spafon.com

3DVia Scenes

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 05:20:00 -0200

OK, hereâs my thing. I like creating in 3D. I got attracted to it through visiting virtual reality platforms back in the late â90âs. One of the platforms I was drawn to was VRML. You could create your models in quite a few 3D modeling programs and save out to that format. It just plain worked without a lot of fuss and muss. You easily learn the mark-up language (VRML) and enhance your models. The viewers were free and it turned out to be fairly simple to get your work online and share it with others.

There is something that appeals to myself and other creators I know about not only creating scenes, but being able to walk around in them and experience the creations in a real-time/real-world atmosphere.

That was a decade ago and I still create worlds and objects. VRML lost its popularity and other platforms came along. Second Life, Kaneva, Prototerra, and others. Although they have improved on the original virtual concept, they are proprietary and only use in-world tools and their own formats for creating your own objects and worlds. While this is not a bad thing, I and others I know find it limiting.

This brings us to 3DVIA Scenes.

I wrote previously about this site and its great way of being able to share models in quite a few different formats.

http://spafon.com/Welcome/modules/news/article.php?storyid=14)" target="_blank">SpaFon.com

Now they have a new program called âScenesâ. This program provides a virtual space where you have an avatar, a chat interface, and a place to set up a virtual scene with models you create. It is just as format friendly (3ds, obj, Sketchup, VRML, etc) as their other program and surprisingly simple to use. You get a choice of pre-made spaces like a grassy area or a winter scene with snow and background. Once you have chosen the scene base you can import your models, or choose from thousands of other objects and models shared by other members. You first import the model, then you can position it, re-size and rotate it to look best in your scene. Other people can visit your scene and you can chat with them. You can collaborate on design by allowing others to add/subtract form your scene or move things around. Or, once your scene is set up the way you want it, you can lock down your objects so they canât be moved or removed.

It is still in beta, so expect a few glitches. But all in all I have not found any. It does take some power to run though.

Here the requirements listed on their site:

â¢ Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2) or Windows Vista (SP1)
â¢ Windows Internet Explorer version 6 or 7, or Mozilla Firefox version 3.0
â¢ 1GB or more of hard disk space
â¢ A 2.8 GHz processor
â¢ 2 GB of system memory
â¢ 256 MB video card (512 MB recommended) that supports OpenGL 2.0 and shader model 2.0 (with OpenGL 3D hardware acceleration enabled)
â¢ A 1024Ã768 screen, 32-bit true color minimum, 1280Ã1024 or higher recommended
â¢ A 2-button mouse for easier navigation
â¢ A high-speed or broadband Internet connection
â¢ Nvidia or ATI graphic card recommended

My personal experience has been that on my weaker test machine:
AMD 3700+ 2.4GHz
Nvidia FX5200 128MB Card
1 gig of ram
TI connection
Windows XP Pro SP2

I experience lag when I go into my scene. On my stronger machineâ¦

Intel Core 2 Quad 2.6Ghz
3.5 Gig of Ram
Nvidia 8800GT 640MB Video
Fiber Optic connection
Windows XP Pro SP3

â¦ it works fine. No lag and it is smooth. Somewhere in the middle of that range should be good for most people. Bear in mind that in âScenesâ, as in a lot of virtual platforms coming out. The specs are aimed at the future of computing. As new machines come out and new operating systems and games appear, the power requirements go up. Now that hardware is cheaper, more power is cheaper too. I am still running XP. Your requirements will be different if you are running Vista or Windows 7. Also a dedicated video card is a good idea. Remember, if the card is part of the motherboard (integrated) it will use your ram to run. This is becoming less of a problem than it used to be though.

A few things to note. It is in closed beta so you have to ask for an invite code. You have to be a member of the site course, but the membership is free and worth it. It is a great community of creators and can be very nurturing to those just starting out in 3D modeling. With the combination of available models, the âShapeâ program, which is also free and âScenesâ, your creativity can really take off and flourish.

