Archive notice: This article was originally published on July 15, 2006. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
Stoll von Gáti GmbH is close to completing the RE3D plug-in for 3ds Max. The plug-in allows complex 3D scenes to be viewed and controlled in real time.
RE3D stands for “Real Time Engine 3D” and enables users to export scenes created in 3ds Max directly to the RE3D Viewer. Even vertex and pixel shaders can be used, enabling high-quality visuals like those in current 3D games. Different input devices, including customer-specific control devices, can be used for interaction. The integration of a physics engine also opens up a wide range of possibilities for the user in
implementation.
RE3D consists of two components: The Max plug-in and the simulation software, which serves as the viewer. During the entire creation process – from modeling to shading – the user can work in the familiar 3ds Max environment. All RE3D-specific information can be controlled and managed in the integrated RE3D plug-in.
These include, for example, texture management, which makes it possible to adapt the scene for hardware with different performance levels, the input of physical parameters for individual scene objects and their physical linking, as well as a convenient interface for configuring input signals and their interaction with scene objects. In addition, various sound objects can be integrated, which later allows spatial audio output on multichannel systems.
All relevant data such as 3D models, lights, cameras, effect files, metadata, standard, multi and DirectX9 shader materials are output via the exporter integrated into the plug-in. Which software generates the data is basically irrelevant for
the viewer. For example, a plug-in for Maya could also be developed.
The RE3D simulation software is based on DirectX9 technology and thus enables the use of vertex and pixel shaders. Apart from the RE3D Viewer and DirectX9-compatible hardware, no additional hardware or software is required. After the
configuration of the desired input devices, the scene can be started – 3D in real time. The physics calculation is performed by the CPU. Via graphics card drivers that allow stereoscopic output, even a
“real” 3D projection is possible.
The plug-in is expected to be available in two versions in the third quarter of 2006: In addition to the standard version, the Professional variant can be used to integrate physical connections (ball joints, hinges, magnets, etc.) and complex simulation logic. Prices for the plug-ins have not yet been set.
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