This release follows v0.4b2. There are several new features, and a number of old ones now work or work better. Read the change summary at the end of this file for a list. A few interim bug-fixes were given out: if you have one, you may have already seen some of the new features.
Work is continuing on several features, notably booleans and QuickDraw 3D texture mapping. There will probably be at least one more general release prior to v0.5 (scheduled to add animation); this is due to the many requests for more modeling features.
Based on in-house testing and the relatively few problems reported (and now fixed) with previous versions, we believe PatchDance v0.4b4 to be as stable as a lot of commercial software. We are anxious for any information to the contrary: in most cases, the program either runs almost perfectly or not at all. Please help us try to figure out any remaining problems you find.
A plugin for Adobe Illustrator¬ 5.5 to allow importing our files directly is is available by e-mail to anyone who wants it.
NEW: Check our new web page at <http://users.aol.com/PatchDance/Home.html>.
This will always have the latest release and news.
Please look over the Manual. The program is designed to be easy to learn, but 3D software is inherently complicated (or likely useless.) Even if you have a lot of prior experience, it is important to read at least the first few sections (marked ╥DON╒T SKIP THIS!╙) because they contain important definitions and interface basics.
Inoperative features/limitations:
- No high quality imaging (QuickDraw 3D preview rendering is available).
- The Rulers are fully functional but not cosmetically complete.
- Booleans (surface trim) are still disabled.
- Interactive lathing with the Rotator (R) does not draw ghosted arcs -
not impossible, just a pain. Complain loudly if you need this.
- Documentation is still in draft form.
- QuickDraw 3D support has several limitations. See the Manual.
Known problems:
- Crashes: They happen from time to time! Please let us know if any specific
(reproducible) actions cause one. Trouble getting the program to run at
all or more than a crash or two per day is NOT NORMAL, and we╒d like the chance
to figure out what is wrong.
- Ongoing problems with QuickDraw 3D (NURBS) on highly curved, 3 sided patches
(odd distortions). Much improved in this release but not perfect yet.
- WARNING: We have seen occasional crashes that were preceded by odd menu
behavior. Usually, the area under a menu is not redrawn until the mouse is released,
leaving a white space if you move to a different menu. If you see this, SAVE AT
ONCE (it usually works). If you can find a reproducible action that causes it
(it may involve the QD3D Camera view) we╒d really like to know about it!
- Occasional failures to read floating point numbers from edit fields. Usually
results in a ╥Bad Options╙ alert. This is believed to be due to a MacOS problem,
let us know if you find a reproducible case.
System requirements:
- Power Macintosh only. Should work with all PowerPC upgrade cards, clones,
and PowerPC 601/3/4 systems.
- 3MB of free RAM (minimum). The Preferred Size of 8MB (or more) provides
much better performance and is STRONGLY recommended. QuickDraw 3D
requires 16MB minimum, and this leaves fairly little memory for other
applications. (Though not officially supported by Apple, QuickDraw 3D has been
operated successfully in 8MB using RAM Doubler. Contact Tech Support for more
information.)
- System 7.5.1 or later is recommended for best performance. System 7.1.2
should work but is not guaranteed. See System Notes below.
- 8 bit color and VRAM video give the best results. Fewer colors will run but
cause display problems, more just slows things down.
- Won╒t work under Copland. If you have that, send us a copy and we╒ll gladly fix things up.
Installation:
- Simply copy the application to your hard disk and run it! Version 0.5 does not
yet support plugins, so there are no other files to worry about.
- PatchDance creates a Preferences File in the System (Preferences) Folder when
its default settings are changed AND set as new defaults. Deleting this file has
no effect other than restoring factory defaults.
System Notes - Additional information for System Requirements above.
- The program has been tested successfully under System 7.5.1 with a 3MB partition.
Performance was drastically affected, and this is considered the bare minimum.