Onverse

Sat, 05 Sep 2009 05:20:00 -0200

Since I covered an older Virtual Platform last go around, I thought I would write about a new one. Over the last few years there have been quite a few virtual places popping up. Second Life, Kaneva, IMVU, Exit Reality, Vivaty, Prototerra, etc., to name some. All of them are somewhat unique in their own way. Second Life is huge and immersive. IMVU and Vivaty are basically spaces that can be teleported to and from. Exit Reality and Prototerra (and its newer cousin, 3DJay), are more in between. All, also, have a lot of things in common when it comes to user experience. Such as clubs, dancing, socializing, etc. One could become jaded with it all and decide that it is a whole lot of âthe sameâ no matter where you go (Not true, by the way). This brings us to the newest one I have run across, Onverse.

At first glance it looks like the same old, same old. You have avatars, places, an apartment, items and goods to buy, and so on. Study it a little closer and it gets more interesting.

You join at the site. Like Kaneva and IMVU it is kind of a cross between virtual reality and Facebook/Myspace, a direction most of the newer places are going. You then download the software and install (nothing new here either). It is a 178mb download for Windows and 200 for Mac, so be patient. It is a Beta program, but is surprisingly stable, at least on my PC. There are no system requirements as of yet, so tread cautiously. I am running it on a Quad Core PC with 4Gig of ram and a 640 meg video card, so I see no lag or problems. I have not been able to test it on my weaker machine as of yet.

Once launched, it announces that it is on the Torque engine proudly in the splash. It then presents you with a log-in. Once logged in you are given a choice of starting worlds (2, so far).

It has its own browser, like Second Life and the others. There are buttons on the bottom for various functions. You choose one of the worlds, either the Learning Center or Volcano Island, and are then presented a choice of places within that world to go to. Choose one, it loads, and there you are.

Now, to a jaded old virtual world traveler like myself, it all looks familiar. Avatars running around, dance clubs, ho-hum. The problem is, if you make that quick decision you will probably dismiss it off and leave (I did, but went back). A closer look and some checking around and it begins to stand out on its own.

For a start; it is a big scavenger hunt. Except you are hunting for player points, these being the in-world currency.

You have tools in your possession that will help you in your hunt. Such as a shovel to dig out PPâs (Player Points), a butterfly net to catch PPâs flying around, and a hammer to smash things that have PPâs hidden inside. The more PPâs you get, the more virtual goods you can buy.

Next, like the other platforms out there, you get around by running/walking (switched by the âShiftâ key), or by calling up a map and âTeleportingâ somewhere else. But there is another way to get around that is pretty unique; the Avatar Cannon. You walk up to one of these beauties and right click it, choose âRideâ, and it literally fires you through the air to a different region of the world. I like this idea. It has a sense of fun to it.

You get a free apartment to âliveâ in and they are almost apologetic about how small it is. Of course, as you collect/earn PPâs you will be able to purchase a larger place and even a house. You can also purchase furniture, clothing, and items like costumes and such.

All in all it is a pleasant experience. The avatars are stylized like in IMVU or the now deceased Lively, and they look good. The places are nicely done and the interactivity is good. There is a sense of vastness to the areas missing in places like IMVU. The action is good and as I said, at least on my PC, it isnât laggy. As more people sign on this may change if their servers arenât up to the load.

Give it a whirl. It is free and easy to use. It has a sense of fun to it and has enough going on with it so you are not dependant on others to have a good time. As I said before, it is in Beta so it will have a few problems, although I didnât immediately run into any.

Not a bad way to spend a little time on line.

Traveler

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 05:40:00 -0200

Digital Space is a corporation involved in Virtual Reality for industry and education. I had previously reviewed a Hubble Spacewalk
simulation earlier that they created. Another of their projects is a 3D chat environment called Traveler.

