chapin@sunrise.Stanford.EDU (Bill Chapin) (12/11/90)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Stanford University Forum Reminder <<<<<<<<<<<<<<< ME 297 -- Design Theory and Methodology Forum on Virtual Space sponsored by: the VIRTUAL SPACE INTEREST GROUP of STANFORD E-mail: vsig-request@sunrise.stanford.edu for more information. All members of the Stanford community, industry affiliates and researchers in design and virtual space applications are invited. Last forum (Wed., Dec. 12th, 7:30, Terman Auditorium): Randal Walser Cyberspace Project Autodesk Reseach Lab, Autodesk, Inc. "Cyberspace Trix: Building Reliable Systems in Creative Environments" Abstract At Autodesk we are laying the foundation for a line of cyberspace systems and tools. C++ is fundamental to our approach because we want our products to be reliable as well as adaptable. With C++ features like strong typing and type safe linkage we can be certain that programs plug the right values into the right holes and that the resulting systems, at bottom, are solid. C++ is often touted as a language for building systems that are robust in the face of change. Classes are like molds for black boxes that deliver the same func- tionality across time and systems, so that new techniques and tech- nologies can be applied as they are discovered -- and without break- ing the systems into which they are incorporated. Thus a system still performs much as it did before modification, but in better or more appropriate ways, and generally faster. Unfortunately, what is good for reliability is often not so good for creativity. The aim of creativity is not to be secure, but to be daring, even reckless. By imposing a security-conscious, object- oriented discipline on the programmer, we guarantee (as far as possible) that programs will work, but make it harder for the programmer to get to work. C++ may pursuade us to think clearly, but in doing so it also slows us down, with time-consuming compilations and continual nit-picking. It is hard to soar when a compiler continually swats you to earth. This is particularly irksome when you are thinking clearly in the first place, and just want to cut loose. We may debate the true nature of cyberspace, but no one doubts its potential as a medium for the creative mind. Autodesk is developing tools for spacemakers, to help them invent and profit from the world's first cyberspaces; but to serve spacemakers well it is not enough just to provide tools that do not break. First and foremost, the tools must promote and sustain creativity. In the end we want both reliable systems AND creative environments. Like many organizations in the software industry, the Autodesk cyberspace project has made a basic commitment to object-orientation, and to C++ in particular. Given the overwhelming weight of opinion in favor of C++, we would be hard pressed to replace it with an alternative that promises both reliability and creativity. With C++ here to stay, the question is: how can we take greatest advantage of C++, and somehow open it up at the same time, so that we can jam with our reliable creations? John Walker has provided the basis for one possible solution, in the form of Atlas, the "Autodesk threaded language application system." Atlas can be used to embed threaded code in C and C++ applications, to open them up for direct access by other applications, even those written in other languages. With Atlas, cyberspace systems can be made interactive and open, while remaining compatible with conven- tional development techniques, especially those familiar to profes- sional C programmers. As a dividend, through techniques that Walker demonstrated in ClassWar (an experimental extension to Atlas), Atlas can also serve as a programmable, object-oriented bridge to AutoCAD. Trix is an extension to Atlas, written in C++ and in Atlas itself, that is designed to support rapid implementation of virtual objects and cyberspaces. Essentially Trix is an object-oriented, interactive shell that extends out of and wraps tightly around a body of C++ code. The premium in Trix is not on reliability but on free expression and experimentation. Trix is where you turn when you have an idea and just want to try it out or see where it takes you. With Trix, the general programming strategy is to fluidly jam out solutions to problems, and then to refine your quick and dirty solutions into reliable, fast algorithms in C++. Development is an alternating cycle of forays into the unknown followed by retreats to secure territory to make sense of what you learned. First you break ground with Trix, then you build permanent structures with C++, then you push forward again with Trix, and so on. Editorial Comments Randal Walser was one of the founding members of Autodesk's Cyberspace Research Project, initiated by the internal paper, "Through the Looking Glass", by John Walker in September of 1988. A truely substantial effort in very short time, the project has produced some powerful results using maximal ideas on minimal hardware. Under Walser's direction, the project has designed a second generation software kernel, Cyberspace Trix, implementing the knowledge gained in the first iteration. The presentation will be accompanied with a live cyberspace demonstration by Autodesk cybernaut Chris Allis. Individual demos may also be available for winners of drawings at the door. As special bonus, we may be honored with opening remarks by Myron Krueger, "the father of Artificial Reality". ======================= DT&M Forum Schedule ======================== This concludes the Design Theory & Methodology Forum for this Fall. The VSIGroup wishes to thank the Center for Design Research and Prof. Larry Leifer for providing the initial academic forum to bring researchers and developers of virtual space applications together. The VSIGroup will begin monthly evening meetings in January to continue to exhibit notable virtual space research and developments. The evening forums will feature either two speakers seperated by an informal refreshment break, or several demonstrations in a fair type arrangement. ::::The first date will be set shortly, with Eric Gullichsen and Pat Gelband of Sense8 as one of the presenters. Only those off-campus affiliates submitting the previously requested information will remain on the mailing list from the DTM series. +++++++++++++++++++++++ VSIG ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++++++++++++ >>> Word came from the Santa Cruz Cyberspace conference committee last week that the deadline for abstracts for the April 19th event has been extended until December 20th. No other details seem to have changed. If you need a copy of the Call for Abstracts, send an email to virtual@ucscc.ucsc.edu. >>> For those students attending the forum for credit, there will be 10 total official forum meetings (Intro, Levoy, Bolas, Fisher, Rosen, Panel, Pixar, Habitat, Levit, Autodesk), plus two optional makeup sessions. For credit, one must attend or view videotape of 8 of these 12 opportunities, and sign the final attendance verification sheet. The sheet will be available at the December 12th evening session, or in the M.E. Design Division office (Terman 551) during finals week. >>> For those coming from off-campus, wishing to find Terman Auditorium: exit I-280 at Alpine Road turning toward Palo Alto. Take a right at the first light onto Junipero Serra. Turn left at the next light onto Campus Drive West. Turn right at the first stop sign onto Santa Teresa. Terman Engineering Center will be across the intersection and to the left at next stop sign on Santa Teresa. There is on-street parking and a parking garage at Panama St. and Via Ortega (two left turns from Santa Teresa). The auditorium is on the first floor.