Monitor the Free Memory readout closely under these conditions (see the Manual, under
General Dialog.) Recovering safely from all possible out-of-memory problems is
very hard to guarantee, and we don╒t (yet).
- As usual, avoid using Virtual Memory to make up for insufficient RAM.
VM slows down the system; this can be improved by code tuning, but probably
won╒t be for a while yet (until the code is nearly complete).
- There are no known extension or hardware conflicts: please report any that
you discover or suspect.
- System 7.1.2 users ONLY: You will have to install the Drag Manager and the
Thread Manager (v2.0 or later) extensions. You will also need ObjectSupportLib.
Contact Tech Support if you have questions.
- Later versions of MathLib (rather than the original ROM-based one) will improve
performance. This is available (free) as part of System 7.5.1.
- Antivirus software should have no effect on installation or operation.
Registration / Tech Support: PatchDance@aol.com
You are encouraged to register. (Not required, no charge, no form needed, just
e-mail.) Feel free to look us over first and send along your comments / bug list.
It also gets you on our mailing list.
Tech Support is available via e-mail, direct from the programmer. Every effort
will be made to reply promptly, but we cannot promise same day service. Posting
to these lists may be our only acknowledgement when we have no questions and
immediate rescue is not required.
Comments and suggestions are very welcome (provided that they minimize personal
insults, etc.) We aim to please, and we are NOT too proud to make changes if they
improve the product (but there are limits to what can be done!)
Upcoming Events:
Version 0.5b0 begins adding animation. Also expect ongoing improvements to DXF
and QuickDraw 3D file support. Basic QuickDraw 3D texture mapping is also on tap
for the next release.
We are working hard to provide boolean operations (actually, a type of Trim). This
has proved to be by far the most difficult part of the program: the design spec calls
for creating editable splines rather than (relatively easy) polygons. We fully realize
how badly everyone wants this, and we╒re doing the best we can.
PatchDance has a slightly unusual interface in several respects. We╒ve added a (basic)
online help system, with improvements coming. We are also working on a new Preference
to modify certain controls to be more ╥Mac-like╙ where existing methods seem to be
causing confusion.
Files created by v0.4b0 and earlier are now obsolete: v0.4b can read and convert
them, but v0.5 may not. The new format (icons have not changed) is slightly faster in
operation and supports (eventually) file merging and libraries.
Legal Stuff
PatchDance and all its documentation is copyright 1994-1995 by Paul Sexton. All rights reserved.
This application (prior to release of v1.0 at least) is FREE. It may be given away freely;
for mass distribution, please e-mail PatchDance.@aol.com for permission and latest version
information. Permission is automatic and condition-free EXCEPT:
- Microsoft Network may not distribute this software.
- All copies must be complete with all documentation files and copyright notices, and
there must be NO CHARGE beyond reasonable downloading / duplication fees.
At some point there will be a charge for PatchDance. The amount and time frame are
not yet determined. Fairly capable animation and rendering will definitely be available
at minimal or no cost, and registered beta testers will receive very special consideration
(another good reason to register.)
While it would be nice to stay free, it╒s just not realistic with a program of this size
and complexity. A huge number of manhours and no little money have gone into developing
it (and bills eventually come due.) In addition, high quality tech support is critical to the
success of any 3D program, and that is expensive to provide, even on the Macintosh. Also,
history shows that freeware is simply not ╥taken seriously,╙ which is not acceptable to
PatchDance╒s designers.
We will try to keep a cheap or free version available for 3D hobbyists, perhaps with
limited import/export, model size, rendering resolution, tech support? Suggestions
are welcome: we want to help.
Change History
____________________________
Changes from v0.4a0 -> v0.4a1
Major (crashing) bugs fixed:
- Crash when: open file containing patches, delete a patch, close Project or quit.
- Crash when Pasting/Duplicating patched surfaces.
- Crash when any operation attempted after undoing a Shape.
- Crash when extruding (converging) curved primitives.
Minor bugs fixed:
- Reflect function: 3D objects were inverting along window axis.
