Real-time 3D
Real-time 3D
By Mike de la Flor
Anyone that has played video games has experienced the sweeping changes real-time 3D technologies have made in entertainment. Real-time 3D has also been making far-reaching changes in education and training, sales and marketing, and visualization. While market demands fuel the push for better real-time 3D and faster hardware makes it possible, it is companies like, Dessault Systémes, Anark, Act-3D that are providing the solutions.
Developed by Dessault Systémes, Virtools has a healthy pedigree that includes solidWorks and CATIA. In its fourth iteration, Virtools is the undisputed leader in real-time 3D delivering proven solutions in game development, virtual reality and simulation, visualization, and multimedia applications. For all its muscle Virtools features an approachable interface, huge library of behaviors, and access to high-end tools such as real-time physics and HRDI. However, Virtools alone is about $10,000 with add-ons ranging from $5000 to $15,000. Consequently Virtools is marketed to larger outfits and not independent developers.
Anark Studio is provider of sophisticated real-time 3D solutions. Though Studio experienced a considerable price increase it remains one of the more affordable applications. © Anark Corporation.
Not to be outdone upstart Anark Corporation has gained footing in the real-time 3D market with its flagship product Anark Studio. Initially marketed to multimedia developers Anark Studio was welcomed as an affordable solution for deploying interactive 3D content. Nevertheless, Anark’s strategy changed when Studio garnered the attention of clients such as, Boeing and the military. In 2005 Studio’s price tripled to $3500 and Anark’s focus switched to enterprise-level solutions. Anark Studio 4 promises to deliver a much needed update to the UI, COLLADA and XML support, enhanced shaders, and core performance improvements.
Quest3D offers similar solutions for visualization, training, marketing, and entertainment as Anark Studio. Though its 3.5 version, released a few months ago, ships with some of the features to be included in Anark 4. However, Quest3D is available in three versions, starting at just under $1000 for the Creative Edition to $10,000 for the VR edition.
Because we experience the real world in 3D, interactive 3D simulations provide superior solutions in education, training, and marketing and sales than traditional methods. © Anark Corporation.
Real-time 3D companies seem to be following the money, developing expensive applications geared for enterprise-level solutions. While there is nothing wrong with doing what is best for business this leaves a gaping hole in real-time 3D applications under $1000. The solution to bringing prices down may be an open source effort embracing the U3D format.