To quote the site: âDigitalSpace TravelerÂ® is a unique experience on the Internet, supporting communities of users using their own voices to speak through 3D avatars which lip synch and blend sound together. Traveler creates the experience of a âcocktail party in Cyberspaceâ and permits up to 16 people in one virtual space to talk or even share music. Traveler users have created hundreds of spaces and millions of hours of interaction since Traveler was launched in 1996.â

I first ran across Traveler years ago when it was called âOnlive Travelerâ. It is a 3D Virtual platform based on VRML1. I have used it on and off for years as I have played with the different platforms out there and it still holds an attraction for me. It was way ahead of its time when I ran across it and still has relevancy in this day and age.

In this era of sophisticated virtual worlds it may look a bit âOld Schoolâ but it works well and is a small footprint on your processor. The worlds are created by individual and are quite good looking. You have the advantage of talking to others with voice in real-time instead of typing (you can type if you choose). There are communities like 3D Harbor and Tech Worlds where users create their own worlds and visit. Everyone I have personally run across is friendly and helpful. When I first explored the spaces I was happy to discover people, who were more than willing to help, give advice and even walk me through the different features. I personally know some of the creators there and they are very talented.

It is simple to install. It doesnât depend on IE or Firefox and like Second Life and others (years later), has its own browser. You install it and then it will walk you through setting it up. You have a choice of avatars to pick from and a way to adjust them to make them more individual.

You then simply press the 'Lets go Traveling' button and go.

Alternative way to choose a Portal

The advantages (to me, at least) are obvious.

1. It doesnât take a lot of processor power to run.
2. The mark-up language is VRML1, an easy to use and learn language if you wish to create your own worlds/objects which is still being utilized as VRML2 and X3D.
3. Friendly members
4. Not locked into a web browser.
5. Streaming voice chat.
6. Small worlds, more like gathering places. Kind of like Vivaty and IMVU, where you teleport to different âroomsâ or places rather than a huge sim like SL.

The disadvantages:

1. Not as rich and immersive as some of the new platforms.
2. VRML1. A now old version of VRML that is probably only really used there.
3. The avatars are basically heads and objects and not full articulated figures. I donât really think of this as a disadvantage, but some might.
4. Small places, rather than a large expansive world.

All in all, it is a nice, pleasant community and I still go there from time to time. The are links on the Traveler site that will tell you who is in-world and where, people that are friendly and helpful, and a lot of places to visit and explore.

No, it is not Second Life or Entropia, but then, they are not Traveler either. And it has been around a lot longer. It is a free to download and use, so give it a try.

Commands in Windows

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 17:30:00 -0200

Now you too can impress your propeller headed friends or just plain scare yourself. Tread carefully here.
This list of commands in Windows can be very helpful at times.
These are GUI applications that can be opened from the run line.
These applications are not located in the C:\windows\system32\ directory;
the keys for these applications are located in the registry under:
HKLM\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\app paths

CONF.EXE - NetMeeting
DIALER.EXE - Phone Dialer
HELPCTR.EXE - Help and Support
HYPERTRM.EXE - HyperTerminal
ICWCONN1.EXE - Internet Connection Wizard
IEXPLORE.EXE - Internet Explorer
INETWIZ.EXE - Setup Your Internet Connection
INSTALL.EXE - User's Folder
MIGWIZ.EXE - File and Settings Transfer Wizard
MSCONFIG.EXE - System Configuration Utility
MSIMN.EXE - Outlook Express
MSINFO32.EXE - System Information
MSMSGS.EXE - Windows Messenger
MSN6.EXE - MSN Explorer
PBRUSH.EXE - Paint
WAB.EXE - Windows Address Book
WABMIG.EXE - Address Book Import Tool
WINNT32.EXE - User's Folder

These .EXE files reside in (c:\windows\system32\) or (c:\windows\)directory.