- "Undo Deselection" and ╥Undo Duplicate╙ failed sometimes (operation dependent.)
- Spline subdivision failed after deleting a connected patch.
- Tool Palette occasionally went snaky when closing/opening new Projects
- Option-clicking a handle (when editing a corner) messed up the spline.
- Patching a spline surface failed exotically (extra/weird patches.)
- Text in the Revert dialog was wrong.
General:
- Improvements in patch subdivision and DXF file quality.
- Rewritten (repaired) Paste/Duplicate routine is MUCH faster.
- ╥Replicate╙ button removed from Extrude dialog - added ╥None (Replicate)╙ option to Spline Type popup instead.
- New "Export Surfaces Only" option (checkbox) in the DXF output dialog, for programs that choke on bare point/spline data (Strata Vision.)
- Statistics (General Palette) improved, not perfect or complete yet though.
- The Manual is now supplied in Adobe Acrobat¬ format, w/ hyperlinked references and table of contents.
____________________________
Changes from v0.4a1 -> v0.4b0
Major (crashing) bugs fixed:
- Crash when clicking the Camera or Focus with the Object Arrow (C) or Spline Arrow (B).
- Hang when using Lasso to deselect points (rarely).
- Crash when a Lathe operation undone and not redone.
Minor bugs fixed:
- Bad color updates when using the Preferences Dialog. Background color shifting and the infamous black & white menubar bug are also (hopefully) fixed.
- Camera Roll & Zoom incorrect when opening a file.
- Save... not always deleting its temporary files.
- Operations involving Selection Center (not Centroid) went wrong sometimes
- Occasional weirdness when undoing Marquee operations.
- Frequent weirdness when adjusting spline handles in 3D
General:
- Flat shaded preview. FAST! A separate tutorial (with a model file) is provided.
- Option-dragging either the Camera or Focus with the Arrow (A) moves BOTH at once (adjusts camera view without affecting the angle or field of view).
- New Windows:Locate & Center menu - easier model management.
- Snap Palette has been completely redone. Loft dialog eliminated (converted to hierarchic menu).
- New (trial) interface feature for Tool/Operation dialogs: can now switch between floating and standard window types.
- Padlock symbol is now a pencil meaning draw (ghost) with a red line thru it, meaning don╒t draw (don╒t ghost). Should make more sense!
- Minor change to native file format. Completely compatible but might affect saved Snap Palette settings, QuickColors.
____________________________
____________________________
Changes from v0.4b0 -> v0.4b2
(v0.4b1 renumbered to .b2 to fix file numbering error)
Major (crashing) bugs fixed:
- Several memory allocation problems with very large models. Not reported. New allocation system is much safer and faster.
- Various hangs and failures of Magnet Tool. Fixed by code rewrite.
- Extrude crashed when troublemakers tried to use a single point.
- Memory errors with Scissors/Subdivide. (Actual crashes very rare.)
Minor bugs fixed:
- Moving things around sometimes loused up the selection bounds (used by Snap to Center, for example).
- Camera Window controls make more sense (more like real life).
- Total failure of Snap Palette (believed due to new compiler release).
- Got rid of annoying flicker when zooming or sizing windows.
- Tile Windows no longer destroys rulers/window controls.
- Undoing Object Selection works right.
- Various Camera View problems (adjusting the camera interactively).
- Undo/Redo Duplicate should work right now. PLEASE report any problems with this (particularly screwed up Camera views).
General:
- Camera View updates MUCH faster in shaded mode. New Model menu item (Camera Options) provides several new features.
- Expert options work with Lathe and Extrude. Both dialogs have been modified slightly. I advise you to see the Manual before trying this!
- Numeric entry works better - should now be able to handle anything that makes sense, including empty fields (last valid value is used).
- Added final cr/lf to DXF files for programs that need it (VIDI).
- Checkboxes added to Mover (D) and Rotator (R) dialogs to control the new Interactive Extrusion and Lathing functions.
