While 3D modeling programs (ClayWorks, Fountain, Ez3d Modeler, Medit) concentrate on creating objects, Toolkits (Home Space Builder, Virtus Walkthrough) focus a bit more on designing entire environments. These programs let you design your environment and its objects using a variety of drawing tools and save it in a 3D file format. Moreover, as you plan your environment, you can see what it would be like to navigate as a 3D environment. In this way, you can make changes in your design and immediately see what effect they will have on how users will interact with the space.
ClayWorks is a fully functional 3D modeling package developed by Tim Lewis. It uses an intuitive interface that allows the user to create complex 3D models with relative ease. It will work on a 386 computer and currently operates under DOS. However, we have used the program in Windows 3.1 using the full screen option in a PIF file and have had no problems running it. A full, commercial version is to be released by Imaginative Software by the end of 1995.
Supported Platforms:
Caligari Corporation's Fountain is an integrated VRML authoring tool that allows you to build environments and browse VRML worlds on the Internet. It is optimized to take advantage of any 3D acceleration card that comes with a 3DR driver. Fountain technology has been licensed by Microsoft for inclusion in its Internet Studio graphics package.
Supported Platforms:
A VRML compliant 3D modeler, Ez3d is touted as an easy to use, low-cost modeling system. It uses a spline/polygonal modeling system for sculpting and manipulating objects with real-time feedback. It includes a "Potter" tool that allows you to bend and mold objects as if you are using your hand. The system comes bundled with the Rayshade raytracing software.
Supported Platforms:
Home Space Builder (HSB) is an inexpensive and powerful 3D authoring tool for middle and low-end computers. Its minimum requirements are a 386/33Mhz PC-compatible computer with 4MB RAM, Windows, and a color monitor with 256 or more colors. To achieve better rendering performance, you will need a 486/33 or higher and 8 MB RAM. The program files take about 1.5 MB of disk space.
Supported Platforms:
Virtus Corporation was among the first companies to offer commercial VR authoring tools for the PC and Macintosh platforms. The company announced that it would incorporate VRML into its Virtus WalkThrough Pro and Virtus VR products by the end of 1995. Though not available on this CD, you can check out Virtus Walkthrough's development at Virtus' site above.
Medit_dist - The famous cheap database modelling tool.
Supported Platforms:
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