3d Program

[eaw80]

i have a couple of questions to ask.

my first question is:

how do i write, or create(via a wysiwyg program) an interactive executable program that has two 3d models stored on it, which will allow a user to do the following:

1. rotate each model via horizontal and vertical axis(rotate model, not camera). -outlined in red on imaged attached

2. load model from pull-out menu. -outlined in blue

3. render wireframe model via keyboard command (render could be achieved by a simple wipe transition (top-bottom) of two images)

my second question is how long would it take to produce such a program for someone with no programming background and what resources are available on the net to teach me exactly how to do this.

to give you an idea of what the program, i want to produce might look like, i have attached an image of something similar. the only features my program will have are outlined on the image. also my program will load the models in wireframe form first.

thank you

[Mntsnow]

First off.....Welcome to XPC!

I'm not a programmer so I really dont have much to offer at this moment but there are a few members that do 3d modeling so maybe one of them will weigh in on the subject soon. Just out of curiosity what type of files are the 2 you want to "import"?

[brandon]

Welcome to XPC, eaw80... :D

If I'm reading your post correctly, you're saying you want to design a program that will allow someone to open and view 3D files, yet you have little to none programming experience.

IMO, you should start out learning the basics. I think getting a nice basis in C is probably a good way to start. If that's the route you decide to take, I'd get yourself a good compiler - and find a nice tutorial site that will allow you to follow along and learn the basics and so on and so forth.

Compiler - I reccomend getting one of three compilers that I'm familiar with. There is Borland C++ builder, which is free (http://www.borland.com/) .. It's a little archaic, there isn't any GUI, etc, etc. If you want a nice GUI, but still want something that's free - I reccomend BloodShed Dev C++. It's pretty clean and okay to use, although I have had troubles compiling things in the past. You can get Dev C++ here; http://download.com.com/3000-2069-1683220.html?tag=lst-0-1. If you're willing to spend some $$ in order to get a compiler, I reccomend Microsoft Visual C++. I have had the best luck with this program, and it wasn't that expensive - as I got it at academic pricing. I highly reccomend it.

As far as tutorials go - check out http://cplus.about.com/ ... It has C and C++ tutorials at Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced levels. I really like the tutorials, and best of all - they're free. I doubt that buying the odd book or two wouldn't help, as well.

Hope this helps!

~ Brandon

[fosin]

Wish I could help also. It's been so long since I did something like this I can't remember the names of the programs/toolkits :(. I do remember...on an SGI machine it's just a line of code in a batch file :) (using their built-in viewer). Pro/E can do that also pretty simple, but that does you no good if the user doesn't have it :). There was one that was awesome, you could use their toolkit to remove everything you didn't need and embedd models (one I can't remember the name of). NuGraf may be one of those that will do that, you can read on their site and see http://www.okino.com/.

Also check out "Tcl and the Tk Toolkit". And it's free!

A search for 3D toolkits might turn up some results.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=3d+viewer+toolkit&spell=1

[Kegtapper]

I am a programmer and 3D modeler since 1997. Now I program only. The funny thing is a complex application that sound simple. Then it requires dll to utilize the wireframe formats, (DXF or otherwise) the Solid models are another DLL. Then using the API control the DLL L-R/ T-B movements > then you may need ZOOM.

There are Widgets for VB6 that can do most of it... Estimated time with skills 3-4 weeks, without skills or training 3-4 months. If you use Widgets or VBX's, get the paid versions or you it will 'pester' your viewers/users to death. Also as a treat to us, Let us know the status and perhaps leave us a copy. :D


Yes I am