ACCWIZ.EXE - Accessibility Wizard
CHARMAP.EXE - Character Map
CLEANMGR.EXE - Disk Space Cleanup Manager
CLICONFG.EXE - SQL Client Configuration Utility
CLSPACK.EXE - Class Package Export Tool
CMSTP.EXE - Connection Manager Profile Installer
CONTROL.EXE - Control Panel
DCOMCNFG.EXE - Component Services
DDESHARE.EXE - DDE Share
DRWATSON.EXE - Doctor Watson v1.00b
DRWTSN32.EXE - Doctor Watson Settings
DXDIAG.EXE - DirectX Diagnostics
EUDCEDIT.EXE - Private Character Editor
EVENTVWR.EXE - Event Viewer
EXPLORER.EXE - Windows Explorer
FXSCLNT.EXE - Fax Console
FXSCOVER.EXE - Fax Cover Page Editor
FXSEND.EXE - MS Fax Send Note Utility
LOGOFF.EXE - System Logoff
MAGNIFY.EXE - Microsoft Magnifier
MMC.EXE - Microsoft Management Console
MOBSYNC.EXE - Microsoft Synchronization Manager
MPLAY32.EXE - Windows Media Player version 5.1
MSTSC.EXE - Remote Desktop Connection
NARRATOR.EXE - Microsoft Narrator
NETSETUP.EXE - Network Setup Wizard
NSLOOKUP.EXE - NSLookup Application
NTSD.EXE - Symbolic Debugger for Windows 2000
>DBCAD32.EXE - ODBC Data Source Administrator
OSUNINST.EXE - Windows Uninstall Utility
PACKAGER.EXE - Object Packager
PERFMON.EXE - Performance Monitor
PROGMAN.EXE - Program Manager
RASPHONE.EXE - Remote Access Phonebook
REGEDIT.EXE - Registry Editor
REGEDT32.EXE - Registry Editor
RESET.EXE - Resets Session
RSTRUI.EXE - System Restore
RTCSHARE.EXE - RTC Application Sharing
SFC.EXE - System File Checker
SHRPUBW.EXE - Create Shared Folder
SHUTDOWN.EXE - System Shutdown
SIGVERIF.EXE - File Signature Verification
SNDREC32.EXE - Sound Recorder
SNDVOL32.EXE - Sound Volume
SYNCAPP.EXE - Create A Briefcase
SYSEDIT.EXE - System Configuration Editor
SYSKEY.EXE - SAM Lock Tool
TASKMGR.EXE - Task Manager
TELNET.EXE - MS Telnet Client
TSSHUTDN.EXE - System Shutdown
TOURSTART.EXE - Windows Tour Launcher
UTILMAN.EXE - System Utility Manager
USERINIT.EXE - My Documents
VERIFIER.EXE - Driver Verifier Manager
WIAACMGR.EXE - Scanner and Camera Wizard
WINCHAT.EXE - Windows for Workgroups Chat
WINHELP.EXE - Windows Help Engine
WINHLP32.EXE - Help
WINVER.EXE - Windows Version Information
WSCRIPT.EXE - Windows Script Host Settings
WUPDMGR.EXE - Windows Update

The following are Control Panel applets that can be run from the run line.
They are located in the c:\windows\system32 directory, and have the file type
>extension ".CPL".

ACCESS.CPL - Accessibility Options
APPWIZ.CPL - Add or Remove Programs
DESK.CPL - Display Properties
HDWWIZ.CPL - Add Hardware Wizard
INETCPL.CPL - Internet Explorer Properties
INTL.CPL - Regional and Language Options
JOY.CPL - Game Controllers
MAIN.CPL - Mouse Properties
MMSYS.CPL - Sounds and Audio Device Properties
NCPA.CPL - Network Connections
NUSRMGR.CPL - User Accounts
ODBCCP32.CPL - ODBC Data Source Administrator
POWERCFG.CPL - Power Options Properties
SYSDM.CPL - System Properties
TELEPHON.CPL - Phone and Modem Options
TIMEDATE.CPL - Date and Time Properties
The following are Microsoft Management Console Snap-ins that can be opened
From the run line. These applications have the file type extension ".MSC".

