CompuServe Messages

Martin, >> I just can't help wondering about specifics such as IPAS routine… << These are good points. Essentially what I see developing is a compiler of sorts which takes a "project" file for lack of a better term and plugs all the elements you've specified into it outputting a render "style sheet" in a format the SGI can deal with. The parameters that are there for 3DS render would be the same for the SGI version. I imagine it along the lines of the Renderman interface which is somewhat similar in that "shaders" plug in like IPAS. And like "shaders" all IPAS have to conform to the structure of the render interface. It seems possible that this "compiler" would take the structure of the IPAS and incorporate it into the render algorithm. I grant you that it does seem a bit more complex especially when you think of the complexities of adding VP and it may not be as straightforward as I would like to think and it may have limitations. But ADESK in an unusually characteristic manner has announced its intention to do it and so I assume these issues have been considered and a determination has been made that its do-able. I feel positive about the intent because while I don't currently need the capability, I like the potential for the future. And I think that's what I'm most excited about. -JE