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Release Notes:
Virtus WalkThrough VRML 1.0
for Macintosh and Windows
July 13, 1995
- WELCOME -
VRML (Virtual Reality Modeling Language) is an exciting new technology
which will soon change computing for the masses. We've been developing
3-D visualization products for Macintosh and Windows for the last five
years and are excited about the release of Virtus WalkThrough VRML 1.0.
Our WWW address is http://www.virtus.com
Please visit us and enter your VRML files (created with Virtus
WalkThrough VRML 1.0) into our Model of the Month contest. Also, you'll
want to explore our own VRML worlds accessible from our home page.
WalkThrough VRML is a "lite" version of Virtus WalkThrough Pro with
VRML export added as its main feature. It fully demonstrates the ease
of use and powerful features offered in the full version of Virtus
WalkThrough Pro. With this version, you'll be able to save the models
you created and then easily export them to VRML format with a single
menu selection. We hope you enjoy Virtus WalkThrough VRML 1.0 so much
that you'll purchase Virtus Virtus WalkThrough Pro or one of the other
quality software products in the Virtus family.
Some valuable features currently found in WalkThrough Pro in addition
to those in Virtus WalkThrough VRML 1.0 include: texture mapping,
smooth shading, importing, exporting (except VRML), making movies, and
the lighting editor. Exporting to VRML will be available in August
1995. In addition, you can open multiple models and libraries at the
same time. You can also create models using multiple layers, which
simplifies creating complex models. WalkThrough Pro is widely available
for sale on the Internet, in major computer software mail-order
catalogs, from major software retailers, or directly from Virtus
Corporation by calling 800.841.8871.
- WINDOWS INSTALLATION -
1. From File Manager or Program Manager, select Run from the File menu.
2. At the Command Line, type d:\virtus\setup\setup
3. Follow the instructions in the dialog box to installation.
Although it is possible to run Virtus WalkThrough VRML 1.0 directly off
the CD-ROM, we strongly recommend that you install and run the
application from your hard drive. This will optimize the performance of
Virtus WalkThrough VRML 1.0.
- MACINTOSH INSTALLATION -
1. Double-click on the Install icon in the main window.
2. Follow the instructions in the dialog box to install Virtus
WalkThrough VRML 1.0.
Although it is possible to run Virtus WalkThrough VRML 1.0 directly off
the CD-ROM, we strongly recommend that you install and run the
application from your hard drive. This will optimize the performance of
Virtus WalkThrough VRML 1.0.
- PC/WINDOWS SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS -
80386-based (or later) personal computer
8MB RAM - Microsoft Windows
3.1+ VGA or SVGA display adapter
Recommended Configuration:
80486-based personal computer or Pentium
8MB+ RAM - Microsoft Windows
3.1+ VGA or Super VGA display adapter
- MACINTOSH SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS-
Any color Apple Macintosh LC, Mac II,
PowerBook, Quadra or Centris 8MB
RAM and System 6.0.5 or later
Recommended Configuration:
Macintosh PowerBook 170 or 180c, Quadra or
Centris 8MB+ RAM and System 7.1 or later
- REGISTRATION -
To register this software and be eligible for limited technical
support, please send your name, address, and phone to "info@virtus.com"
with the Subject of "Virtus WalkThrough VRML Registration"
- TECHNICAL SUPPORT -
Limited technical assistance for Virtus WalkThrough VRML 1.0 is
available to registered users only. Registered users will receive
special offers on Virtus Products and limited technical support (we'll
keep you up and running but we won't be available to help you model the
Eiffel Tower...). International customers outside the U.S. and Canada
can phone for technical assistance and will receive special priority to
minimize their toll charges. We regret that Virtus Customer Service
cannot place or return technical support calls and faxes outside the
U.S. and Canada.
If you experience difficulties, we recommend that you first check your
Virtus WalkThrough VRML documentation and Tutorial. If you can't find
the answer to your question, we can help you best if you call us while
at your computer with Virtus WalkThrough VRML 1.0 running. Also, please
have your serial number ready to give to us. You'll find it in the
Virtus WalkThrough VRML 1.0 splash screen by selecting "About Virtus
WalkThrough VRML..." from the Help menu.