CERTMGR.MSC - Certificates
CIADV.MSC - Indexing Service
COMPMGMT.MSC - Computer Management
DEVMGMT.MSC - Device Manager
DFRG.MSC - Disk Defragmenter
DISKMGMT.MSC - Disk Management
EVENTVWR.MSC - Event Viewer
FSMGMT.MSC - Shared Folders
LUSRMGR.MSC - Local Users and Groups
NTMSMGR.MSC - Removable Storage
NTMSOPRQ.MSC - Removable Storage Operator Requests
PERFMON.MSC - Performance Monitor
SERVICES.MSC - Services
WMIMGMT.MSC - Windows Management Infrastructure

Hubble Educational Spacewalk Simulation

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 04:13:24 -0200

Some of us know Digital Spaces as the provider of Traveler, A VRML1 based chat program that uses real-time voice chat. I personally have used it on and off for years. Traveler is only one of the projects that they have created. There is also Blobber, a little program that indicates the number of people on your website in real-time and has a chat program, and interactive 3D demonstrations of various off planet experiences.

Their latest is a 3D simulation of the space shuttle on a repair mission to the Hubble Telescope. You can move around it. Zoom in, and even look for missing items for the astronauts. There is sound so you can hear the astronautsâ conversations.

To quote: âJust in time for this week's Shuttle servicing mission to the Hubble Space Telescope, our Hubble Educational Spacewalk Simulation (ESS) built for NASA over the past year is live and can be downloaded and installed from NASA.gov! We have an easy link to the NASA-hosted simulation at the top of our homepage at:
http://www.digitalspace.comâ.

âIn "ESS" you can "be the astronaut" going through three major spacewalk tasks to replace components on Hubble. Hear the astronautsâ voices (from real training), zoom around the shuttle/hubble and Earth at high speed, get info on the procedures, and look for a series of "lost" objects in the cargo bay. Its a great experience for K-12 students & educators, museums and just plain space fans. This is a windows-only version that requires a good 3D card (not basic chipsets). Other OS versions are in the works.â

It is packaged as an installer that puts the program onto your PC and is an approximately 30 meg download. With a game like experience, and excellent graphics and modeling, all in all this is a fun experience and worth checking out.

3DVIA

Wed, 20 May 2009 03:10:00 -0200

There are quite a few websites available where you can sell or give away the 3D models you create. There are also sites such as Renderosity where you can share renders, etc of your work. But, the most interesting variant of these, in my opinion, is 3DVIA.

3DVIA enjoys a kind of dual personality. To start with, Dassault Systemes, the company that provides this site, has an impressive line of software, some of which is focused on producing virtual experiences on and off line.

And the website provides a platform to upload, view and download 3D models.

The 3DVIA site itself serves a two fold purpose. A place to share your work with others, and to showcase Shape, a 3D modeling program that has a Sketchup feel to it and utilizes the 3DXML file format.

I am an amateur 3D modeler. Like a lot of amateurs, it is sometimes hard to put your stuff out there in an arena where there are people that do it professionally and are good at it. When I first stumbled across 3DVIA I saw it as a site to upload and share 3D models. I looked around and signed up, not knowing what to expect. I uploaded a simple model and that was it. Later I noticed an email that someone had commented on my work and went up to see what was said. To my surprise, it was a positive comment! This prompted me to look further into the site and observe that there was a lot of positive critique and commenting going on and more importantly, it was on work from all levels of expertise. This, in turn, encouraged me to submit more work.

Fast forward to now. There are all levels of modelers that upload to 3DVIA. Sometimes, on sharing sites and boards, there tends to be an âElite Coreâ of creators that look down on people of lesser skill. Not here! I have received praise and encouragement from other modelers that in my opinion are professional level. What this creates is an atmosphere of safety for those that are just learning, middle level amateurs like me, and experienced creators to share tips with and suggestions to each other that help to make us all better at our mutual passion.

Here is how it works in a nutshell. The site uses the 3DVIA Player, which allows the model to be viewed in real time. It can zoom in, rotate, pan etc. It also provides different shader filters to view the model in and can be embedded in you own site just like a You Tube video. First, you can create your model in pretty much in any program you happen to prefer. The site accepts .3ds, .obj, .dea, .stl, vrml, .ply, .off and .kmz file formats.

