#IPAS
9 messages in this thread
What is the difference between the library (3DSLIB) that you were telling
Gregg Wood about the other day, and the IPAS developers kit? I tried to
call Chris but he hasn't been home lately. I bout the developer's kit but I
realy only intended to use it to modify paths. But as I soon found out
this is the only thing that IPAS doesn't do. Any info would be appreciated.
Thanx
Scott, the 3DSLIB is a set of libraries that allow you to create .3DS files
programatically. It's in beta now, so it's not available yet. The IPAS SDK
is a kit that provides all the necessary information for writing IPAS
routines.
If you've been having trouble reaching Chris Allis, you can try Regina
Brown at 415/491/8777. She ought to be able to give you information about
the 3DSLIB _and_ the IPAS SDK.
– G
Who wrote 3DSLIB? Was it ya'll or Autodesk? I'm curious. Also, what
information is contained in the 3ds files? You've said I can modify key
data, what else can I modify?
Autodesk is completely responsible for 3DSLIB, and it lets you create
ANY/EVERY entity within a .3DS file.
– G
One more question, how much do your IPAS Packets cost? And where can I get
more information on what each packet does?
The IPAS routines come in collections of 6-12 routines each, and each
collection costs $300. You should've gotten a little white card that you
can send in to me for more information about it with 3DSr2. Did you?
– G
Well, you know what IPAS is, and you know what 3D Studio is, right? 🙂
The IPAS toolkit lets you make any of the varieties of IPAS modules. The
3DS library gives you an API for building 3D Studio model and animation
files without needing to understand the file format.
John, thanks for taking the time to reply. I think I'm kinda getting
the picture, but I still have a few questions. First of all, what
does API stand for? I'm kinda new to some of this terminology. Can
you use the 3DS library from within 3DS Studio, i.e. can you link
them with IPAS modules? and lastly, Does anyone besides the Yost
Group sell any IPAS packages? Thanks again for your time.
"API" means "application programming interface", it's programmer shorthand
for "the set of function calls they've defined to access some other program
or sub-system."
From what I've seen, you're going to need to be a fluent PC programmer in
the C language, in order to be able to use the IPAS library, or even the 3D
Studio library. I'd rate it "moderately advanced" on the scale of
programming tasks. As for other people who are selling IPAS modules, I
believe the only other company at this time is Schreiber Instruments, who
make the "Imagine Nursery", an IPAS-able method of making more trees and
shrubs and landscapes… but you should check with them for a better
description.