- TECHNICAL SUPPORT TELEPHONE NUMBERS -
Technical support is available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST Monday through
Friday. You must have your serial number or contract service number
ready to give to us when you call, fax, or write us requesting
technical support. When you write to us, always include your daytime
phone.
919/467-9700 Technical Support - Domestic and International Callers
919/460-4530 Technical Support Fax - Domestic Callers
- TECHNICAL SUPPORT ON-LINE SERVICES -
Virtus Online World Wide Web Server: www.virtus.com
The Virtus FTP Internet Host: ftp.virtus.com/pub/virtus
America Online: Select "Go To" and then type "VIRTUS"
CompuServe: Type "GO VIRTUS" at any prompt
- TECHNICAL SUPPORT E-MAIL SERVICES -
Internet Mail may be directed to info@virtus.com
America Online Mail may be directed to VirtusTech
CompuServe Mail may be directed to 75300,3251
AppleLink Mail may be directed to VIRTUS
- CORPORATE TELEPHONE NUMBERS -
919/467-9700 Main Number
800/847-8871 Sales and Product Information
919/460-4530 Corporate Fax
- CORPORATE MAILING ADDRESS -
Virtus Corporation
c/o Technical Support
118 MacKenan Dr, Suite 250
Cary, North Carolina 27511
- Documentation -
The Manual directory contains a two-part Reference, Glossary, and a
two-part Tutorial.
The reference will help answer questions about ideas and techniques not
covered in the Tutorial. The included Glossary will help you quickly
identify terms with which you may not be familiar. We suggest that you
print both and work through these from beginning to end.
- ADDITIONAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION -
[Windows Users]
- When "Snapshot" in the File Menu is selected, some users may get the
screen message "Can't interrogate driver." This means that the display
card being used doesn't support the standard Windows call being made to
create the snapshot. Short of upgrading to a card that supports all
standard Windows calls, you could use the "Snapshot" command by going
to Windows Setup and choosing another video driver; the Windows 3.11
(latest version) SVGA drivers work well.
- Printing works with most combinations of video cards and printer
drivers. However, you may experience some difficulty when printing.
First, make sure that the active window is the view that you want to
print, then print. If you still encounter difficulties, turn off Flash
Graphics in the Rendering Preferences and try again. If you still
experience problems, use the File Snaphot BMP command to save your Walk
View as a BMP file and then print it with another application that you
know works with your printer. You can also check with your printer
manufacturer to see if you are using the latest printer driver
available.
- If your walk speed is very slow (e.g. 2 frames per second in a very
simple model), you probably have an ATI Mach 32- or 64-bit board,
neither of which supports our Flash Graphics utility. Check under
Rendering in Preferences; if Flash Graphics is grayed out, turn off
devicebitmap for your video board. Here's how:
ATI Mach 32: If you have an ATI Graphics Ultra Pro display card,
you'll need to make an adjustment to its mach32 driver. In the
"win.ini" file located in your Windows directory (open this file with
Windows Notepad), find the section called "mach32" or "mach." Now
find the line "devicebitmap=on" and change it to "devicebitmap=off."
Save the file and restart Windows; Virtus WalkThrough VRML will run
properly. If there is no devicebitmap statement, you must go to the
Flex Desk control panel in Program Manager. Open the control panel
and select the advanced option. You should see a listing for
devicebitmap. Turn it off, save your changes and restart Windows.
ATI Mach 64: Go to the Flex Desk control panel and hold down the
Control and Shift keys while you type the letters, OPT. When the
dialog box will appears, click OK. A second dialog box will open
that contains the option to turn off devicebitmap. Turn off
devicebitmap, save your changes and then restart Windows.
- In rare instances, you may get a GPF when running Virtus WalkThrough
VRML, so remember to save your work often. When you get a GPF, it
usually means that your display driver does not fully support our Flash
Graphics utility. The VGA and SVGA display drivers supplied with
Windows work properly with Virtus WalkThrough VRML (provided that your
display adapter supports them). Please consult your Windows manual for
instructions on how to change your video driver.
[Macintosh and Windows Users]
- Virtus WalkThrough VRML will work best in the 640x480, 256-colors
mode. Keep in mind that selecting thousands of colors for your display
or choosing a larger resolution (1280x1024, for example) will require
more dynamic memory; these choices will slow your walk speed.