It then converts a copy to its own 3DXML format for the online player while saving the original file type for download. You have to create an account on the site and then you can upload a model. You have to create a zip file if you are going to include textures with the object. You can download models that are uploaded there if the creator allows it (most do) in its original format. All creations, including your own, are copyrighted through Creative Commons and most can be used non-commercially. You can, however choose not to do this without losing the ability to upload it. There are 2 ways to share objects though. The second one is nextâ¦

This leads me to 3DVIA Shape. There is something exciting about being a participant on the ground floor of a new concept. The users input are right there along with what they create with it. This really helps speed along the process and allows the program designers to adjust quickly in developing a product. The people who oversee the site are helpful, encouraging and show an honest desire to nurture beginning creators, people trying to learn Shape, and even learn from others who upload to the site.

Once you have created an account you can download Shape. It is free to use. Once you have installed and launched it you login with the same user name and password you use for the site. It works seamlessly with the online site. As I said before, it feels a lot like Google Sketchup in the way it works. Here is the twist though, you can download any of the models on the site that allow it (most do) directly into Shape and create a new scene using them. The scenes can then be uploaded directly to your account on the 3DVIA site. It is just that simple. You can also model new creations with Shape. The only limitation is that there is no local saving of the work. It can only be uploaded to the site as their file format. There are tutorials and blogs to help you learn how to use the program.

Along with all of this, there are competitions that offer prizes and top ten lists help everyone to strive to be better and excel.

I am sure that some will say the site exists merely to advertise their products. And, it might be true. But thousands of users seem to be having a good time and learning. So I say, so what? Your content is protected just like other sites, you canât sell models there, but you can have fun and get positive feedback on your work. Works for me.

3DVIA

Wed, 20 May 2009 03:06:47 -0200

Simple Boolean Extraction in Vivaty Studio

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 06:20:00 -0200

This is going to be a very basic tutorial to get you started on some functions. I chose this function as I feel if you master this; it will give you a lot of confidence with the other and easier functions in this program. And, itâs fun. This tutorial assumes you have at least played with a modeling program of some kind, but should still be easy for a beginner to follow, I hope.

First, a little background. For those of us that have been creating and/or building in VRML for a number of years, there was a great program called Spazz 3D. It was one of the few pure VRML modeling and creating programs out there (Along with Internet Space Builder, Platinum VR Creator & Cosmo Worlds). Other programs would save or export to VRML but it wasnât their primary file type. Spazz evolved into VizX Studio, and then into Flux Studio (the names might be sounding more familiar as we go). Spazz and VizX Studio cost 2 or 3 hundred dollars at the time. With the Release of Flux Studio it became free, much to the chagrin of those who had bought the prior versions. The final evolution of this program is now Vivaty Studio. While no longer merely a pure VRML modeler, it still and as of now, one of a tiny handful of programs focused on VRML/X3D. It is still free and still works as well as its previous versions.

To follow along, you will have to go and download Vivaty for free at: http://developer.vivaty.com/getstarted.php

Letâs get started. Once you have downloaded it and launched it you will see an interface that looks like this. I recommend that you fool around and learn the basic functions first, like zooming, changing and rotating the views, etc.

Looks pretty much like other 3D modeling programs, doesnât it? You have four windows that are (from top left clockwise), Top, ISO, Front & Right views. Clicking a view window and then moving the mouse wheel will allow you to zoom in and out. On your left side you have tools, such as shape selectors, lights, cameras, etc. On the right you have a âtree viewâ, top, and parameters for translation (moving), textures, etc. in the lower right box. Donât worry if you donât see anything, nothing shows until itâs needed.

We are going to make a little grass hut with an opening in the front as this will utilize the pre-loaded basic shapes that come with the program. NOTE: donât let the term Boolean Extraction throw you. It is one of those terms you hear or see knocked around in 3D Software circles. What it basically means is that we are going to make holes in things. The steps we will go through here are pretty much the same for most 3D programs. So if you have AC3D (see previous tutorial), or other programs that will perform this function, and not all will, the procedure will be similar.

