CompuServe Thread

#quad meshes

11 messages in this thread
#196509From: Jack C. RitterOct 22, 1995 3:22 PM
You seem to be in the know, so I'll ask: I am a programmer at nVidia, and I am looking for QUAD MESHES. I need ascii-readable scene files with q meshes in them (or at least mostly q meshes, some triangles are OK). All the models (scene files) I've seen have only triangle meshes. Even files with formats that allow q meshes, like .wrl, .obj, & .dxf (I think), only have triangles. Maybe they once were quads, bit they've been tesselated into triangles. Do you know of any scene files (data sets) that are ascii-readable and are mostly quad mesh based? If not ascii-readable, it could be imported to some converter & exported to q. mesh; so long as the goddamn converter doesnt split up the quads! In particular, I'd like environment type data sets, like a building, cave, tunnel, whatever. I know Viewpoint has good models, but they're expensive, and their models are highly tesselated, which is draw back because I will be rendering in real time. I'm hoping you can help me. Thanks. Jack Ritter
#196516From: sanford kennedyOct 22, 1995 6:07 PM
Jack, If you want quad patches, you need to get an output like a Wavefront .OBJ file. I know that some programs like Lightwave can create .OBJ files. Almost all programs that run on the SGI will generate quad patch output, but some are not exportable very easily. .RIB files that are prepared for Renderman are usually ascii files that are quad patch, although some RIB types are triangular, like the output from Crystal Toaz 4.0, or Strata Studio Pro. (used with Mac Renderman) MAC programs like Form-Z can also make .RIB files. 3D Studio cannot handle patches at this time. I don't know what the outputs from 3DS MAX will be, but I doubt it will be RIB. I would call PIXAR and discuss this issue with a tech. There doesn't seem to be any effective way to convert polys to patches, but they would know if anybody does. Good Luck Sanford
#196731From: Oct 23, 1995 10:18 PM
Sanford: Hi there, big guy! Long time no talk to, how are you doing? >> If you want quad patches, you need to get an output like a >> Wavefront .OBJ file. FYI, I just saw an announcement on the 'net that Anametix Technologies had developed a 3DS to quad translator for the Sega Saturn. Greg Pyros
#196773From: sanford kennedyOct 24, 1995 3:43 AM
Greg, Quad patches for 3DS for Sega? Great, but can ordinary mortals obtain this translator? Does it have a release date? Sounds like it would be something good for real-time 3DS virtual worlds. Are you going to be at the So Cal. 3ds users extravaganza in Nov? Sanford
#196839From: Stephen C. LevyOct 24, 1995 3:05 PM
Sanford, PMJI, but what's this SoCal 3DS users' extravaganza? I'm in LA, and I hadn't heard anything… SCL
#196927From: sanford kennedyOct 24, 1995 11:39 PM
Stephen, There is a large active users group in Orange county that I attend periodically. If you are interested, post a message to Robert Weil, (75121,2507),who is the grand potentate of said user's group. I'm sure he will be happy to tell you about it. There are always product demos from users and often software companies come and show their latest stuff. Third Saturday every month. Regards Sanford
#196891From: Oct 24, 1995 8:13 PM
Sanford: >> Are you going to be at the So Cal. 3ds users extravaganza in Nov? I try to get there as often as I can, perhaps November will be a luck month! Will you be joining us? Extra incentive! Greg Pyros PS – you know they changed the location?
#197037From: sanford kennedyOct 25, 1995 3:33 PM
Greg, Bob told me they changed locations. I will be there with my Organix demo. Let's do lunch…. Sanford
#197110From: Oct 25, 1995 10:58 PM
Sanford: >> I will be there with my Organix demo. Let's do lunch…. You're on! Greg
#196799From: Jonas Ruikis [ADESK]Oct 24, 1995 9:54 AM
Hi Greg, << .., I just saw an announcement on the 'net'..>> do you have the location on the net of the announcemnet? jonas[adesk]
#196892From: Oct 24, 1995 8:13 PM
Jonas: >> do you have the location on the net of the announcement? I thought it was on the 3dstudio@autodesk.com mailing list, or perhaps Tess from 3D Artist? Too much reading… :^) Greg Pyros