CompuServe Thread

#Allowable Uses of Scenes

10 messages in this thread
#2968From: Randy PrattJan 8, 1995 8:42 PM
If I purchase the Simply Scenes Northern Castle set that was advertised in the flyer that came with Simply 3D what are the usage restrictions for any renderings I do from the models? For example, is it legal to produce a Shareware game from using the castle, adding my own display program and puzzles? If so, this sounds like a great way to get started… Thanks! Regards, Randy Pratt
#2992From: Nick Josephs [VISSOFT]Jan 9, 1995 11:30 AM
Hi Randy: Have at it! The only restriction (duh) is that you can't repackage and resell the scenes or their components as datasets. Otherwise, it is all royalty-free. Nick Josephs Visual Software
#3008From: Randy PrattJan 9, 1995 6:49 PM
Nick, That's great. I don't know if I'll actually get anything out in public but I'll have some fun in the process. I take it that I'll be able to work with the scenes with the Simply 3D package and not need to go for the high end stuff right away. Can you give me a short run-down on what I'd get for the extra bucks if I upgraded from Renderize Live EZ to Visual Reality? Thanks… Randy
#3024From: Nick Josephs [VISSOFT]Jan 10, 1995 11:05 AM
>>Can you give me a short run-down on what I'd get for the extra bucks if I upgraded from Renderize Live EZ [Simply 3D] to Visual Reality?<< Sure: Renderize Live for VR is has some additional functionality above and beyone Renderize Live EZ including bump mapping for surface topography, true environmental reflection mapping, input of dxf, obj and stl files, no limitations on output resolution (still frame or animation), and the ability to reverse polynormal directions to correct backface polygon issues. These features, esp. the bump and refleciton mapping, really go the distance to make your scenes photorealistic. VR also includes Visual Model, a polygon-based modeler. It supports all the usual drawing tools (curves, arcs, lines, polys) and 3D shapes (sphere, hemi, cone, box, cylinder), as well as 3D editing tools such as extrude, spiral, sweep and mesh. We also have commands to extrude along user-defined path and link 2D objects with a polygon mesh. And of course boolean ops. Visual Model is a straightforward modeler with a strong set of tools for someone getting into 3D. In addition VR includes VIsual Image, a layered bitmap editor. By layered, I mean that you always work on "planes" independent of hte original image, collaging your changes on top. This way you can move back and forth among elements at will, and you're never obliged to "paint down" your changes until your're absolutely sure that your satisfied. And what would you expect to pay for this. Wait, don't answwer, there's more! (Sorry, this msg was starting to sound like a Ronco commercial so I thought I'd get that out of my system). Finally, VR also includes Visual Font, the Windows TrueType font extruder that you received with Simply 3D. Visual Font extrudes and bevels Windows trueType fonts to make 3D text objects. Visual Reality lists at $595, but Simply 3D users can upgrade to VR for only $239. Call our marketing office at (800) 669-7318 for more info. Nick Josephs Visual Software
#3217From: Robert N. NeumanJan 15, 1995 9:38 AM
Nick, I just purchased simply 3D and have some problems with the rendering. When I render the only thing displayed is the view, none of the objects display. Most of this I think is due to the fact I'm using a 386-40 with a math co-processor. Would this cause this problem? I didn't get the notice for the clip art package, just the visual reality do you have any info? Robert Neuman Charleston SC
#3220From: Jinny DavisJan 15, 1995 2:28 PM
Robert: When you are rendering, do you have all of your objects in the view well? they all have to be in the view for you to see them. Then you must move each object to the "Move" well, in order to manipulate them to your satisfaction. First move them to "View" then, you have to put each one in the "Move" box to work on them. Another thought, sometimes my material on the object is black, and if I'm working with a black background, can't see it… also, it sometimes help to hit the "Center" button, so that you can put the object where you can see it in the view. What I have found useful for myself, is to do one object at a time. Let's say that I have 3 objects that I want in my view. I do one after another, rendering them as I wish them to be, then turning them off, till I want them active. You can also "save" the object's position, so that it will stay where you put it. Another thing that I do, is render my object that I wish to be in the background, then save it as a graphics file, (usually as a gif, tif or bmp file) then that view is saved, and I can work on the next thing that I want. I also usually work with my background black, so I can see just what I am working on. I can turn on my saved graphic file as a image for background if I think that I like what I have achieved. I'm just learning this program too, so I am not saying I am an expert! <G> About the clipart, they already have several things ready, and more to come next month. Jinny
#3233From: Robert N. NeumanJan 16, 1995 11:20 AM
Jinny, Well I followed the tutorial. Placed a view in the view well, and in the edit well. Then I added an object and a lamp to the view. I can see and move the wire frame, but cannot render or edit the light positions. Heres something really strange. I can see the object in the camer view, but not in any of the other views. I also cannot see the lamps or the camera in the overhead, side or front view. I really think this has a lot to do with not having a 486 processor. Have you used any of the clipart? Is there a printed sheet of the contents? Robert Neuman Charleston SC
#3242From: Ryan S. ChiversJan 16, 1995 9:20 PM
I havent had any troubles at all with simply 3-d. I find it really hard to believe that your problems are related to your 386 processors. From Windows the program should not use anything over 386 instructions. I would be willing to bet it has something to do with incompatible video drivers. (hence not being able to "see" things.) Are you guys using the windows default color schemes? Ryan Chivers Waterford, Mi.
#3230From: Nick Josephs [VISSOFT]Jan 16, 1995 10:48 AM
Hi Robert: Jinny's suggestions in this thread are good ones: the first thing to confirm is that the camera points to at least one object, and that object's color is not the same as the background color. Drop the View icon into the Move Well at the upper-left area of the Renderize Live interface, and press the "center" button on the Move Toolbox (this is the button on the far left side of the Move Toolbox): this centers the camera to the objects in the view. If the objects appear in wireframe in the viewport, but nothing appears when you render, then check the color of material that is mapped tot he object to confirm that it is different from the background color. Also make sure that the object is a "valid' 3D object made using polygons instead of polylines. If the rendering still doesn't appear, it may be your processor. Don't tell me let me guess…Cirrus Logic? Let me know if I can be of more help, Nick Josephs Visual Software
#3232From: Robert N. NeumanJan 16, 1995 11:13 AM
Nick, The processor is an AMD, but I think its the lack of processing power. Please note I do not have and displays in the overhead, side or front views. Can't see the lamps, object or camera. I do get a wire frame in the camera view. Guess I'm limited to building up the stuff until I get a 486. Any suggestions?? Robert Neuman Charleston SC