Once the program is launched, go to the upper right tools and select the cylinder. Your cursor will turn into a small cylinder. Click in the front view window and one will appear. Hmmmmm, itâs kind of puny.

OK, now we get to play with the tools. Look in the upper right, above the ISO view, and you will see four icons that look like this

They are, from left to right, translation (moving), rotating, scaling (sizing), and pivoting. Select the scaling tool (3rd from left). When you click on the cylinder you created you will see tabs appear in the lower right corner.

The second tab from the left has a cross symbol right the translation tool you just saw above. Click on it; go ahead, it wonât bite! You will now see a repeat of the icons you saw above. Where is says âscaleâ make sure the box that says âuniformâ is checked.

This allows you to increase the size of your object uniformly. Now take your cursor and click, and then drag on your object. In the front view dragging to the right will make it bigger, to the left will make it smaller. Once you have it a decent workable size, go back to the lower right and un-check the âuniformâ box. Now go back to the front view and drag down slowly. This will flatten the object a little. At this point, your cylinder should be listed in the upper right window as âcylinder 1â.

Now go back to your shapes and select cylinder again and place it in the right view window. Go to the lower right window and to the far left of the ârotateâ icon, click the 90 button. This will rotate the new object 90 degrees. Now go to the scale tool and increase the size both uniformly and non-uniformly so it looks somewhat like the illustration.

Now go to your translation (moving) tool and, using your top view, move the new cylinder so it falls inside the first one but NOT all the way through to the other side. You will probably have to move it around but try to end up with something like the next illustration.

In the upper right you should now see both âcylinder 1â and cylinder 2â listed. This is important, but we will get back to it later.

Now, click on the second cylinder you created, then go to the tools menu at the top, go to âBoolean Operationsâ, and then âExtractionâ.

A window will pop up that looks like this

Donât worry about all the terms you see. Basically it goes like this; the second cylinder you created is cylinder 2. The operation type section has âNode 1 cuts Node 2â. Huh? Note to the right of that it explains that âNode 1â is Cylinder 2, and âNode 2â is Cylinder 1. This is because you selected the second cylinder first. What you see is how you want it for this instance, so click OK. You should see something that looks like the next illustration.

Hmmmm, looks like part of the cylinder was left behind. Remember I said we would get back to the tree view? Select âIndex Face Set: Cylinder 2â, and delete. YOU should now have a nice, neat, hole in the wall.

Before we go any further, it may look like the back parts are missing on your model. There is a reason for this. Polygons or index face sets have two faces. When both are visible it takes more resources and size to show them, especially on-line. So, the default setting is to not show (or âcullâ, as it is called in some programs) the back faces. In order to see the complete model, go to the far right tab in the lower right window. There you will see a checked box with a phrase to the side that says âSolid (Donât Draw Back Faces). Un-check it, like in the illustration, and you will see everything. You can always turn it back on later if need be.

From here I have gone a little further and created and resized a cone for the roof and added some textures. I will go into texturing in another installment.

Once you have completed your model, first save it out as a Vivaty Studio file. This will allow to you open it again immediately as needed for changes. Then go to âFileâ, âExport X3D or VRMLâ

and when the next window pops up, name it and click save. I recommend that you check the âUncompressedâ button in the compression option section, and the âAll Contentâ button in the Scene section. Saving compressed should only be done if you are ready to upload your model.

I am including a zipped copy of the hut with this article. Play with it and practice. I think you will find that it is easy and fun to do.