- Save DXF File... removed from File menu - save/open is more general and streamlined, done via a popup in the Open/Save dialogs.
- File format has changed. V0.4b2 handles this transparently, but saves ONLY in the new format. Icons and filetypes have NOT changed.
- Clicking the Object (O) Tool Palette button pops up a menu of available shapes and modes, as an alternate to the dialog.
- Default buttons and hotkeys added to most modeless dialogs. See the Manual (Interface) for details on this.
- Program tries to create a useful default Camera/Focus when first patch is created.
- Now supporting QuickDraw 3D! The first serious (affordable) program to do so!
_________________________________
____________________________
Changes from v0.4b2 -> v0.4b4
Major (crashing) bugs fixed:
- Several database errors. (Misplaced bits, sure enough crashers).
- Sneaky, widespread memory error when modifying VERY large models.
- Crash when subdividing partially selected objects (sometimes).
- Crash when smoothing large objects.
- Crash when making an extruded Cylinder w/ filled ends.
- Crash when quitting/switching applications with no open Project.
- Assorted crashes and hangs with QuickDraw 3D, especially with shapes.
Minor bugs fixed:
- The Pen Tool drew in the ghosting color in the Camera Window, drew
points in the wrong color when attaching a new spline, and sometimes screwed up handles when attaching a new spline (3D Cursor was not reset properly to clicked point).
- Show Clipboard works. (Corrected stupid programmer error.)
- Missing pieces in extruded polygons.
- Join now works correctly in (hopefully) all cases.
- No more extra patches when filling meshes.
- Certain Undo╒s failed for the FIRST spline created in a Project.
- Sometimes failed to save correctly to an existing file.
- Many glitches in Subdivide (Patches) - major improvement.
- Going from Flat Shaded -> QD3D -> Flat Shaded mode left the camera window blank until model was changed and updated again.
- Float/Regular dialog conversion now uses command and/or option-double click in the title bar (to avoid conflicts with WindowShade).
- The General Palette now counts deleted patches correctly.
- Certain Undo╒s randomly deleted patches (Subdivide mainly).
General:
- Complete rewrite of Hierarchy system: fewer bugs; simpler (less buttons, drag and drop works); finally has a section in the Manual.
- You can now open and save PICT files. Basic but useful later on. QuickTime movies coming soon.
- DXF import is working. Not fancy or fully tested (demand has been weak for this.) Import is polygonal: smoothing is up to the user.
- 3DMF mesh export. New method greatly improves DXF quality as well.
- Vastly improved Smooth function, with user-settable control value.
- Repeat Last menu command, lets you easily repeat menu commands that have no keyboard equivalents. Fully user configurable menu keys soon.
- Rearranged Objects popup menu and added ability to set Filled mode.
- General Palette handles splines & patches better (either 0 or ?) - click the checkmark to get correct selected/hidden counts.
- New Camera Window controls - mode and lock status set by popup menus rather than icons to save space on 13╙ monitors.
- QD3D Mesh preview, w/ 2 quality levels. Much faster than NURBS, slightly lower resolution and speed than standard shaded preview but better image quality (realistic shading).
- New online help: single line now, larger ╥tutorial╙ palette coming soon.
- New documentation in HTML format. Acrobat or word processor versions are still available for printing.
- Texture dialog now exists (though most controls are not installed). Coments are requested.
____________________________
Changes from v0.4b4 -> v0.4.2b4 (includes v0.4.1b4)
Major (crashing) bugs fixed:
- Crash when lathing large objects.
- Crash when saving imported DXF in DXF, 3DMF mesh formats.
Minor bugs fixed:
- DXF importer sometimes failed (did nothing).
- Resizing Camera Window in QD3D mode failed.
- Handles sometimes stuck when moving points with the Spline Arrow
General:
- Model Windows recenter and rescale to fit imported models.
- FIT button added option to fit to all points as well as just selected.
