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RAYPACK - Basic include file generators for Vivid 2 (tm)
********************************************************
Paul Smith 9th March 1993
**************************
RAYPACK is a group of Qbasic source files that are designed to create
"XXX.vi" include files for use with Stephen Coy's excellent Vivid
Raytracer.
They are each invoked from the command line with a command of the format :
QBASIC /run progname > incfile.vi
Qbasic is supplied "free" with MS DOS version 5, and it's a pretty useful
basic, with a pretty useful editor built in. All these little programs
will take much longer to trace than to generate the incfile, so don't
feel too bad about using BASIC. Real programmers do use basic sometimes.
The use of "command line redirection" captures the output of the Qbasic
PRINT command to a disc file. This makes for easy development and debugging.
It is hoped that you will load the programs into Qbasic and edit parameters
in order to vary or extend the effects or patterns provided. This is a
really excellent place to start if you are new to programming ! Working
with a short tested program, with a visible output sure beats the pants off
fumbling around blind !
While the comments in the programs are fairly limited, in most cases
the functions and variables should become pretty obvious following a bit
of study.
Having generated a incfile.vi file you will want to feed this to VIVID,
I use a standard file called "do.v" and an example is included here. It
works as follows :
DO.V
#include colors.vo
camera definition
studio definition
light definition
texture definition
#include xxx.vi <=============== reads output from RAYPACK program
floor definition
****************************
Descriptions of individual programs :
GRAD BAS
Designed to generate a graduated background. A large number of adjacent
rectangular panels are defined with gradually changing colours. Use as
a sunset or night sky on the Horizon.
LISS BAS
Generates a series of sphere definitions following a complex curved path.
There are some variable definitions at the start of the program which are
well worth playing with for a wide range of effects.
STARS BAS
Generates an overhead starfield.
CAUSEWAY BAS
Generates crazy hexagonal paving, similar to the crystalline Giant's
Causeway in Ireland
DODEC BAS
Generates a Dodecahedron (10 equal pentagonal faces). I'm sure that there
are better methods, but hey, this does work ...
SPIRAL BAS
Generates a string of spheres in a spiral pattern.
STELDOD BAS
Generates a stellated dodecahedron. (10 pentagonal faces, with a
pentagonal pyramid stuck on each face. The Pyramid may be sticky-out
or sticky-in depending on the value.
SURFPAT BAS
This outputs smooth triangle data from a mathmatical function. The
included function is "sin(x)/x", but can readily be changed.
CBALL BAS
Generates a "spikey ball" made of cones.
GRID BAS
Generates a criss cross matrix of rods.
**************************
Disclaimer :
These programs are supplied "as is" without warranty of any kind. If you
decide to use them you assume the entire risk, including, but not limited,
to damage to hardware or software, loss of data, unexpected rainstorms and
visitations by alien beings.
RAYPACK is not guaranteed to do anything at all.
Limited Licence :
You are entitled to use this program for up to 30 days for the purposes
of evaluation. If you wish to continue to use it beyond that time you
should make a small payment to the author.
This program and the accompanying documentation are copyright Paul Smith
1992 / 1993. They are not public domain or freeware and a small payment
should be made to the author if found useful.
For a non-commercial use on a single machine the author suggests a single
payment of 5 pounds stirling. Different offers of payment will be accepted.
Whatever you think is right will probably be fine by me.
**************************
Vivid is a trademark of the most excellent God of Raytracing - Stephen Coy
MS DOS and QBasic are a trademarks of Microsoft
RAYPACK is a trademark of Paul Smith
**************************
RAYPACK programs and documentation are copyright :
Paul Smith Author's BBS : RAYTECH BBS +44 86288 340
Rubicon fidonet : 2:259/49
Clashmore PCGnet : 9:/526/464
near Dornoch
Sutherland or FAX : +44 86288 377
Scotland
IV25 3RG
Comments are welcome. Enjoy !