#GRIDS,etc.
21 messages in this thread
PMJI, but I am just recently experimenting with 3DS myself. I've used
both Alias & Lightwave in the past and I assume you are referring to
the reference plane in this discussion:
>> Since your taking wishes here, how about a user definable grid
which rests on the 0 point of the Y axis, similar to the kind found
in Alias and LightWave.
COMMENT: For what it's worth, when I need a R/P in 3DS, I create a 2D
grid using the GRIDS.pxp from the pull-down PXP loader menu, then
place it at the world space origin (or wherever you might want it).
You can define the grid size and density as well. Also can
create/use a 3D grid when desireable. You can change it to another
color other than object/path color(s) as well, as desired. It's
actually an object of course, but…….
COMMENT: Also, w/r/t your volumetric fog wish, here's an excerpt from
my comment to Gary regarding that subject for what it's worth:
Actually, now that I think about it, you could do this with a simple
3D procedural gradient mapped to a cube or whatever enclosing your
scene. Thinking back further….I actually faked something similar to
this in another program once by taking rectangles mapped with
transparency and noise/turbulence-derived "fog", and simply stacking
more or less rectangles near each other in the scene to fake the
more/less density of the fog w/r/t world space….then I flew through
it. This was a space scene, not an underwater scene, and I haven't
tried it in 3DS before, but…….what's the difference ? <g> Maybe
these items will be of some use.
That fog idea could work as temporary fix, but for true volumetric fog
to look right, it would have to be generated entirely by the
software. The problem with using multiple planes is that as the
object passes through the environment, you will be able to see the
edges of the transparent ploys around your element(s) in the scene.
It would be a dead giveaway of what your up to. The concept non the
less however, could produce some interesting results.
—the grid idea sounds like it would work, but how do you keep it
from appearing in your scene if it is indeed an object? (assuming of
course you don't delete it or somehow hide it prior to rendering)
Oh definitely these were just workaround suggestions, plus I've
never tried the fog thing *with* 3DS as I am new to it as well. But,
when I did it in the other program, you couldn't see the any
giveaway. The rectangles were larger than the scene's volume of space
though. I used alpha for the transparency definition and made the
rectangles somewhat transparent to begin with – no clues, looked like
flying through gas clouds of varying density in my application. It is
a huge kludge though.
W/R/T the reference plane "object" – yes, I just hide it before
rendering or if I just don't want to see it.
I've actually used 3ds in it's second release primarly. When I
started working at seaQuest they used LightWave exclusivley, and I
built models in 3ds. I've since used LightWave, but would like to
get back into 3ds. I think that rather than upgrading to R3 though
I'll wait and see what's in store for R4, since it's only about four
or so months away. I'll also be interesting to see if a platform
independent version ships as well, as the next computer I buy will
either be a PPC or SGI Indy.
Ah, you just gave away some interesting info on 3DS <g>. I'd stay
away from the Indy for 3D work though, from what I've seen. Look into
the DEC ALPHA boxes if NT app's are developed that interest you, it's
amazing – or Indigos of course. What's the deal with that SCREAMER
(is that the right name for the MIPS NEWTEK thing?) anyway ?
Well, don't put too much stock in what I say concerning 3ds, as I'm
not anymore in the know than your average user. I'm much more in the
know concerning LightWave and NewTek though, since we're a beta test
and development site for the Toaster. (Specifically LightWave)
The Screamer is NewTek's MIPS box, and it is equivilent to about 40
486 33's as far as speed goes. That's about 10 Pentiums. I still
don't know what the future of it as a product though, as it's
basically useless unless your using LightWave, as NewTek designed it
that way. They are supposedley announcing some major new product at
NAB next month, and I wouldn't be surprised if they had the Toaster
running LightWave on a PPC. THis is all just speculation on my part,
as the are EXTREMLEY secretive about what it's all about, but they'd
better do something to satisfy thier high-end users, because the
Amiga is hoplessly underpowered as a 3D machine.
He**, don't put much stock in *ANYTHING* I say ! <g>.
>…R4, since it's only about four or so months away.
HUH? Where'd you hear that rumour? We typically wait 18 months
between releases, and r3 only started shipping in October of last
year.
I thought that it was you that said that you were going to show R4 at
SIGGRAPH? I could be wrong. (as it seems I am) Sorry about that!
So when is the next release date?
Autodesk doesn't officially announce release dates this far in advance, but
there's been about 18 months between r1/r2 and r2/r3.
– G
I hope R4 is a few months away – I just paid off R3 and I hate to be a
generation behind, <G>… JL
I was kind of …..wondering….. about that.
>>R4 is only four or so months away…
PMJI, Greg, but if the history of 3DS is any indicator, R4 may well be
12 or more months away – think of what you'll miss by then. <g> Of
course, I have no connection with Autodesk and my crystal ball is
broken.
So Gary has informed me. I don't know why I thought that they were
announcing an upgrade at SIGGRAPH. Oh well, I'll just have to play
with my friends version until it ships…. 12 months away!!!
…..really?
12 or 14 months seems like a long time – but – There are so many IPAS3
routines in the pike that when r4 does arrive, in terms of
functionality/maturity, it'll be equivalent of r8!
Nice idea about the Grids.pxp grid. I'll have to use that next time I
confuse myself (should be anytime soon <g>).
So why do I have so many problems with comm. s/w then ? <g> I *can* use some
s/w – sometimes.
Bill
Perhaps it's a speech impediment <g,d,&r>
John Tissavary (La Luna cie)
No, I think *brain* impediment is more accurate. Going through relocation,
divorce, property settlement, career changes, etc… Get the picture <g> ?
Yeeeesh, I get the picture 8-]
John Tissavary (La Luna cie)
…..*Nasty*