tom@Sun.COM (Tom Coull) (03/09/91)
Here is a description of our WorldToolKit software library, and the
WorldTool Development System. Both are now shipping. With the new
Texturing Library, a virtual world application developer can build
applications that include real-time texture mapping running on a 486
PC! WorldToolKit with the current Intel DVI(tm) hardware supports
about 1200 textured polygons per second at 1 Hz and 700 textured
polygons per second at 10 Hz. This is running on a standard 80486
25 MHz PC. The new Intel DVI boards (due in July) will have twice the
performance of the ones we are now using (they have a faster, 25 MHz clock).
Tom Coull
Vice President, Marketing
SENSE8 Corporation
1001 Bridgeway, PO Box 477
Sausalito, CA 94965
415-331-6316
UUCP:well!sense8!tcoull
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ANNOUNCEMENT OF SENSE8'S NEW VIRTUAL WORLD DEVELOPMENT SOFTWARE:
** WORLDTOOLKIT **
WorldToolKit is an object-oriented library C routines that integrates
the capabilities needed for rapid development of virtual world
applications. The WorldToolKit library lets developers rapidly and
easily build realtime 3D simulation and "virtual world" applications
that run on desktop computers.
WorldToolKit seamlessly integrates a simulation manager, a realtime
rendering pipeline, an object manager, lighting, animation sequences,
input sensors, and graphics display devices in a flexible object-
oriented library.
At the core of a WorldToolKit application is the simulation manager,
which controls the realtime simulation loop and all object
interactions. These objects may be graphical entities, sensors,
lights, or viewpoints, and are distinct computational entities with
their own encapsulated state and methods. The WorldToolKit simulation
manager automatically maintains these objects once they have been created.
With the object manager, objects in a WorldToolKit application can be
hierarchically configured or clustered. For example, an object can move
or pivot with the motion of another object that is "above" it. In this
way, a "finger" object can be configured below the palm of a "hand"
object, while both are tracked by sensors on a glove. Or several finger
objects could be clustered together so that they are treated as one object.
With the data import/export facilities, models or data can be imported,
rendered and manipulated easily and intuitively. A comprehensive DXF file
reader is included which automatically converts DXF files into 3D objects.
The WorldToolKit library has drivers for many popular devices so that the
user can configure the input and output specifically for their application.
For example, initial application development is easily accomplished with
mouse input and color CRT display. For impressive presentations, the
application can be reconfigured for a head-mounted, position-tracked
stereoscopic display.
A sample source code for a complete walk through program follows:
/* sample walkthrough program written with WorldToolKit */
#include <stdio.h>
#include "worldtool.h"
extern Universe u; /* the universe of all objects */
static Sensor *sensor=NULL; /* spaceball sensor */
main()
{
/* allocate memory for the viewpoint information read from a model. */
Posn6d p;
/* initialize the universe. */
universe_new();
/* load the universe from the file "myfile". */
universe_load("myfile", &p);
/* move the viewpoint to the position read from the model. */
viewpoint_move(universe_getviewpoint(), &p);
/* initialize a Spaceball sensor on serial port COM1. */
sensor = Spaceball_new(COM1);
/* add the sensor to the universe. */
universe_addsensor(sensor);
/* ... and attach it to the viewpoint. */
viewpoint_addsensor(universe_getviewpoint(), sensor);
/* prepare the universe for start of the simulation loop. */
universe_ready();
/* enter the main simulation. */
universe_go();
/* when we're all done - clean everything up. */
universe_delete();
}
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ANNOUNCEMENT OF SENSE8'S TEXTURING LIBRARY FOR WORLDTOOLKIT
** "Intels DVI Technology Now Brings Real- **
time Texture Mapping to WorldToolKit"
SENSE8's new Texturing Library combined with WorldToolKit enables the
development of virtual world applications with real-time texture mapping
which run on personal computers. Using SENSE8's Texturing Library,
Intel's ActionMedia Delivery Board, and a texture database, video-u
realistic textures can be applied to object surfaces in any orientation
and scale. Repetitive textures can also be "tiled" across an object's
face.
The DVI (Digital Video Interactive) standard, supported on Intel's
proprietary ActionMedia board, is capable of warping images or synthetic
textures in real-time. WorldToolKit's fast renderer, combined with DVI
technology, provides realtime 3D texturing by transforming the textured
faces of objects as the viewpoint is moved through the 3D world. The
result is a much more realistic and lifelike virtual world.
To apply textures to object faces, the WorldToolKit- Texturing Library
includes simple to use yet powerful functions. The developer selects a
texture image from a texture database, then "attaches" that texture to
any object face using the ** texture_apply ** function. The texture is
then automatically warped and fitted to the surface of the object. Or
the developer may specify how the texture is to be scaled or oriented.
The WorldToolKit-Texturing Library includes the ability to apply textures
that are shaded or unshaded, opaque or transparent. For example, objects
behind a transparent picket fence texture are visible through the fence.
Natural objects such as trees or bushes also appear more realistic when
their textures are transparent.
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PRICING INFORMATION:
WorldToolKit w/Texturing Library - $3,500
WorldTool DS - $15,400
(includes 80486 PC and
one Intel ActionMedia board)
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For more information on WorldToolKit, contact us at:
SENSE8 Corporation
1001 Bridgeway PO Box 477 Sausalito CA 94965
Tel 415-331-6318
email: UUCP:well!sense8!tcoull
WorldToolKit is a trademark of SENSE8 Corporation.
DVI and ActionMedia are trademarks of Intel Corporation.