Jump to content

Architectural Walkthrough in 3ds max


GladLock
 Share

Recommended Posts

I'm a 3ds max user and I want to create something similar to an architectural walkthrough which will allow users to zoom, rotate, and pan textured objects in real time. But the biggest thing of all is that it must allow for simple interactions e.g. clicking will open a door. I've toyed around with the idea of VRML97 but I was wondering if there is a better output that 3ds max offers that I just don't know about that is free or cheap. I would hate to resort to buying another product such as Anark Studio, Axel, or Cult 3D. Any suggestions?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

hey man, it sounds like u have a great idea but i think ur asking 4 too much :rolleyes:

i doubt if there a software like what ur askinf 4 but what id do is combine the work with pre- designed video clips and a flash presentation that will enable some navigation capabilty. otherwise, again, i doubt if theres a solution that will allow u full 'real time' navigation capability, im not sure u realize how difficult it is..

 

and if u find 1 by the way, id more than happy to chew in 2 my hats.. (-:

 

good luck

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Her's a link to a java-based, fully interactive and programmable vr engine. It has all functions you ask for and even has a cool quality if you know how to deal with texturebaking. There's also a demo before purchase at http://www.demicron.com Nice part is that the output is a java appl,et which allow you to publish it on the web. Have a brief look at a sample on my site at: http://www.dennisdepriester.com/EN/VR.htm (crappy when using Firefox, it is in dev. but still not always working. It's a java-thing)

 

Enjoy, good luck.

 

Dennis

Link to comment
Share on other sites

for things like this i have used macromedia director MX (the 3D side obviously). you can easily compile a self made 3d engine, with full user interactivity. also you can directly export your world, all its models, textures and most lighting directly into director. the programming language used is called "lingo" and is easy 2 pick. i learnt how to make a tombraider style world and animated character very quickly.

also, for the extra wow effect, you could simulate other people walking around the same model.

this book http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0672322285/qid=1129385536/sr=8-3/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i3_xgl/202-7755709-2299033 is what i learnt from, and was highly recomeneded to me by my university tutor.

oh n nearly 4got, director also supports the Havok engine :) this same engine is used in halflife 2 for the rag doll effects, but also has a great physics engine.

 

oh anothe point, thinkin about halflife, have u eva though of using a game mod, and just using the Source engine (inc all their effects). i know valve give u a SDK with halflife 2, and i think u can import ur own models into the SDK too.

 

hope this helps, deano!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

jus b careful about using old engines. idealy u need a engine that can use the textures you already have created. eg, some engines will not use predefined alpha channels. also some in scene animations might not export correctly. i know director can export bones systems and keyframe animations only, so it wouldnt suprise me if others were even less capable.

that java engine looks cool, im gonna av 2 check it out too, the lighting looks really good, although on the demo i dont like the way u navigate.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I remember that the Doom engine at first didn't support any textures at all i my tryouts, later it did actually. You just had to deal with simple geometry (blocks for pavers etc) and diffuse colours but it was very stable.

 

Yes, the Wirefusion engine is in it's 2 year of development and going up, qualitywise. Do you mean the demo on my website that don't navigate okay? These are somewhat outdated :D and the new version V4.1 has a navigationtool that let you 'walk' without sliding the mouse which is very nice. The up/down sliding movement of the mouse is very annoying, I agree completely for that but don't forget all other very promising things in WF. It has a future ahead for sure.

 

I don't know, but Blender 3D was pretty far with development, unfortunately they stopped dev. suddenly. Don't know really if they picked up again, i'll check the blendersite for that. I really like the pre-calculated radiosity feature in it... :cool:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Dean,

 

The great thing in WF is that you can assign any key to whatever action and adjust the speed of it all, rotation (incl. rotation restrictions to a certain degree) and friction (make your move smooooth or solid) pan, dolly, rotate camera (incl. around the axes themselves) practically anything you want. Since i notice that you allready have a intermediate (or higher) level in VR, so it would be wise to check the tool out. You're gonna be addicted in no time, believe me :cool: There are also quite a number of behaviuors for download, plugs, animationtweakers, sound, video and last but not least, a diversity of output formats to choose from. The standard version is only $ 79 up to the Enterprise for a little under $ 1500. Check out the trial, it's a professional version. Also, don't forget to download VizUp (free) to optimize your 3D model before authoring it in WF. Makes it all some what smoother and less shaky when published.

 

Have a ball...

 

Dennis

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi GladLock

 

You could also take a look at TurnTool. There is a free version, with the only limitation being the a flying logo in the final model. If a client then wants it removed he will most likely pay for it.

 

An advantage about TurnTool is that it is integrated directly into the 3ds interface.

 

Claus

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...