Happy modeling

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Oddessey Re-Born

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 04:00:00 -0200

In the aftermath of the failure of Blaxxun a void was left for people to upload and display their worlds and creations. Alternatives, some new and some that had been around already rose up to fill that void. Revemonde was kind enough to provide itâs âOutsideâ server for the use of us rogue world builders. Also interest in ABnet by Rick Kimball has been re-kindled. X-Robotica is also going to offer world hosting. Even a community, 3D Planets, will host our creations.
The communities have also suffered as a result of Blaxxunâs demise. Of the many communities that were out there, it appears that Cybertown (pay), 3D Planets, Oddessey, United 3D (all free), and Jewel of Indra (adult only & pay), and are the only ones left up & running.
All of these operated the Blaxxun server architecture. All still do but one.
That brings us to Oddessey.

In a forward thinking jump, they have taken the bold move (in my opinion) of embracing the Bit Management BS Contact server. It utilizes the BS Contact browser and, because the server is BS Collaborate, you donât have the annoying âfloating logoâ everyone seems to love to hate. As of this writing, they have their entry place,

Entry world with the chat window open

Entry world with the chat window closed

their community places and user homes back online.

User conole

The users log-in is the same and even (in my case at least), some backpack objects and in-world money is still there. It would seem to me to be a massive undertaking. But it looks good so far.

I have been a member in Oddessey for quite a few years and am glad to see them sticking it out. So far I have not run into any other users online at the same time as me, so I canât get any user input from others yet, but I am impressed with what they have done. The screenshots here are from within Internet Explorer, but you can access it through Firefox using an executable that you download. It utilizes the newest version of the BS Contact browser also. It is NOT friendly to the Blaxxun browser. Because it uses BS Contact, it is also friendly to X3D and like Exit Reality, utilizes H-Anim avatars well. I personally think the H-Anim avatars are great looking and are light years ahead of the old AV Studio avatars.
I took a look at the BS Collaborate server early on and it looked like a sound idea, although prohibitively expensive, especially for a large community venture like Oddessey. But, they are making it work and there is no rumbling so far about it becoming a pay site (are you paying attention, Cybertown?).

Their look has changed, and they are coming back online slowly but surely and membership is free. It is certainly worth your while to check them out.

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Qualification

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 19:10:00 -0200

[font=Verdana]I thought since I was annoying people with these reviews, etc. I would qualify myself for those people who ask "Who the heck is this guy?"

I have been involved in virtual platforms since the late 90's. I was involved in Cybertown (The original Blaxxun-based community), Moove (also called Rose, or Roomancer), Active Worlds, and Second Life. I was involved in the closed beta testing of Kaneva, have a membership in There, etc, etc. I have created worlds for the old Blaxxun free server, have worlds listed on ABNet, have created content for various platforms in VRML. In Moove I ran a world-wide 12 Step room and hosted meetings for various countries.
I am basically an end user of these platforms. I am mainly interested in how they work and their ability to accept creator content. I am not a very social person as would be defined by the various platforms out there (ie: chatting, dancing, etc.).
My biases come from an artistic standpoint, as I use 3D modeling and virtual platforms as a means to create and display my creations. Some people paint, some write, and some sculpture. I do most of these within the confines of 3D modeling.
I am not bagging on the social aspect of these virtual platforms as it is the very core of what most of them are about. Which brings up the reason I write my reviews the way I do. Alot of the reviews I see out there are focused on the technical, or marketing aspects of these platforms, and the end user experience get swept under the rug, in my opinion. I discussions I have stated before, and will state again here, I feel that the end user experience is the single MOST important aspect. The end users are the reason why these platforms exist, along with quality content. So, I write from an end user experience. I feel that people want to know what it looks like, how smoothly it runs on their computers, and what they can do in there. Alot of people are only interested in chatting, going to dance clubs, etc. They are not interested in how the platforms are getting along with sales, branding, etc. These are the people I choose to write to.
My tutorials and articles that I publish on 3D modeling are aimed at the beginner or amatuer modeler, which is what I am. I have published renders on Renderosity.com and have published 3D models on 3DVIA. Both of those are for personal enjoyment and I haven't ventured into selling, probably from a "low self esteem" issue, lol. So I write to people like myself. Most of the feedback I have received is positive so I continue.
Anyway, I hope that readers enjoy these articles and that they are of some help.[/font

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