- Only one Virtus WalkThrough VRML model and library may be open at any
time. When a library is open, the "Library" command under the File menu
will be grayed out (unavailable).
- Keyboard Navigation. Here's how you can use the arrow keys or numeric
keypad to navigate through your designs:
Using the arrow keys:
Up Arrow - moves you forward
Down Arrow - moves you backward
Left Arrow - causes you to look left
Right Arrow - causes you to look right
Using the numeric keypad:
8 - moves you forward
2 - moves you backward
4 - causes you to look left
6 - causes you to look right
Any of these keys can be used in tandem with the Shift and Control
keys for the same type of navigational control that you get when you
use the keys with your mouse. For example, holding down the Shift key
while pressing the Up Arrow or the 8 in the numeric keypad will make
the Observer look up. Experiment with different combinations of the
Shift and Control keys in keyboard navigation; you may find that you
like to move through your models without using the mouse.
- Models and libraries are organized in two subdirectories, Models and
Library. You must be in the appropriate subdirectories in order to see
them. Models have the .WTV extension (windows) and are located in the
Models subdirectory. They can be accessed by performing a File Open
command from the menu, and then opening the Models subdirectory to see
the list of available models. Libraries have the .WLB extension
(windows) and are located in the Library subdirectory. They can be
accessed by performing a File Library command from the menu, and then
opening the Library subdirectory to see the list of available
libraries. You cannot open a library by doing the File Open command;
you must perform a File Library command. Models and Libraries can be
stored anywhere that you wish.
- You can create your own libraries. Simply copy an object or group of
objects from a Design View, open a Library and then perform an Edit
Paste. See the Reference and Tutorial manuals for more information
about working with libraries.
- Objects may appear to flash on and off as you walk through a file.
Virtus WalkThrough VRML mathematically calculates each new view as you
are walking. The more complicated your model, the more calculations are
required to render your new position. Occasionally, WalkThrough has
trouble rendering everything 100% correctly; we call these sorting
errors. To improve rendering of objects, first check for overlapping
objects. If there are no intersecting objects, then you may want to
recreate the "flashing" object in a different design view.
- VIRTUS GALLERIES -
$39.00 - Virtus Galleries are sold separately from Virtus applications.
They are extremely useful because they provide many preconstructed 3-D
objects and scenes that you can use in building your own models --
whether it's an item or an entire room. Virtus Galleries are fully
compatible for use with Virtus WalkThrough VRML (except the textures
aren't accessible).
To date, the Virtus Galleries topics include:
Alphabet Rooms
Explore and modify virtual rooms based on letters of the alphabet. 26
scenes, including A is for Art, H is for House, M is for moon, etc. 3-D
galleries featuring numbers, and upper and lower case letters. Textures
including more than 100 colorful enamels, paints, minerals and more.
Archaeology
Explore and modify ancient ruins, temples, pyramids and more. 17
scenes, including the Temple of Neptune, Great Pyramid and Stonehenge.
3-D galleries featuring Roman and Viking weapons, temple parts, kitchen
equipment and more. 2-D galleries featuring many openings and
entrances. Textures including stone, hieroglyphics, tiles and more.
Home Remodeling
Remodel your living space to create your dream home. 5 scenes,
including a beach cabin, mountain home and country club estate. 27
models, featuring bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, garages
and more. 2-D galleries with home doors and windows (opaque,
translucent and transparent). Textures for indoors and outdoors,
including sand, fieldstone, clouds, shrubs, rock, planks, marble tile
and more (shaded and unshaded).
Interior Design
Use the creations of famous designers to furnish your home or business.
12 scenes, including the Berlin House (Mies van der Rohe), Glass House
(Philip Johnson) and Fallingwater (third floor, Frank Lloyd Wright). 11
models of sample rooms and suites. 2-D galleries with various styles of
windows and doors. Textures including cabinet surfaces, ceiling panels,
wallpaper, cloth and more.
Office Design
Rearrange or redesign your work space. 5 scenes, including a general
office, teleconference center and reception/conference room. 3-D
galleries featuring desks, office equipment (copiers, computers, etc.),
office furnishings and modular conference and storage units. 2-D
galleries of doors and windows. Textures including wood, stone,
leather, tile and more.
