CompuServe Messages

Will, I have long wished for raytracing in 3DS. I have on occasion the need to produce very acurate renderings of reflections in mirrors. This involves reflections off of flat surfaces. As I understand, the 3DS method estimates reflections, doing a fine job, but not 100% scientificaly acurate. Since my work is mosty engineering visualization, I am more interested many times in accuracy than artistic flair. My solution was to purchase Truespace by Caligari (a Windows 3.X program, aprox <$500, I think), which imports 3DS geometry (as *.3ds files, without textures), and allows for raytrace renderings. I have run tests on the accuracy of the raytracing, and it does very well. Truespace also allows you to render without raytracing, as the raytracing does take much, much longer in Truespace. That sure is an option I wish 3DS would have. I have not, howerver, found too much more in Truespace that is not offered in 3DS, and since 3dS does everything else I need very well, I haven't fully explored Truespace. Hope this helps. Rich Schwartz NASA Langley