CompuServe Thread

>>I guess I need digital putty or wood or something… You may be interested in some software that FARO Technologies is working on for use with their 3D digitizer. From a press release dated 2/20/95: "Sculptor 3D, Version 2, expected release July 1995, includes the concept of sculpting of primitive 3D objects. …primitive objects act like virtual modeling clay. The primitives are selected from 3D Studio's standard menu and utilization of the SpaceArm involves the moving of existing vertices along preset layers and directions. "For example, imagine an individual's head is being modeled using a spherical primitive. A sphere is selected from the 3D Studio object list. The physical model of the head being measured is then aligned with the primitive. As the user touches the surface of the head with the digitizing probe, vertices of the primitave are displaced to the surface of the object along preset directions such as along cross-sectional layers or in radial directions. The net effect is that the digitizer probe is acting like a form of sculpting tool forming the 'clay of the primitive' into the shape of the object while still preserving the desired uniformity of the mesh vertices. 3D Sculptor Version 2.0 will also include the ability to select various tools shaped in sizes as if selected by a real sculptor. This allows the user to easily alter surface features as a function of the soft sculpturing tool. "Version 2 will also provide a variety of animation input such as paths for objects an cameras. Motion and position can be input by simply gripping the probe lik a joy stick and moving it through space. A stream of data including position and orientation (roll, pitch and yaw) are fed into the 3D Studio database. Certain rotations and displacements can be locked and smoothed to provide smooth but realistic motion. "The SpaceArm has a completely open communication and command archetecture. FARO invites all interested programmers to create custom programs for 3D Studio…" This software could, at minimum, allow a much faster way of digitize something that the traditional method of digitizing each vertex of a mesh imagined on the surface of the object. Even though they mention using this software in conjunction with digitizing a physical model, from the description and from talking with them, I don't see why it could not be used in a free-form mode, letting you sculpt with your digital putty. (What would really be great is an interactive 3D stereo interface) The SpaceArm is a scaled-down version of FARO's high-end and high-cost ($13000+) mechanical digitizers. It has a 48" reach, constructed from aluminum with features like precision joint bearings, and even has temperature compensation built in to correct for arm expansion when it gets warm outside. These digitizers were announced last summer but were delayed several months. FARO tells me that based on feedback from customers they've improved the streamlining and balance, added footswitch operation, and lowered the cost of the 48" model to the price of the 36" model (dropping the 36" model). They are shipping now – I have one ordered and will be able to tell more as soon as I get my hands on it. JKJ