Science Fiction
Build or modify fantasy worlds from far, far away. 5 scenes, including
Dragonfly, Mirror World and Stellar Ark. 45 models, including space
stations, vehicles and astronauts. 3-D galleries featuring spaceships,
space vehicles, dissecting table and DNA dusters. 2-D galleries of
windows and doors. Textures including celestial bodies, lunar surface,
starfields and more.
- INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTORS OF VIRTUS PRODUCTS -
If you live in a country listed below, please contact the distributor
listed for current product and pricing information on Virtus products.
Thank you.
Australia
Amitron Pty. Ltd.
Contact: Martin Trevena
Unit 4, 13 Laser Dr.
Rowville, Vic. 3178
61-3-764-8944
61-3-764 -8582 (fax)
Belgium
Apple Centre Hasselt
Contact: Senol Korkmaz
Martelarenlaan 7
3500 Hasselt Belgium
32-11-220030
32-11-220120 (fax)
Germany
Pearl
Contact: Sven Grabosch
Am Kalichacht 4
D 79426 Buggingen Germany
49-7631-360-114 (main)
49-7631-360-339 (Sven)
49-7631-360-444 (fax)
Israel
Mayan Software
Contact: Jack Baruch
131 Shokolov St. Holon
P.O.B. 5164
Holon, 58151 Israel
972-3-5044667
972-3-5057126 (fax)
Japan
Contact: A.J. Peralta
TECH HIROO 7F
1-10-5 Hiroo
Shibuya-ku
Tokyo, Japan 150
81-03-5431-0871
81-03-5421-0872 (fax)
Norway
Faby Data As
Contact: Geir Svendsen
Konnerudgaten 31
3045 Drammen Norway
47-32-896760
47-32-896765 (fax)
Spain
Agua Y Vida
Contact: Marc Keller
c/ Nardo 12
Arroyo de Trofas
28250 Torrelodones
Madrid, Spain
34-(9)1-859-9780
34-(9)1-859-9724 (fax)
UK
Roderick Manhattan
Contact (sales): David Larkin
Contact (press): Jackie Vause
123 Disraeli Rd.
London SW15 2DZ
44-81-875-4400
44-81-877-1388 (fax)
- VIRTUS WALKTHROUGH VRML 1.0 LICENSE AND LEGAL INFORMATION
Virtus WalkThrough VRML 1.0 is owned by Virtus Corporation. Virtus
grants to the user a nonexclusive single-user license to use Virtus
WalkThrough VRML 1.0 in unmodified form.
The user shall not commercially distribute, sublicense, resell, or
otherwise transfer for any consideration, or reproduce for any such
purposes, Virtus WalkThrough VRML 1.0 or any modification or derivation
thereof, either alone or in conjunction with any other product or
program. Further, the user shall not modify Virtus WalkThrough VRML 1.0
or any of its associated help files or Read Me files.
VIRTUS WALKTHROUGH VRML 1.0 IS PROVIDED TO THE USER ''AS IS.'' VIRTUS
CORPORATION MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, WITH
RESPECT TO VIRTUS WALKTHROUGH VRML 1.0 AND/OR ASSOCIATED MATERIALS
PROVIDED TO THE USER, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND AGAINST
INFRINGEMENT.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY -- VIRTUS CORPORATION SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR
ANY CLAIMS OR DAMAGES WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING PROPERTY DAMAGE,
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY INFRINGEMENT, LOSS OF PROFITS, OR INTERRUPTION OF
BUSINESS, OR FOR ANY SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES,
HOWEVER CAUSED, WHETHER ARISING OUT OF BREACH OF WARRANTY, CONTRACT,
TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE.
Limitations of License:
Virtus WalkThrough VRML 1.0 is subject to the limitations of warranty
and other notices appearing above and below. Associated software and
content (such as independently designed Virtus models or libraries)
used with Virtus WalkThrough VRML 1.0 but not developed by Virtus
Corporation, may be subject to other copyright and licensing
restrictions as specified by their developers.
Disclaimer of Warranty:
Virtus Corporation provides Virtus WalkThrough VRML 1.0 on an "AS IS"
basis and provides no warranties whatsoever. ALL WARRANTIES INCLUDING
WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED.
Lack of Maintenance Services:
Virtus Corporation is under no obligation to provide maintenance
services, update services, notices of latent defects or correction of
defects for Virtus WalkThrough VRML 1.0.