sun) which is also rotating.
I'm next to positive there's something suitable on the WCT — the only catch possibly being that it isn't seamless. If so, you can take it into Kai's Power Tools and use the seamless texturing routine to create one in about a minute. If you don't have KPT and find…
>P7 "Pentium Pro OJ" Unlike the normal Pentium, it's able to cut off decimal places and get away with it.
When you bring an image into Photoshop that has alpha information all you have to do is Load Selection and choose #4 (which is the alpha channel). Then Edit/Copy (or Cut) and Paste into your other picture — transparency will be maintained correctly for the image.
I create my 3DS images at 1200×1500 (make sure you set display to NULL for this output), bring the image into Photoshop 3, set the resolution to 8×10 inches, 150dpi, and print to my Epson Stylus (720dpi paper) from there. The results are superb.
#191658-
Video Card & 3DS & WB
Message #191729
I'm running both WB and 3DS on my #9GXE (that came standard with my Dell) and have had no problems. I've also run WB and 3DS on a Cardinal SnapPlus board — which is hardly "standard" (although it uses the Tsang chip set). In general I've found that both 3DS…
Thanks for your reply, David. I truly think this could be a break through IPAS (hopefully you won't charge break through prices, though :>) I've always felt that 3DS allowed people without the actual technical ability it would take to draw things in perspective properly, handle lighting shading, etc. to…
Refraction Mapping
Message #190839
I just wanted to thank you (and your programmer) for the Refraction Mapping IPAS — I got it on Monday and haven't had so much fun with an IPAS for a long time. This is a seriously useful routine — I can't imagine anyone using 3DS who shouldn't have this…
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