As expected, Alias introduced version 7 of its Maya 3D software at SIGGRAPH. Building on the performance optimisation and application revisions in the previous release, the new functions focus on faster, more realistic character animation, more efficient modelling and texturing, expanded effects and higher productivity. Maya 7 adds new features for 3D professionals working in film, games, broadcast, print and the web, together with expanded Maya Platinum Membership services.
The Maya Render Layer architecture has been completely redesigned in version 7. Alias says this allows different shading and rendering properties to be assigned to separate layers. Maya 7 can manage multiple passes from any of Maya’s four renderers, along with effects such as Maya Fur and Paint Effects, within a single scene.
Render Layers can be calculated with every renderer integrated into Maya, including the latest mental ray for Maya renderer. The workflow allows multiple passes to be output to any compositing application, Adobe Photoshop PSD files and Macromedia Flash SWF files. Integration with Adobe Illustrator, Alias MotionBuilder and widely used CAD programs has also been improved.
To accelerate and simplify character rigging and posing, the Full Body IK Solver from Alias MotionBuilder has been integrated into Maya 7. Per-vertex weighting for Blend Shapes and Wire Deformers, together with the ability to paint weights using the Artisan Tool, further speeds animation. Geometry can be replaced by other geometry, allowing modellers, animators and technical directors to work on the same character in parallel.
Maya 7 also introduces RenderMan-compatible variables that smooth the edges of subdivided polygon meshes, providing precise control between smooth and coarse bodies. Parts of Maya’s subdivision-surface implementation use technology patented by Pixar. “We are very pleased to see Maya 7 using our patented technology. This is highly practical for compatibility between Maya and our proprietary tools, and a major benefit for the Maya community using Pixar’s RenderMan, Maya to RenderMan Converter (MTOR) and RenderMan for Maya products,” explains Dana Batali, director of RenderMan product development at Pixar Animation Studios.
Many functions reflect feedback from game designers. Modelling, mapping and texturing additions include Edge Loop and Edge Ring, UV Unfolding, triplanar and multimesh mapping, and integration of CgFX and ASHLI plug-ins for previewing next-generation console hardware shaders in Maya 7. The new Surface Sampler Tool can optimise scenes without visible loss of detail. It supports normal mapping and transfers displacement, colour and lighting information from high-resolution to low-resolution models, replacing the previous Transfer Surface Information tool.
A new Toon Shader developed by Alias principal scientist Duncan Brinsmead extends Maya’s Paint Effects technology with non-photorealistic rendering. Paint Effects brush tips can now be applied as contours, with control over line style, placement and width. Alias says Paint Effects provides an almost interactive real-time preview. Maya Unlimited modules also receive improvements: hair can be transferred between characters in Maya Hair, Maya Fur now includes the dynamic curve simulation introduced in version 6, and Maya Fluid Effects adds a new High Detail Solver mode intended to increase realism.
Maya 7 is scheduled to be available from August 2005. Full-version prices remain €2,099 for Maya Complete and €7,349 for Maya Unlimited. Upgrade prices start at €869 for Maya Complete and €1,199 for Maya Unlimited, excluding VAT. Both editions are available for Windows, Linux and Mac OS X.
A review of version 7 is included in DIGITAL PRODUCTION issue 05:05, available from next Monday.
